TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and TTC Iron provide distinct typing experiences to suit different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is favored for its subtle tactile feedback, perfect for those who value a quiet and gentle keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Iron switch offers a more pronounced clacky sound and smooth travel, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer a more distinct auditory and tactile response. While the Gold Brown Pro excels in offering a subdued and nuanced typing experience, the Iron switch stands out for its precise actuation and satisfying sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Iron both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound with a higher pitch, while the Iron's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects, while POM offers a more classic look.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Gold Brown Pro utilizes nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the softer plastic absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder tone. Similarly, the Iron's POM bottom housing contributes to a pleasing and unique sound, adding to the deep and muted overall sound profile of the switch. Despite the differences in material composition, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective bottom housing materials.
Overall, while the top and bottom housings of the Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Iron differ in material, both switches deliver distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split between the top and bottom housing materials means that each part of the switch contributes differently to the overall sound and feel. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and more muted sound of POM, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience that is sure to please enthusiasts and casual users alike.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, the actuation forces and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, while the Iron has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Brown Pro's force is unknown, while the Iron has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a bit heavier. The lighter actuation force of the Iron switch might appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier bottom out force of the Iron switch provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Overall, the Gold Brown Pro and the Iron offer different typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Iron linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on either switch, you will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The tactile feedback provided by the Gold Brown Pro and the smooth linear action of the Iron may feel different despite the same travel distance. Therefore, whether you choose the Gold Brown Pro or the Iron, you can expect a consistent and reliable typing experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, creating a deep and satisfying typing experience without being disruptive. In terms of feel, it provides a polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped typing experience, offering smooth and gentle feedback for an enjoyable typing session. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch delivers a clacky and neutral sound profile, adding a sharp and percussive element to each key press. Its feel is described as easy-to-press and mild, making it effortless and comfortable to type on, reducing fatigue during long typing sessions. While the Gold Brown Pro focuses on subtle tactility and subdued sound, the Iron emphasizes a pronounced clacky sound and swift, smooth actuation. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, each switch offers a unique typing experience tailored to different user preferences. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct qualities that cater to specific typing styles, ensuring that users will find satisfaction in their keyboard switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, consider your preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a subtle tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, opt for the Gold Brown Pro. It offers a polished and silky typing feel that is perfect for focusing on your tasks without distraction. On the other hand, if you enjoy a pronounced clacky sound and a light actuation force for swift typing, the Iron linear switch might be the better choice. Its easy-to-press nature and satisfying sound signature make it a great option for those who seek precision and pleasure in each keystroke. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so choose based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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