TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Red represent two distinct approaches to typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is designed for those who appreciate a subtle tactile feedback, offering a gentle bump that allows typists to enjoy a more immersive writing experience without overwhelming distractions. Its low-pitched sound profile ensures a whisper-quiet operation, making it particularly appealing for office environments or settings where concentration is key. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red prioritizes smoothness and consistency with its linear design, delivering uninterrupted keystrokes that are ideal for gamers or anyone who values a fluid typing experience. With a medium-heavy actuation force and high-precision molds, the Jupiter Red provides a seamless and satisfying feel. While both switches come with their unique advantages, the choice ultimately boils down to whether you prefer the tactile sensation of the Gold Brown Pro or the smooth glide of the Jupiter Red. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Jupiter Red, one notable similarity stands out: both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This shared characteristic results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, primarily due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Its inherent translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, especially for users who intend to utilize RGB lighting. This means that when it comes to the auditory experience during key presses, users can expect a similarly resonant sound, resulting from the polycarbonate’s ability to amplify the clarity of the sound produced in both switches.
Conversely, the bottom housing of the two switches differentiates them significantly. Both the Gold Brown Pro and the Jupiter Red utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is inherently softer than polycarbonate, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively and produce a rounder, more muted audio characteristic during key depressions. While the top housing impacts the sound upon releasing the key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the key's bottom-out feel. Therefore, even though both switches share nylon in the bottom housing, the variation in the interplay between the top and bottom materials creates different sound dynamics between the Gold Brown Pro and the Jupiter Red.
Overall, the contrast in how the housing materials affect the switches illuminates their unique auditory experiences. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing that achieves similar sound sharpness upon actuation, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that the sound properties diverge when keys are bottomed out. This combination of materials leads to a rich duality: users can anticipate a corresponding clarity and resonance with both switches while enjoying distinct sound profiles during the actuation and bottoming-out phases based on their configurations.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equivalent in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the key difference lies in their bottom out forces. While the bottom out force for the TTC Gold Brown Pro is unknown, the Gateron Jupiter Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as medium and indicating a heavier feel when fully pressed down. This suggests that users who prefer a lighter and more comfortable typing experience for extended sessions might lean towards the TTC Gold Brown Pro, given its undefined bottom out force, which could potentially be lower. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red will provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy the tactile feedback of a heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Gold Brown Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jupiter Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Gold Brown Pro the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Jupiter Red's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and deeper keystroke experience, which some users prefer for a more tactile feel. Ultimately, both switches serve different preferences: the Gold Brown Pro caters to those favoring rapid actuation, and the Jupiter Red is suited for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
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 Gateron Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro produces a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral auditory experience. Its deep, rich sound when pressed offers a satisfying feedback without being overly jarring or disruptive, making it an excellent choice for environments where concentration is key. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red has a neutral sound profile as well, characterized by a smooth, consistent tone. While it may not provide the same depth of sound as the Gold Brown Pro, it still maintains a moderate and pleasant auditory experience. Both switches allow for a clean and unobtrusive typing sound, accommodating for various settings, whether at work or home.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro excels with its polished, silky, mild, and subtle characteristics. The gentle tactile bump provides a nuanced typing experience that is smooth yet gratifying without being too pronounced, allowing for comfortable use across extended typing sessions. Similarly, the Gateron Jupiter Red is also polished and silky, with a creamy smoothness that enhances the typing experience, ensuring reduced friction and seamless keystrokes. Both switches offer a mild feel, making them suitable for typists who favor a gentle touch without harsh feedback, resulting in a comfortable interaction with the keyboard.
In summary, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Gateron Jupiter Red differ in tactile feedback, they both share commendable sound profiles and enjoyable typing sensations. The Gold Brown Pro delivers a tactile experience suited for those who appreciate subtle feedback and a thocky sound, whereas the Jupiter Red focuses on a smooth, linear feel that emphasizes uninterrupted keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches cater to typists looking for a refined experience, whether you're navigating through work documents or gaming sessions, providing a balance of comfort and functionality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the environments in which you plan to use them. If you prefer a typing experience that emphasizes subtle feedback, the Gold Brown Pro is tailored for you. Its gentle tactile bump provides just enough feedback to enhance your immersion without becoming distracting, making it an excellent choice for quieter settings such as offices or shared workspaces. The switch's thocky, low-pitched sound profile further contributes to a serene typing atmosphere. On the other hand, if you value a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and engage in activities like gaming or fast-paced typing, the Jupiter Red's medium-heavy actuation force and creamy, silky feel will serve you well. Its neutral sound profile allows for versatile use, whether at home or in public spaces where noise considerations are less critical. Ultimately, consider your individual needs: for a nuanced tactile experience, opt for the Gold Brown Pro, and for a flawlessly smooth linear experience, go with the Jupiter Red.
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