TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle and subdued tactile feedback, maintaining a low sound profile that allows for a seamless typing experience without distractions. On the other hand, the Blueberry switches offer a sharp and invigorating tactile bump with a slightly deeper sound frequency, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing feel. Each switch has its own characteristics and advantages, making them suitable for different types of typists. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
POM
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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles characteristic of their materials. The Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound, creating a different sensory experience while typing. Despite their differences, both housing materials are designed to enhance the overall sound quality of the switches, providing users with a personalized typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing while the NovelKeys Blueberry utilizes a POM bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded and dull sound when typing on switches. In contrast, POM bottom housing also offers a deeper sound profile, albeit with a more muted quality. Both materials aim to absorb sound effectively, providing a quieter typing experience compared to other housing materials. While the materials differ, the end result is a similar goal of enhancing the overall sound of the switches for users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Brown Pro and the NovelKeys Blueberry will come down to personal preference for sound profile and typing experience. The use of different housing materials in the top and bottom portions of the switches allows for a unique combination of qualities that cater to individual preferences. Whether one prefers the sharp and clear sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and more muted sound of POM, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that can be tailored to suit different preferences. Overall, both switches demonstrate how housing materials play a crucial role in dictating the sound quality and overall feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Brown Pro's force is unknown, while the Blueberry switch has a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a heavier option. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gold Brown Pro for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the stronger push feel of the Blueberry switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the NovelKeys Blueberry has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Brown Pro. This means that the Blueberry switch will require a little more distance to actuate compared to the Gold Brown Pro switch. If you prefer a switch with a slightly longer travel distance for a more deliberate typing experience, the NovelKeys Blueberry may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly shorter travel distance for faster response times, the Gold Brown Pro could be a better match. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them depends 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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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 and Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches offer different auditory experiences. The Gold Brown Pro switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, resulting in a subdued and understated typing experience that is suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a low-pitched and resonant sound, providing a sharper and more immersive typing sound that may appeal to those who prefer a livelier auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is characterized by its polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped attributes, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance. This switch aims to provide a tactile but gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch is described as snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff, providing a more responsive and pronounced tactile feedback with a higher actuation force requirement for a more invigorating typing sensation.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch emphasizes a subtle and polished typing experience with a neutral sound profile, making it ideal for those who value understated tactility and minimal distraction. In comparison, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switch offers a sharper and more invigorating typing feel with a resonant sound profile, catering to users who prefer a more responsive and lively tactile feedback. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance the typing experience, providing users with options to tailor their mechanical keyboard setup to suit their individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you value a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a quiet sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp and pronounced tactile bump with a lower-than-average sound frequency, then the NovelKeys Blueberry would be more suitable for your typing needs. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to consider what type of typing experience you prefer before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Brown Pro and Blueberry switches will depend on whether you prioritize a gentle and understated feel or a sharp and invigorating typing experience.
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