TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Neptune offer distinctive features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is ideal for those who appreciate a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback, with a gentle bump that allows for immersive typing sessions without the distraction of noisy keystrokes. On the other hand, the Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure that provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience, reminiscent of chewy delights like mochi. While the Gold Brown Pro is polished and low-pitched, the Neptune offers a buttery and gummy feel. Ultimately, the Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who value understated tactility, while the Neptune is ideal for those who seek a unique typing sensation with a muted sound profile. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and TTC Neptune both feature unique combinations of housing materials, with the Gold Brown Pro having a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Neptune has a POM top housing and a polycarbonate bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Neptune produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of bottom housings, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown Pro results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Neptune offers a sharper and crisper sound.
While the top housings of the Gold Brown Pro and Neptune offer contrasting sound profiles, the bottom housings share similarities. Both the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown Pro and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Neptune contribute to creating a clear and resonant sound, thanks to the stiffness of the polycarbonate material. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown Pro absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This contrasts with the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Neptune, showcasing the impact that housing materials can have on the overall sound of a switch.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that each housing material plays a crucial role. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed, with the Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing creating a deeper sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Neptune. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, with the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro providing a crisper sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Neptune offers a more muted sound. Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Gold Brown Pro and Neptune results in unique typing experiences with distinct sound profiles.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a light actuation force. The Gold Brown Pro requires 45 grams of force to actuate, while the Neptune only needs 41 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Neptune is heavier with 50 grams compared to the Gold Brown Pro's unknown bottom out force. The lighter actuation force of both switches makes them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, allowing for less fatigue on the fingers. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the heavier bottom out force of the Neptune may be more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent tactile feel and actuation point despite being of different types. While the Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch, providing a tactile bump during keypress, the Neptune is a linear switch, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke from top to bottom. Despite their differences in switch type, both switches ultimately provide the same travel distance, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of keypress 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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is best described as having a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch offers a more muted and subdued sound, maintaining a neutral tone that minimizes noise. While both switches have a neutral sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro leans towards a deeper thocky sound, while the Neptune offers a more subtle and quiet typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound, the Gold Brown Pro provides a more pronounced and satisfying auditory feedback, while the Neptune keeps things refined and unobtrusive.
Moving onto the feel of the switches, the Gold Brown Pro is polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance that is complemented by its subtle sound signature. In contrast, the Neptune switch is described as buttery and frictionless, providing an effortless and fluid keystroke experience that is free of any resistance or friction. Both switches fall under the mild category in terms of typing feel, but the Gold Brown Pro focuses on a polished and refined finish, while the Neptune emphasizes a seamless and uniform sensation during typing. Depending on your preference for typing feel, the Gold Brown Pro provides a polished and refined touch, while the Neptune offers a fluid and frictionless experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and TTC Neptune switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro provides a deep and rich thocky sound with a polished and silky typing feel, perfect for those who seek a tactile yet refined experience. On the other hand, the Neptune switch delivers a muted and buttery sound with a frictionless and seamless typing feel, ideal for users who prefer a smooth and effortless keystroke. Ultimately, both switches provide a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, ensuring that users will get satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the TTC Neptune linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactile feedback and typing experience. If you appreciate a subtle tactile bump and a quiet typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing sensation with a unique "matte" feel, the Neptune linear switch could be more to your liking. Both switches offer their own distinct advantages, so it is important to consider your personal typing style and preferences when making your decision. Ultimately, the right choice between the Gold Brown Pro and Neptune switches will depend on what aspects of typing experience matter most to you.
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