TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Zuoce Lavender offer unique experiences for different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch designed for those who appreciate subtle feedback and a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Lavender is a linear switch known for its smoothness and satisfying sound profile. If you prefer a gentle tactile bump and a subdued sound, the Gold Brown Pro is the way to go. However, if you value smoothness and a more pronounced sound with each keystroke, the Lavender might be the better choice. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal typing preferences, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you make an informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Zuoce Lavender differ significantly in terms of the top housing material. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Lavender utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro provides a more distinct and resonant sound compared to the POM top housing of the Lavender.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Gold Brown Pro and the Zuoce Lavender share similarities, as they both feature POM housings. These POM bottom housings create a deep and pleasing sound profile, contributing to a fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of POM absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite the different top housing materials, the similar POM bottom housings in both switches offer a consistent sound experience with a focus on depth and muted tones.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the Gold Brown Pro and the Zuoce Lavender both offer unique qualities with their housing materials, the contrasting polycarbonate and POM top housings lead to distinct sound profiles. The differences in material stiffness and sound characteristics contribute to a varied typing experience between these two switches, with the bottom housing properties affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound upon key release.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Brown Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Lavender's 48 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lavender is heavier at 53 grams while the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Gold Brown Pro for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Lavender for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches provide tactile feedback, with the Gold Brown Pro offering a more gentle touch and the Lavender providing a slightly firmer feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored for quick response times, particularly among gamers. The Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance, offering a bit more depth when pressing down on a key compared to the Lavender. However, both switches are relatively similar in terms of travel distance and would provide a comparable typing experience in terms of key travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference for the amount of depth and feedback desired in a switch.
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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, offering a deep and rich sound that is not overly intrusive. This switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch is described as clacky, providing a sharp and percussive sound that adds a unique tactile experience to each keystroke. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, users can choose between the subtle and muted sound of the Gold Brown Pro or the crisp and bright sound of the Lavender.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro switch boasts a polished and silky typing experience, thanks to its refined finish and smooth key travel. The mild and subtle tactility of this switch offers a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces and provides a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the stepped nature of the switch provides a two-stage tactile feedback, adding a layer of depth to each keystroke. Conversely, the Zuoce Lavender switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering minimal resistance and effortless key presses. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended use, providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch and the Zuoce Lavender switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle and polished typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Zuoce Lavender switch delivers a clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired level of immersion and satisfaction during typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and durability, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable typing experience for newcomers and experienced users alike.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a subtle tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize exceptional smoothness and a crisp, clacky sound signature, the Lavender switch might be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it is important to consider what type of typing experience you prefer before making your decision.
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