TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Purple RGB, both of which are tactile switches. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is designed for those who prefer an understated, nuanced feedback with a gentle tactile bump that allows for a deep immersion in tasks without the distraction of loud keystrokes; its subdued sound profile quietly enhances the typing experience, making it an excellent choice for office environments or quiet spaces. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a short, medium-strength tactile bump, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a more pronounced feedback during their typing, all while incorporating vibrant RGB lighting for an aesthetically pleasing setup. While both switches provide a tactile experience, their design philosophies cater to different typing preferences: the Gold Brown Pro champions subtlety, while the MX Purple RGB emphasizes a stronger tactile response. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Purple RGB, a notable distinction lies in the top housing. The Gold Brown Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when key presses are released, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a bright auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting is involved. In contrast, the MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's relatively softer characteristics that absorb more sound. While both materials influence the overall acoustic response, polycarbonate's clarity sets it apart from nylon's softer, more muted tones.
Turning to the bottom housing, both keyboard switches utilize nylon, creating common ground in this aspect. As a classic switch housing material, nylon provides a deeper and more subdued sound profile, effectively dampening sound vibrations when keys are fully pressed. The similarity here means that both switches will likely produce a rounder bottom-out sound when keys are pressed down. Despite their differences in the top housings, the shared nylon material in the bottom housings ensures that users will experience a consistency in sound characteristics when bottoming out, thus unifying some acoustic qualities across both switch designs.
Ultimately, the combined effect of the housing materials in each switch leads to unique tactile and auditory experiences. The Gold Brown Pro pairs polycarbonate's resonant highs with nylon's rounded lows to create a distinct sound profile that offers clarity and depth simultaneously. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB maintains a consistent nylon sound throughout, making for a smoother auditory experience. Users seeking a brighter sound with RGB lighting effects may favor the Gold Brown Pro, while those who prefer a more balanced and subdued sound profile will likely lean toward the MX Purple RGB. Regardless of preference, both switches will deliver satisfying performance thanks to their specific housing material combinations.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch both feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches lack specified bottom out forces, making it impossible to compare them directly in terms of how much force is needed to press them all the way down. Since their actuation forces are the same, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of keystroke activation. In terms of weight perception, both switches can cater to different preferences; some users may favor the lighter feel of the 45-gram actuation force for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others might lean towards a heavier switch for a more substantial tactile feedback. Without the exact bottom out forces, the overall typing experience may still feel comparable, especially when focusing on the actuation mechanism.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, we find notable differences. The Gold Brown Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the TTC Gold Brown Pro offers a shorter travel distance, which can appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple, with its longer 4 mm distance, may provide a more traditional and hearty depth that some users prefer for a richer typing experience. Overall, the choice between these switches will largely depend on individual preferences for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 presents a distinctive auditory profile characterized by a low-pitch tone and a soft thocky sound when pressed. This ensures that keystrokes are audible, yet not disruptive, making it suitable for environments where noise control is essential, such as shared workspaces. Its neutral sound further accommodates various user preferences, allowing versatility whether for casual typing or more intensive work. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches do not have a detailed sound description available, leaving a gap in their auditory characteristics. This means that while both switches offer potential for a more subdued noise level, the specifics of the Cherry MX Purple RGB's sound remain unknown, making it difficult to directly compare the two.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro excels with its polished, silky motion, creating a smooth and refined typing experience that enhances the tactile feedback without feeling overpowering. The gentle tactile bump is described as mild and subtle, ensuring that users can experience a satisfying feedback without it being overly pronounced. It also features a stepped tactile design, adding a layer of complexity to the typing sensation while maintaining an approachable feel for all users. On the other hand, the tactile attributes of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are not detailed, which means we cannot ascertain how they compare directly with the Gold Brown Pro in terms of smoothness, tactility, or resistance.
In summary, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch stands out for its quiet sound profile and finely-tuned tactile feedback, making it ideal for users seeking an immersive typing experience with minimal distractions. While the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches promise a refined tactile experience, their sound and feel characteristics remain unspecified, rendering them difficult to analyze comprehensively in this context. Thus, while both switches target a similar user preference in terms of tactile feedback, the explicit details surrounding the Cherry MX Purple RGB remain elusive, leaving the Gold Brown Pro at a distinct advantage in both auditory and tactile enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a subtle tactile experience that promotes focus and immersion, the Gold Brown Pro is an ideal choice. Its gentle tactile bump and low sound profile make it perfect for quiet office settings or shared spaces, where you want to type without drawing much attention. The smooth and polished feel of the Gold Brown Pro enhances the overall typing experience, catering to those who appreciate a mild resistance without overwhelming feedback. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more pronounced tactile sensation and a refined typing experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB may suit you better. Its short, medium-strength bump offers a satisfying tactile response that can add excitement to your typing, making it great for both gaming and typing activities where feedback is valued. Ultimately, it’s about balancing your need for feedback and sound with your typing habits, so consider trying both to find your perfect match.
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