TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the SP-Star Meteor White. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch, known for its subtle tactile bump that provides a gentle feedback while typing. This switch offers a quiet typing experience, allowing users to concentrate on their tasks without noisy distractions. On the other hand, the Meteor White is a linear switch, offering a smooth and easy keystroke without any tactile bump. Its soft and gentle sound profile further enhances the overall typing experience. If you prefer a more understated tactile feedback, the Gold Brown Pro may be the switch for you, while the Meteor White is ideal for those seeking a smooth and quiet 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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
Overall, the Gold Brown Pro and the SP-Star Meteor White differ in their choice of housing materials. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. In contrast, the Meteor White opts for a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softness and sound-absorbing properties. While both materials provide unique attributes to the switches, they ultimately result in different sound profiles and typing experiences.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials for both switches are nylon, offering a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. The nylon bottom housing on both the Gold Brown Pro and the Meteor White contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its soft nature and sound-absorbing properties. This consistency in bottom housing material may lead to a similar typing feel and sound experience across both switches, making the choice between the two switches more focused on other factors such as design and brand preferences.
In conclusion, while the top housing materials of the Gold Brown Pro and the Meteor White differ in their characteristics and resulting sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing provides a commonality in typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro offers a sharper and clearer sound, while the nylon top housing of the Meteor White produces a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel, as both offer unique qualities based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro has a light actuation force of 45 grams, perfect for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. However, the bottom out force for this switch is unknown, which may be a factor to consider for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch has a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Gold Brown Pro. This may appeal to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being ideal for longer typing sessions, while heavier switches provide a more substantial typing experience. If both switches have equal forces, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, which is slightly shorter than the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch with a travel distance of 4mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly shorter press compared to the Meteor White. Gamers who prioritize quick response times may prefer the Gold Brown Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Meteor White. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the SP-Star Meteor White switches both offer a neutral profile, making them suitable for various environments and preferences. The Gold Brown Pro provides a thocky, low-pitched sound, while the Meteor White offers a thocky sound as well, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience for users. The choice of keycaps and keyboard board can further influence the sound produced by these switches.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro switch boasts a polished, silky, and subtle typing experience, providing a smooth and refined feel with gentle tactility. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a comfortable and approachable typing experience with reduced friction. Both switches fall within the middle-ground zone in terms of key feel, making them suitable for most users' preferences.
Overall, whether you choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro or the SP-Star Meteor White switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with subtle nuances tailored to your typing style. Both switches offer a soft sound profile and comfortable key feel, allowing you to type for extended periods without fatigue. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the level of tactility and sound profile you desire.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a subtle, nuanced tactile feedback with a quiet sound profile that allows you to stay focused on your tasks without distraction, then the Gold Brown Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a soft linear switch that is easy to press and offers a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile, then the Meteor White could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a gentle tactile experience (Gold Brown Pro) or a soft linear feel (Meteor White) in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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