TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and KTT Lightning offer unique experiences for users. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that provides subtle, nuanced feedback with a gentle tactile bump, allowing typists to focus on their tasks without being distracted by loud keystrokes. On the other hand, the Lightning is a linear switch designed for speed, making it ideal for gaming where quick reactions are crucial. With a slick typing feel and clacky sound profile, the Lightning excels in delivering fast and precise keystrokes. While the Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who prefer a polished, low-pitched typing experience, the Lightning is a more high-pitched, clacky option suited for situations where milliseconds can make a difference. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gold Brown Pro and the Lightning feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Despite being made from the same material, the specific design and construction of each switch may result in slightly different sound profiles when typing.
In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro and the Lightning differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Lightning also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of typing on the keyboard. While both the Gold Brown Pro and the Lightning share similar polycarbonate top housings, their nylon bottom housings provide slightly different sound profiles. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Gold Brown Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Lightning's 43 grams, making it slightly heavier to press down initially. However, the bottom out force of the Lightning at 50 grams is higher than that of the Gold Brown Pro, which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that while the initial press on the Gold Brown Pro may be slightly heavier, the Lightning requires more force to fully press down. The Gold Brown Pro may be better suited for those who prefer a lighter actuation force, while the Lightning may appeal to those who prefer a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and weight considerations.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm. In this case, the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lightning switch. The Gold Brown Pro falls in between the traditional 4.0mm and the more shallow 3.0mm travel distances, making it a versatile option for those who enjoy a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Lightning switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired tactile feedback.
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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, giving a sharp and percussive typing feedback. Both switches offer unique sound experiences, with the Gold Brown Pro being more subdued and mellow, while the Lightning switch is more crisp and bright. The choice between the two would depend on the user's preference for sound during typing sessions.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Brown Pro switch is praised for its polished, silky, and mild characteristics, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle tactile bump. It provides a subtle and stepped typing feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a more subdued tactile feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switch shares the subtle attribute with a gentle resistance and a polished finish, ensuring a smooth typing experience. The Lightning switch also delivers a subtle and polished typing feel, suitable for users who appreciate a refined keypress sensation.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro excels in providing a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, coupled with a polished and subtle typing feel. In contrast, the Lightning switch delivers a clacky and high-pitched sound experience, along with a subtly polished typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different user preferences. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, albeit with different characteristics that cater to individual tastes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the KTT Lightning linear switch, it really comes down to your typing preferences and needs. If you value a subtle tactile feedback with a quiet sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro may be the perfect fit for you. Its polished and silky feel combined with a thocky and low-pitched sound make it ideal for those who seek a refined typing experience without unnecessary distractions. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and precision in your typing, the Lightning linear switch with its light bottom out force and clacky, high-pitched sound profile might be more suitable for you. With a subtle and polished feel, the Lightning offers a smooth and quick typing experience, perfect for situations where every millisecond counts. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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