TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offer distinct experiences for users. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that provides subtle and nuanced feedback with a gentle tactile bump, perfect for those who prefer a quiet and understated typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a seamless typing experience with enhanced RGB illumination. While the Gold Brown Pro is ideal for those who value a low-pitched and silky typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 is great for those who enjoy a more audible and vibrant typing sensation. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is clear that both keyboards utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile when typing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound compared to the softer sound produced by nylon.
The difference in bottom housing materials between the Gold Brown Pro and Lightning Silver V3 showcases how the switch's overall sound and feel can be influenced by the choice of housing material. The softer nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown Pro absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when typing. On the other hand, the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. While the top housing material primarily impacts the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While both keyboards use polycarbonate for the top housing, the difference in bottom housing materials contributes to their unique sound characteristics. The Gold Brown Pro with its nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Lightning Silver V3 with its polycarbonate bottom housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between these keyboards will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's slightly heavier 48 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Lightning Silver V3 is significantly heavier at 60 grams compared to the Gold Brown Pro's unknown bottom out force. This means that while the Gold Brown Pro may provide a lighter typing experience with a lower actuation force, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a more substantial push feel due to its higher bottom out force. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on user preference, with the Gold Brown Pro being ideal for longer typing sessions and the Lightning Silver V3 providing a more tactile and sturdy typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Brown Pro. The difference may not be significant, but for those who prefer a quicker keypress and response time, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a more pronounced keypress with a bit more depth to it, the Gold Brown Pro with its slightly longer travel distance could be the preferred option. Both switches offer a balance between travel distance and tactile feel, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 best characterized as having a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, emphasizing a deep and rich tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, on the other hand, is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, creating a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. The Gold Brown Pro offers a more subdued and understated auditory experience, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing environment, while the Lightning Silver V3 delivers a more vibrant and lively sound, adding a unique touch to keyboard setups.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped. These characteristics combine to offer a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle tactile bump, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a subtle and nuanced keypress feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is mainly identified as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimized resistance during key presses and releases. This results in a seamless and effortless typing experience, accentuated by the light diffuser feature that enhances RGB illumination for a visually appealing setup.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro excels in providing a quiet and refined typing experience with its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, while the Lightning Silver V3 stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, accompanied by a silky smooth typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, users can choose between the subtle tactility of the Gold Brown Pro or the vibrant clackiness of the Lightning Silver V3 to suit their typing style and environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a subtle and understated tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile, then the Gold Brown Pro is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound along with a silky smooth typing experience, then the Lightning Silver V3 would be the ideal choice. Consider the factors of sound and feel that each switch offers to determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the decision rests on what type of typing experience you seek and which qualities appeal most to you.
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