TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro, a tactile switch, with the Cherry MX Speed Silver, a linear switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard users. The Gold Brown Pro is ideal for those who appreciate a subtle tactile feedback, allowing for a quieter and more immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Speed Silver is perfect for gamers seeking rapid response times, thanks to its linear action and low spring resistance. While the Gold Brown Pro offers a polished and mild typing experience, the Speed Silver provides a textured and speedy performance. Both switches have their strengths and cater to different needs, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
1.20 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, we see that both switches use 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, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, despite this similarity in bottom housing material, the top housing of the Gold Brown Pro is made of polycarbonate, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver features a nylon top housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These differences in top housing material will have a noticeable impact on the sound when pressing down on the switch or letting go of a key.
The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Gold Brown Pro not only affects the sound profile but also makes it more aesthetically pleasing, especially if RGB lighting is used. Its translucency allows for a brighter and more vibrant display of lighting effects compared to the solid nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver. While both switches offer a unique typing experience with their nylon bottom housing, the choice between a crisper sound profile with the Gold Brown Pro or a deeper sound profile with the MX Speed Silver ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Overall, the choice between the Gold Brown Pro and the MX Speed Silver will depend on whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile or a deeper, fuller sound profile in your typing experience. The material composition of the top housing plays a significant role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switch, with polycarbonate offering a more resonant sound compared to nylon. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches results in distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing sound.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the MX Speed Silver is the lighter option with an actuation force of 30 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro is heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams. The bottom out force for both switches is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the MX Speed Silver makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience, suitable for long periods of typing or gaming. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force of the Gold Brown Pro provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the MX Speed Silver's 3.4 mm. While both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, the Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly deeper key press experience. Gamers may prefer the MX Speed Silver for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Gold Brown Pro. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the desired level of key press depth and responsiveness.
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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are described as "thocky" and low-pitched, offering a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. While the Gold Brown Pro provides a more neutral sound profile, the Speed Silver is known for its rapid, almost instant response. The choice between the two would depend on personal preference, with the Gold Brown Pro offering a more subdued and understated sound experience, and the Speed Silver providing a quick and efficient typing feedback for gamers.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro is characterized by its polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped attributes, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle tactile bump. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is noted for its textured feel, which may offer more friction when pressed. While the Gold Brown Pro provides a nuanced and comfortable typing feel, the Speed Silver emphasizes rapid keystrokes with its low spring resistance. Again, the choice between the two would come down to personal preference and typing style.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle and polished typing experience with a quiet sound profile, ideal for those who seek a tactile-but-muted feedback. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is designed for speed and efficiency, offering a quick and linear typing response that is essential for gaming scenarios. Depending on whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience or rapid keystrokes, both switches deliver their unique benefits to cater to different preferences and needs in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a subtle, nuanced tactile feedback with a quiet sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro is the way to go. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a more understated typing experience. On the other hand, if speed and instant response are paramount, especially for gaming, the MX Speed Silver is your best bet. With its linear action and minimal spring resistance, this switch is designed to maximize your speed and efficiency. Ultimately, your choice should align with your preferences and intended use, whether it be for work, gaming, or a combination of both.
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