TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch renowned for its subtle and nuanced feedback, allowing typists to fully immerse themselves in their tasks without being disrupted by loud clicks. With its low-pitched and silky feel, this switch is perfect for those who appreciate a quiet and understated typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a similar typing feel to the classic MX Red switch but with the added benefit of operating silently. This makes it an excellent choice for those working in noise-sensitive environments. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, but ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red, it is clear that they both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound than harder plastics. However, the Cherry MX Silent Red also features a nylon top housing, which will contribute to a duller and rounder sound overall, while the Gold Brown Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This key difference in top housing material will result in a noticeable variance in sound when pressing down on the switch and when releasing the key.
One major contrast between the two switches lies in the top housing material. The Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a clear and resonant sound profile, particularly beneficial for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the MX Silent Red's nylon top housing will produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the softer plastic absorbing more sound for a rounder tone. This difference in top housing material will impact both the sound and feel of typing on the switches, as the material properties of polycarbonate and nylon are significantly different.
Overall, despite their shared use of nylon for the bottom housing, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red offer distinct sound profiles due to their differing top housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red produces a deeper and rounder tone. These differences in housing materials highlight how even subtle variations can greatly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
Both the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light to trigger a keystroke. However, their bottom out force is unknown for both switches, so it is difficult to compare them in terms of how much force is needed to press all the way down. The light actuation force of 45 grams in both switches makes them suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, whether for work or gaming. Some users may appreciate the tactile feedback of the Gold Brown Pro switch, while others may prefer the smooth linear feel of the MX Silent Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches offer relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, making them suitable for quick and responsive typing or gaming. Gamers may prefer the Gold Brown Pro for its slightly longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced key press feel, while those seeking faster response times may opt for the Cherry MX Silent Red. Overall, both switches offer similar travel distances, so you can expect comparable results in terms of key feel and typing 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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 switch offers a thocky and low-pitched tone, with a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red provides a muted and low-pitched sound, making it ideal for noise-sensitive settings. Both switches aim to reduce the auditory impact of typing, allowing for quieter operation without compromising on the tactile feedback. Based on the available information, users can expect a similar subdued sound profile from both switches, ensuring a pleasant typing experience without disturbing those around them.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is known for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel with mild and subtle characteristics. This switch provides a comfortable typing experience with a gentle resistance, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red is described as having a textured feel, which may introduce some friction during key presses. While the specific feel of the MX Silent Red may differ from the Gold Brown Pro, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and comfortable typing experience with their unique tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Brown Pro provides a thocky and low-pitched sound with a polished and silky feel, the MX Silent Red offers a muted sound profile with a textured typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches prioritize a quiet operation and comfortable typing feel, ensuring that users can enjoy a tailored mechanical keyboard experience based on their preferences.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you value a subtle tactile feedback with a quiet sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro may be the right choice for you. Its polished and silky feel, along with its thocky and low-pitched sound, make it an excellent option for those who want a refined typing experience without unnecessary noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier and silent typing experience, the MX Silent Red could be the switch for you. With its muted sound and textured feel, this switch offers a quieter alternative while still maintaining the satisfying keypress of a linear switch. Consider your environment, typing style, and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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