TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw offer distinct experiences for typists seeking different tactile feedback. The Gold Brown Pro is praised for its gentle tactile bump that provides subtle feedback, allowing users to focus on their tasks without being distracted by loud key presses. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy and lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel out of the box. While the Gold Brown Pro is ideal for those who value understated tactile experiences, the Keygeek Raw offers a starting point for enthusiasts looking to customize their switches. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the TTC Gold Brown Pro stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw features a unique Nylon & UPE blend top housing exclusive to their switches. While it may not offer the same sharpness as polycarbonate, this blend likely provides a different sound profile that appeals to those looking for a deeper and fuller typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Gold Brown Pro utilizes nylon for a classic switch housing experience. Nylon is known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound that some users may prefer. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw employs a UMPE & Si blend bottom housing exclusive to their switches. While specific details about this blend are not provided, it likely brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience, possibly offering a different feel and sound compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown Pro.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw will depend on the sound profile and typing experience each user is looking for. The Gold Brown Pro's use of polycarbonate for the top housing ensures a sharp and clear sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing enhances depth and fullness in the typing experience. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw offers a unique blend of Nylon & UPE for the top housing and UMPE & Si for the bottom housing, providing a different sound and feel that may appeal to some users. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The actuation force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is 45 grams, while the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch does not have a specific actuation force listed. However, the bottom out force of the Keygeek Raw is 57.5 grams, compared to None for the Gold Brown Pro. This means that the Keygeek Raw requires a heavier force to fully press the key compared to the Gold Brown Pro. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be the preferred choice, as it has a lower actuation force. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Keygeek Raw due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch have different travel distances. The Gold Brown Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Keygeek Raw has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Gold Brown Pro provides a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Keygeek Raw, giving a slightly deeper keypress feel. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Keygeek Raw with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feeling may opt for the Gold Brown Pro. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, offering a balance between tactile feedback and quick response times depending on personal preference.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 switch offers a thocky and low-pitched profile, creating a deep and satisfying typing experience. The neutral sound profile of this switch makes it suitable for various environments, whether it be at home or in a professional setting. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switch also provides a neutral sound profile, ensuring that it accommodates a wide range of users and preferences. Keep in mind that the sound of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch offers a polished and silky typing experience, thanks to its smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and a sleek key travel, providing users with a comfortable typing sensation. Additionally, the mild and subtle characteristics of this switch make it approachable to most users, as it strikes a balance between tactile feedback and typing ease. On the contrary, the Keygeek Raw switch presents a textured feel that might suit users who prefer a bit of friction when typing. Its mild and subtle qualities still ensure a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch excels in providing a subtle and polished typing experience with a thocky sound profile, making it ideal for those who seek a tactile switch without overwhelming feedback. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw linear switch offers a unique blend of materials that result in a creamy and lightweight feel, perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate customization options like hand-lubing. Both switches offer neutral sound profiles, making them versatile choices for different environments and user preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and customization options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, you should consider your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you value a subtle tactile experience with a quiet typing sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro would be the ideal choice for you. Its gentle bump and subdued sound profile allow for a distraction-free typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a refined tactile feel. On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique material blend in a switch that offers a slightly textured feel and the option to hand-lube for customization, the Keygeek Raw linear switch would be a great starting point. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile, so choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.