TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Cherry MX Black offer contrasting experiences for users. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that provides subtle, nuanced feedback, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience with a gentle tactile bump. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black is a linear switch that offers a classic textured smoothness and a deep sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a more traditional typing feel. The Gold Brown Pro is characterized by its polished, thocky, and silky properties, while the MX Black is known for being low-pitched, textured, and stiff. Both switches have their unique strengths, but ultimately the choice between them depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
The housing materials of the Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Black switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profile and typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch utilizes a nylon top housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While both switches offer a unique typing experience, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon top housings ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Black switches use nylon, which imparts a similar deep and full sound profile to the typing experience. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This similarity in bottom housing material between the two switches means that typists can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel when it comes to the bottom-out sound and overall tactile feedback of the switches.
Overall, the choice between the Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Black switches is primarily determined by the top housing material, as it has a greater impact on the sound profile when typing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Black provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the similar use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a comparable typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the MX Black's heavier 60 grams. The Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unknown, while the MX Black has a substantial 80 grams. The actuation force plays a significant role in how quickly a keystroke is registered, with lighter switches allowing for faster typing speeds. On the other hand, the bottom out force affects the overall typing experience, with heavier switches providing a more tactile and satisfying feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is 3.8 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the MX Black being on the longer end. The Gold Brown Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to those seeking quicker response times, particularly gamers, while the MX Black's slightly longer travel distance might provide a more satisfying tactile experience for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 tactile switch is often described as thocky and low-pitched, producing a deep and satisfying sound with each press that is not overly loud. The Cherry MX Black linear switch also offers a low-pitched sound profile, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches are suitable for environments where a quieter typing experience is preferred, with the Gold Brown Pro offering a more subdued and subtle auditory feedback compared to the MX Black's classic deep sound.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is known for its polished, silky, and mild characteristics, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance. The MX Black switch, on the other hand, is described as textured and stiff, offering a different tactile feel with noticeable friction and requiring a higher amount of force to actuate. While the Gold Brown Pro focuses on a smoother and more approachable typing experience, the MX Black appeals to users who prefer a bit more resistance and texture in their keystrokes.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle and refined tactility with a quiet sound profile, perfect for those who seek a subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Black switch offers a classic deep sound with a textured and stiff feel, catering to users who prefer a bit more feedback and resistance in their key presses. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can achieve similar typing results with either of these high-quality switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, you should consider your preference for tactile feedback and typing experience. If you value a subtle tactile bump and a quiet typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro would be a great choice for you. Its polished, silky feel and thocky, low-pitched sound profile make it ideal for those who want a refined typing experience without any distractions. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier key press and a textured, stiff feel, the MX Black switch would suit you better. With Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling, these switches offer a classic textured smoothness and a familiar deep sound profile that some users may prefer. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound.
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