TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that are often compared are the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch known for its subtle and nuanced feedback, perfect for those who prefer a gentle tactile bump without loud clacking sounds. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is a linear switch designed specifically for office environments, offering a quiet typing experience with a light actuation. While both switches excel in providing a subtle and understated typing experience, they differ in their design and intended use. 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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top, it is evident that both switches offer unique benefits based on their respective material choices. The Gold Brown Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This allows for a more resonant sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Mountain Top opts for a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Mountain Top feature nylon housings. This choice results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer properties absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This means that the bottom-out sound and feel of these switches will be enhanced by the nylon housing, creating a more satisfying typing experience. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, each switch maintains its unique sound characteristics based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials.
In conclusion, while the Gold Brown Pro and Gateron Mountain Top differ in their choice of top housing material, their use of nylon for the bottom housing aligns them in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The distinction between the polycarbonate and nylon in the top housing creates varying sound aesthetics, with the former offering a sharper and more resonant profile while the latter delivers a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel, as both offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to an enhanced typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unknown, while the Mountain Top has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it slightly heavier. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Mountain Top switch would be the better option as it requires less force to actuate, making it suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro may appeal to those who prefer a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Brown Pro. The shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Gold Brown Pro may provide a more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a deeper press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Mountain Top 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro provides a thocky and low-pitched typing experience with a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch also offers a neutral sound profile that is gentle and unobtrusive, catering specifically to office settings. Both switches prioritize quiet operation, ensuring that keystrokes are subtle and non-disruptive. While the Gold Brown Pro may have a slightly deeper and richer sound due to its thocky nature, the Mountain Top switch delivers a soft and mellow tone for a comfortable typing experience in professional environments.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch offers a polished, silky, and subtle typing experience with a mild and stepped feel, providing a refined and smooth key press. The Gateron Mountain Top switch, on the other hand, provides a bouncy and easy-to-press feel that is mild and snappy, making typing effortless and responsive. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with gentle resistance and smooth key travel. The Gold Brown Pro may have a more refined and polished feel due to its smooth finish, while the Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy and snappy sensation for a lively typing experience.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch both offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Gold Brown Pro excels in providing a nuanced, understated tactile experience with a thocky sound profile and polished feel, ideal for immersive and distraction-free typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch prioritizes discretion and comfort in professional environments with a quiet sound profile and bouncy, easy-to-press feel. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience that minimizes disturbance and maximizes comfort. Whether you choose the Gold Brown Pro or the Mountain Top switch, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a subtle, nuanced tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile, opt for the TTC Gold Brown Pro. This switch is perfect for those who want to stay focused on their tasks without being distracted by loud keystrokes. On the other hand, if you work in an office environment and need a quiet yet responsive typing experience, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch may be more suited to your needs. It offers a light actuation force and a comfortable typing feel, making it ideal for professional settings where discretion is key. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
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