TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience. Two notable options are the TTC Gold Brown Pro, a tactile switch known for its gentle feedback, and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch that delivers a more pronounced auditory experience. The Gold Brown Pro excels in providing a subtle tactile bump, making it ideal for users who appreciate a quiet yet engaging sensation, allowing for focused typing without excessive distraction. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade caters to those who prioritize a more colorful auditory environment, offering a bright and clacky sound that enhances the typing experience, particularly on compatible keyboards like the Wooting. While the Gold Brown Pro promotes an understated and smooth keystroke, the Magnetic Jade emphasizes acoustics and tactile engagement, attracting enthusiasts looking for a vibrant response. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, establishing a shared characteristic that contributes to a crisp and vibrant auditory experience. This commonality in material choice means both switches can produce a sharp, high-pitched sound profile, which is primarily a result of polycarbonate’s stiffness. Its translucent nature is particularly beneficial for users interested in RGB lighting, as it enhances visual effects by allowing the illumination to pass through with clarity. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics from both switches when it comes to the upper housing.
Conversely, while the top housings are alike, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge by design. Both the Gold Brown Pro and Magnetic Jade feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which brings a different auditory quality to each switch. Nylon’s relatively softer nature absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, producing a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the sharper tones of polycarbonate. Hence, the impact of the bottom housing becomes crucial in defining the overall sound experience when bottoming out, as users will notice a rounder and more subdued acoustic quality in both switches due to this shared nylon design.
In essence, the combined characteristics of the Gold Brown Pro and the Magnetic Jade create a harmonious interplay between the two materials. While their top housings share the same polycarbonate material, providing similar sound and aesthetics, their bottom housings made of nylon contribute distinctively to the overall audio profile of each switch. Therefore, users should consider how the varying qualities of both the top and bottom housings affect their typing experience; the sharp sound during the key release will be starkly different from the duller sound felt at the bottom, due to the complementary yet contrasting nature of the housing materials used in each switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch with the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, a noticeable difference in actuation force is evident. The Gold Brown Pro requires a force of 45 grams to actuate, while the Magnetic Jade has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Magnetic Jade more comfortable. In terms of bottom out force, the Gateron Magnetic Jade has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when pressing all the way down. Conversely, the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, making direct comparisons difficult. However, based on the available data, the Magnetic Jade can be considered the lighter option overall, while the Gold Brown Pro offers a heavier feel, potentially appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Gold Brown Pro provides a more substantial feel when pressed, catering to users who appreciate a deeper keypress. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade switch offers a quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who favor rapid actuation. Therefore, if you are looking for a more responsive switch, the Magnetic Jade would be the ideal choice, whereas those who prefer a more traditional, hearty depth may find the Gold Brown Pro more satisfying.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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 considering the sound profile of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, it presents a muted yet satisfying experience. Characterized by a thocky tone, it delivers a low-pitched sound that resembles a soft "thud" upon actuation. This sound, being both rich and neutral, allows for a balanced auditory experience that won't disrupt your focus, making it suitable for quiet environments like shared workspaces or home offices. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is designed to produce brighter, clackier sounds that could be much more prominent and resonant, catering to enthusiasts who enjoy audible feedback from their keystrokes. However, specifics about its sound characteristics are not presented, leaving us to understand its acoustic nature in the context of different boards and keycaps, which can significantly influence this aspect.
Examining the tactile feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro shines with its polished and silky characteristics. The refined finishing provides a smooth typing experience with reduced friction, while the mild and subtle tactile bump offers gentle feedback without overwhelming the typist. This makes it perfect for those who prefer a nuanced touch that combines functionality and comfort without being too pronounced. Unfortunately, no detailed information is provided for the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch regarding its feel, leaving us wondering how it might compare in terms of smoothness or tactile response. Consequently, while the Gold Brown Pro delivers a dependable typing experience, the specifics of the Magnetic Jade's feel remain undetermined.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches target different preferences in the typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro excels in delivering a subdued sound and a polished, mild tactile feedback, ideal for focused typing sessions. Conversely, the vibrancy of the Magnetic Jade switch may cater to those who appreciate a more audible and lively feedback, although its characteristics in terms of sound and feel remain less defined. Ultimately, switching between these types could yield satisfying results depending on the environment and individual typing style desired by the user.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you are a typist who favors a subtle tactile experience with a smoother, more refined feel, the Gold Brown Pro is an excellent choice. It offers a milder tactile bump and a low-pitched, thocky sound profile that creates a calming atmosphere, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions in environments where noise levels are a consideration. On the other hand, if you crave a more pronounced auditory feedback with a bright, clacky sound and appreciate a medium-light actuation force, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is for you. This switch not only enhances the acoustics of your keyboard but also provides a robust typing experience that can invigorate your workflow. Ultimately, aligning your choice with your typing style and sound preferences will ensure that you find the perfect switch to enhance your keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
