TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the SP-Star Meteor Orange mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer a tactile typing experience but with distinct qualities. The Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who appreciate a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback, allowing typists to focus on their tasks without the distraction of loud keystrokes. In contrast, the Meteor Orange switches are known for their gentle tactility and neutral sound profile, providing a smoother typing experience. While the Gold Brown Pro is praised for its subdued sound and background presence, the Meteor Orange switches offer a softer and more seductive tactility. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the SP-Star Meteor Orange, one key difference is in the top housing material. The Gold Brown Pro uses a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This difference in top housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of the switches.
Moving on to the bottom housing material, both the Gold Brown Pro and the Meteor Orange utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, making typing on these switches a more satisfying experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite having the same bottom housing material, subtle differences in design and construction can still lead to unique sound profiles for each switch.
Overall, while the Gold Brown Pro and the Meteor Orange may share similarities in their bottom housing material of nylon, the use of different top housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro offers a sharper and clearer sound, ideal for those looking for a more defined typing experience, especially with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange provides a deeper and fuller sound, perfect for users who prefer a more muffled and rounded sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, it is evident that they have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Meteor Orange's actuation force is unknown. However, the Meteor Orange has a heavier bottom out force of 57 grams compared to the Gold Brown Pro, which has an unknown bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro would be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Meteor Orange with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly quicker response time compared to the Meteor Orange. Gamers may prefer the Gold Brown Pro for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster reactions during gameplay. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the SP-Star Meteor Orange with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for response time and keypress depth. Both switches provide a satisfactory travel distance for different user preferences.
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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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 renowned for its thocky and low-pitched qualities, creating a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. This switch also offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch is also described as having a thocky sound profile and a neutral sound profile. Therefore, both switches are likely to provide a similar auditory experience with a deep and satisfying tone suitable for a range of users.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is known for its polished, silky, and subtle characteristics, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance. Additionally, its stepped design provides a two-stage tactile feedback for a more nuanced feel. Similarly, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle and smooth typing experience with reduced friction. Both switches offer a comfortable and approachable feel, ideal for users seeking a softer tactile response without sacrificing typing satisfaction.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switches share several subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. Both switches are praised for their neutral sound profile, thocky sound signature, and polished typing experience, making them suitable options for individuals looking for a subtle yet satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would come down to personal preference and specific typing requirements, as both are likely to deliver a comparable typing experience with their gentle tactility and refined characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gold Brown Pro and the Meteor Orange switches, consider your preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you value a subtle tactile bump and a quiet typing experience, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is the way to go. Its gentle tactility and subdued sound make it ideal for those who want a smooth and immersive typing experience without any distractions. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactility and a soft, thocky sound, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches are a great choice. Their gentle tactility and neutral sound profile provide a satisfying typing experience without being overwhelming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound profile, so consider what type of typing experience you prefer before making your decision.
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