TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Luciola mechanical keyboard switches, one must consider their specific preferences and needs. The Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback, ideal for those who want a gentle bump with each keystroke while maintaining a low sound profile. On the other hand, the Luciola switches stand out for their visually striking glow-in-the-dark feature and provide a smooth and bouncy typing experience with a distinct sound profile. Both switches have unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Luciola both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Gold Brown Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This results in a higher-pitched sound that resonates well, making it ideal for those who enjoy a clear and distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing that offers a pointed and high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. This gives the Luciola a satisfying and clacky typing sound that some users may find more pleasing.
In terms of their bottom housings, the Gold Brown Pro boasts a nylon material that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to nylon's softer nature, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience. This can be appealing to those looking for a more muffled and relaxed sound while typing. Similarly, the Luciola also features the proprietary INK blend in its bottom housing, contributing to its high-pitched and clacky sound profile. This bottom housing material complements the top housing, creating a well-balanced typing experience that may appeal to users seeking a unique sound.
While both switches have different top and bottom housing materials, the impact of each material on the overall sound profile is noticeable. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when key presses are released. This divide in housing materials allows for a more nuanced and customizable typing experience, where users can enjoy the distinct qualities brought by each material. Overall, whether you prefer the sharper and clearer sound of the Gold Brown Pro or the clacky and satisfying sound of the Luciola, both switches offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Luciola linear switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, while the Luciola has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Gold Brown Pro may provide a lighter typing experience overall, while the Luciola switch will offer a slightly heavier feel, especially when bottoming out. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Gold Brown Pro may be the better choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback when typing may lean towards the Gateron Luciola switch. In either case, choosing the switch with the desired actuation and bottom out forces will help achieve similar results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and the level of responsiveness desired. Both switches offer a quality typing experience, but the slight difference in travel distance may influence which one is chosen for a specific preference.
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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 offers a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral profile, resulting in a deep, rich, and satisfying tone that is not distracting. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switches produce a clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched sound, offering a crisp and bright typing experience with a unique acoustic signature. The Gold Brown Pro's sound is more subdued and subtle, allowing for a quieter typing session, while the Luciola's sound is sharper and more percussive, catering to those who enjoy a more noticeable auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro switches provide a polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped typing experience, offering smooth and refined key travel with a gentle tactility. Conversely, the Gateron Luciola switches offer a snappy, buttery, and polished feel, with responsive and fluid keystrokes that feel alive and effortless. The Gold Brown Pro focuses on a gentle and nuanced tactile feedback, while the Luciola provides a bouncier and more dynamic typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of key feel.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Gateron Luciola switches offer contrasting experiences in sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro appeals to those seeking a subtle and understated tactile feedback with a quiet sound profile, ideal for immersive and distraction-free typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola switches provide a more vibrant and lively typing experience with a sharper sound profile, catering to users who enjoy a more distinct auditory and tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, so the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the type of typing experience one seeks.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you prioritize a subtle tactility with a quiet and polished typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncier and snappier typing feel with a unique glow-in-the-dark feature, the Luciola switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics to enhance your typing experience, so choose based on your personal preferences and needs.
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