TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly alter the typing experience, and two popular options, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Neo Lavender HE, present distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch designed for those who appreciate a gentle, nuanced feedback, featuring a subtle tactile bump that provides just enough presence without overwhelming the user. This low-pitched, silky switch is ideal for typists who prefer a quiet work environment, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in their tasks without distraction. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE offers the unique experience of a hall effect switch, known for its clean sound and responsive feel. This innovation makes it a compelling choice for users looking for something beyond traditional mechanical switches, especially those using Wooting keyboards. While the Gold Brown Pro is perfect for a polished, thocky keystroke experience, the Lavender HE marks a departure into new technology with its distinctive feedback. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Neo Lavender HE switches utilize different materials for their top housings, reflecting distinct acoustic qualities in their resultant sound profiles. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. This enhanced clarity is particularly beneficial for users who favor distinctions in sound, and the polycarbonate's translucency complements RGB lighting, offering visual appeal alongside auditory characteristics. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE employs a nylon top housing, which introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer nature. This material absorption results in a more rounded sound, favoring users who prefer a muted auditory experience over high-frequency clarity.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, giving rise to similarities in their sound profiles that counterbalance the distinctions of their top housings. The nylon bottom in the Gold Brown Pro echoes the qualities of the Neo Lavender HE, both contributing to a deeper sound as the softer plastic absorbs sound waves. This shared bottom housing material creates an enduring fullness in typing sound, regardless of the top housing differences. Hence, while the Gold Brown Pro leans toward a brighter auditory profile with its polycarbonate top, the consistent presence of nylon in both switches promises a solid underpinning of depth and resonance.
This nuanced combination of materials in both switches illustrates how different housing structures influence the overall typing experience. In practical use, the distinct characteristics of each switch material interplay during keystrokes, allowing a user to appreciate both the crisper highs of the Gold Brown Pro and the dulcet tones of the Lavender HE. Consequently, if you find yourself alternating between these switches, the consistent nylon bottom housing ensures a similar sensation in acoustic depth, while the top housings offer a unique flavor to the overall auditory tapestry of your typing experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharper clarity or the rounder fullness, both switches yield pleasant results tempered by the characteristics of their material compositions.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it heavier compared to the Lavender HE's lighter actuation force of 40 grams. Unfortunately, the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, while the Lavender HE features a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is considered light. This means that the Lavender HE allows for a slightly easier actuation, making it more suitable for long typing sessions, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Gold Brown Pro. Overall, if you favor a lighter switch, the Neo Lavender HE is the better choice, whereas the TTC Gold Brown Pro is geared towards users who appreciate a heavier tactile feel, despite the ambiguity surrounding its bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch share the same travel distance of 3.8 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on either switch. This uniformity in travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience, making both switches suitable for similar tasks in keyboard use. Since both switches have identical travel distances, you'll likely achieve comparable results in terms of responsiveness and feedback when typing or gaming.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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 distinctive thocky profile, characterized by a deep, rich “thud” that is low-pitched and neutral. This sound signature allows for a satisfying acoustic experience without being disruptive, making it ideal for both home and office environments. Its understated acoustics promote focus without the distraction that louder switches might cause. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE provides a clean, low sound that further emphasizes its suitability for those seeking a quiet typing experience. While both switches aim for a muted auditory presence, the Gold Brown Pro delivers a more resonant experience compared to the Lavender HE's clarity.
On the feel front, the Gold Brown Pro excels with its polished and silky characteristics, creating a smooth and refined typing experience that minimizes resistance and friction. Its mild, subtle tactile feedback and stepped design make each keystroke feel gentle yet gratifying, ensuring a comfortable typing session for prolonged use. Unfortunately, the feel characteristics of the Lavender HE are unspecified, which leaves a gap in direct comparison. However, both switches likely aim to provide a comfortable experience, albeit the Gold Brown Pro’s tactile feel is more firmly established.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is a remarkable choice for those who appreciate nuanced tactile feedback and a low, soothing sound profile. Its polished and silky feel enhances the typing experience, making it suitable for various environments. The Neo Lavender HE, while less specified in feel, offers a distinct low sound that complements its unique design. Both switches can facilitate an enjoyable typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their sound preferences and tactile needs. If you are looking for a quiet yet engaging response, both switches can lead you to a similar outcome, but the TTC Gold Brown Pro delivers a more definitive tactile and auditory character.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a subtle and refined typing experience with an emphasis on tactile feedback, the Gold Brown Pro is the ideal choice for you. Its polished and silky feel, combined with a low-pitched thocky sound, makes it perfect for quiet environments, allowing for immersive typing sessions without distraction. This switch is particularly well-suited for typists and gamers who appreciate a gentle tactile bump that doesn’t shout for attention while still offering that satisfying feedback when typing away. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a clean sound profile—ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing—then the Neo Lavender HE is worth considering. It provides a responsive, pressure-driven experience and integrates seamlessly with Wooting keyboards. This switch shines for users seeking innovation and precision, such as competitive gamers, while the minimal sound output allows it to blend well into any setting. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether you seek subtle tactile enjoyment or a dynamic, responsive feel in your keyboard’s performance.
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