TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who prefer a subtle tactile typing experience, with a gentle bump that allows for immersive typing without any unnecessary noise. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe offers a smooth and consistent linear feel, thanks to its dual rail mechanism and pre-lubed switches. While the Gold Brown Pro is polished, thocky, and low-pitched, the Lunar Probe provides a silky and mild typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Lunar Probe feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, despite these similarities, the nylon bottom housings of the Gold Brown Pro and the Lunar Probe differ in sound profile. The Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound due to the softer nature of nylon.
In terms of aesthetics, both switches benefit from the clarity of the polycarbonate top housings, which allow for RGB lighting to shine through beautifully. However, in terms of sound, the differing nylon bottom housings of the Gold Brown Pro and the Lunar Probe offer unique experiences for typists. The Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller typing experience, while the Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing creates a rounder sound profile, providing a different auditory feedback for users.
Overall, while both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings for RGB lighting and a sharper sound profile, the contrasting nylon bottom housings offer varied typing experiences. The Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Lunar Probe's nylon bottom housing offers a duller and rounder sound. These differences in housing materials demonstrate how the overall typing experience can be influenced by the materials used in each switch.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive to key presses. However, where they differ is in their bottom out force. The Gold Brown Pro has an unknown bottom out force, while the Lunar Probe has a light bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Lunar Probe requires slightly more force to fully press the key compared to the Gold Brown Pro. The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as a lighter switch is preferred by those who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. In contrast, a heavier switch provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both of these switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, which is preferred by many gamers for faster response times. The Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a bit more depth and feedback when compared to the Lunar Probe. However, the difference of 0.2 mm between the two may not be significant enough to be noticeable during regular use. Ultimately, both switches offer relatively short travel distances that cater to those seeking quick and responsive key presses.
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 Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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 tactile switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched qualities, providing a deep and soothing sound profile that won't distract those around you. On the other hand, there is no specific information available on the sound profile of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch. However, with the Lunar Probe switches being described as offering a subtle sound signature, it can be inferred that they also provide a quiet and unobtrusive typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gold Brown Pro is praised for its polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped characteristics, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle and approachable resistance. In contrast, there is no specific information available on the feel of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch. Nonetheless, considering that they are described as incredibly smooth and pre-lubed, it can be assumed that they provide a seamless and effortless typing feel without any harsh feedback.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch cater to individuals who prefer a quieter and more subdued typing experience. While the Gold Brown Pro offers a gentle tactile bump with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, as well as a polished and silky feel, the Lunar Probe provides stable and consistent keypresses with a subtle sound signature and an incredibly smooth linear sensation. Ultimately, both switches prioritize a pleasant typing feel and minimal distraction, ensuring that users can focus on their tasks without being interrupted by loud or jarring keystrokes. Therefore, whether you choose the Gold Brown Pro or the Lunar Probe, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of a tranquil and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactility and sound. If you value a subtle tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and consistent keypress without the tactile bump, the Gateron Lunar Probe is the better choice. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so carefully consider what type of typing experience you prioritize and choose accordingly. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for tactility and sound in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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