TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Red. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that offers a subtle and nuanced feedback with its gentle tactile bump, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in their typing without being overtly reminded of each keystroke. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red is a linear switch that provides a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience with responsiveness and a satisfying auditory depth. While the Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who value understated tactile experiences, the MX Red is ideal for individuals seeking a more tactile and satisfying 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
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
Both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Red feature nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the top housing materials differ, with the Gold Brown Pro using polycarbonate and the MX Red using nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiff nature, while the nylon top housing of the MX Red absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in top housing materials leads to a noticeable difference in sound profiles between the two switches.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, both the Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Red share nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches results in a similar typing experience in terms of sound. However, the choice of polycarbonate for the Gold Brown Pro's top housing creates a more resonant and clear sound profile compared to the MX Red's nylon top housing. This difference in top housing materials gives each switch its own unique sound signature.
When comparing the top and bottom housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Red switches, it is evident that the choice of material impacts the sound profile of each switch. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the MX Red produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches share nylon bottom housing, contributing to a similar sound profile when typing. Ultimately, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the sound experience of mechanical switches, highlighting the importance of material selection in switch design.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch reveals that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users can expect a similar amount of force needed to trigger a keystroke on both switches. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown. When considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Brown Pro. While the Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances commonly found in mechanical switches. Gamers may prefer the Gold Brown Pro for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a deeper key press may opt for the Cherry MX Red. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfactory travel distance depending on personal preference.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 tactile switch is best described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, producing a deep, bass-heavy sound that is satisfying and mellow. This switch offers a refined and smooth auditory experience that is suitable for various settings, whether it be at home or in the office. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch also produces a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and robust tone that adds to the typing experience. However, it lacks the neutral aspect of the Gold Brown Pro, possibly resulting in a slightly more pronounced sound. Overall, both switches offer a pleasant auditory feedback that caters to different preferences, with the Gold Brown Pro being more neutral and the MX Red offering a slightly deeper sound.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and subtle tactility. This switch ensures minimal friction and a comfortable typing feel that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is described as textured, potentially indicating a slightly rougher typing experience with noticeable friction. While the Gold Brown Pro focuses on smoothness and subtlety, the MX Red may offer a more tactile and textured feel that some users prefer for enhanced feedback during typing sessions.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro provides a neutral, polished, and subtle typing experience with deep, mellow sound characteristics, ideal for those who appreciate a refined and understated tactile feedback. In comparison, the Cherry MX Red switch delivers a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile and potentially more tactile feedback due to its textured nature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound depth, tactile feedback, and typing smoothness. Whether opting for the nuanced tactility of the Gold Brown Pro or the robust typing experience of the MX Red, both switches are sure to provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience for newcomers looking to explore different switch options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a quiet sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro is the ideal choice for staying focused and immersed in your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile for a robust typing experience, the MX Red switch by Cherry might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the typing experience you prioritize the most – whether it's a gentle tactility or a more pronounced typing feel. Consider your needs and preferences to choose the switch that best complements your typing style.
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