TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Gateron Mini i both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is known for its subtle and nuanced feedback, providing a gentle tactile bump that allows typists to immerse themselves in their tasks without being distracted by loud keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches are designed for office-centric environments, offering a gentle tactility with a muted sound profile that is ideal for quiet professionalism. Both switches are categorized as subtle and stepped, but the Gold Brown Pro is described as polished and thocky, while the Gateron Mini i is labeled as bouncy and easy-to-press. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Mini i switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their different compositions. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Mini i utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While the polycarbonate material is stiffer and more resonant, nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These material differences play a significant role in the overall typing experience and the sound produced by each switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold Brown Pro and the Mini i switches feature a nylon material. This results in a similar deep and full sound profile for both switches when bottoming out keys. The impact of the bottom housing on the sound and feel of the switch is significant, as nylon's softness absorbs sound and creates a rounded sound profile. While the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing contributes to the overall typing experience and the sound produced during keypresses. Despite the difference in top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent sound and feel when typing on both switches.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Mini i switches offer unique characteristics that contribute to their individual sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro emphasizes a crisp and sharp sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Mini i provides a deeper and fuller sound profile with a more classic typing feel. Despite these differences, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent deep and full sound profile for both switches when bottoming out keys. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, we can see some differences. The Gold Brown Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 40 grams of the Mini i. However, the Mini i has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unknown. In terms of weight, the Mini i is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mini i may be the better option. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel, the Gold Brown Pro may provide a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular among users, especially gamers looking for faster response times. The Gold Brown Pro offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, providing a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer that feeling. In contrast, the Mini i's shorter travel distance may feel more abrupt but can contribute to quicker typing speeds. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that is considered neutral, providing a deep and rich typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch also provides a neutral sound profile, ensuring a moderate and satisfying sound without being overly intrusive. Both switches cater to users who prefer a more subtle and understated sound experience, making them ideal for quiet environments like offices or shared spaces.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gold Brown Pro switch is known for its polished, silky, and mild tactile feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance. It provides a subtle tactile feedback that is not overwhelming, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, offering a more lively and responsive typing experience with minimal force required for activation. Both switches fall under the mild category, ensuring a comfortable and approachable typing feel for most users.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Gateron Mini i switches offer similar characteristics in terms of sound and feel, with slight differences in the specific qualities they provide. Whether you prefer a more polished and subtle tactile feel with a thocky sound profile, or a bouncy and easy-to-press feel with a neutral sound, both switches cater to users who value a comfortable and quiet typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the specific typing characteristics that best suit your needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. Opt for the TTC Gold Brown Pro if you value a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile, ideal for immersing yourself in tasks without distractions. On the other hand, choose the Gateron Mini i if you prefer a lightweight switch with gentle tactility and a muted sound, perfect for extended periods of quiet, professional typing in office settings. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a more subtle typing experience or a lightweight and comfortable typing feel.
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