TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Lime. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who prefer a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback, with a gentle tactile bump that allows typists to stay focused on their tasks without being distracted by loud keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches offer a lightweight and silenced typing experience with a touch of tactile feedback, making them ideal for users who enjoy a feathery light typing experience. Both switches are categorized as having subtle and polished characteristics, but the Gold Brown Pro leans towards a lower-pitched sound profile while the Lime switches are muted in noise. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Lime switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Gold Brown Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound compared to the Lime's nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the nylon top housing of the Lime offers a classic look and feel. Overall, the choice between the two housing materials will depend on the desired sound profile and visual appeal for the user.
Both the Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Lime switches feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to their respective top housings. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches provide a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. However, the impact of the bottom housing will be more pronounced when bottoming out a key, while the top housing will influence the sound when letting go of a key.
In conclusion, while the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Lime switches may differ in terms of their specific qualities, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their top and bottom housings. The Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting, while the Lime's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a consistent typing experience with a focus on absorbing sound for a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, aesthetics, and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown Pro requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Lime's lighter 35 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, while the Lime has a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it heavier in that aspect. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Outemu Lime for its lower actuation force, while individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the TTC Gold Brown Pro. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can choose based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Lime switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Brown Pro switch. The shorter travel distance of the Lime switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Gold Brown Pro switch may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer different experiences when it comes to travel distance, so it ultimately depends on personal preference whether one is better than the other.
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 Outemu Lime comes in at $3.40 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 switch offers a thocky and low-pitched experience, creating a deep and satisfying sound that is perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing environment. In contrast, the Outemu Lime switch provides a neutral and muted sound profile, reducing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards while still offering a pleasant typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound, both switches offer a unique auditory experience that can enhance your typing sessions.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Brown Pro switch is known for its polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped characteristics, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Lime switch offers a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, allowing for a light and comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. Both switches offer a middle-ground approach to tactile feedback, making them suitable for a wide range of users who value a tactile typing experience without excessive resistance.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Outemu Lime switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Gold Brown Pro provides a quiet and nuanced tactile experience with a deep, satisfying sound, while the Lime switch offers a light and feathery feel with a muted sound profile. Whether you prefer a more understated and polished typing experience with the Gold Brown Pro or a lightweight and approachable feel with the Lime, both switches deliver unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prefer a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile that lets you stay focused on your tasks without distraction, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is the way to go. However, if you are looking for a lightweight switch with approachable tactility, silence, and a feathery typing experience that reduces finger fatigue, then the Outemu Lime tactile switch would be the better choice for you. Consider your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and actuation force to determine which switch aligns best with your needs and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Brown Pro and the Lime switch will depend on your individual typing style and preferences for a tactile switch. Choose wisely to enhance your typing experience and productivity.