TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Orange 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 KTT Orange. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that offers a subtle and nuanced feedback with its gentle tactile bump, perfect for those who prefer a quiet and understated typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange is a linear switch known for its bouncy feel and frictionless typing experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize smoothness and fluid key travel. While both switches have their own unique characteristics and appeal, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gold Brown Pro and the Orange, both switches feature a top housing made of polycarbonate. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches meant to be used with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro's bottom housing is made of nylon, giving it a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Orange uses a polycarbonate bottom housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile similar to its top housing.
The difference in bottom housing materials between the Gold Brown Pro and the Orange greatly affects the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing adds to the sharper and crisper sound profile of the switch. This split in housing materials allows for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct sound profiles due to the specific properties of their respective housing materials.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials between the Gold Brown Pro and the Orange plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and overall typing experience of each switch. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the difference in bottom housing materials results in distinct sound characteristics. The Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. These differences highlight how the choice of housing materials can impact the overall feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Orange's slightly heavier 46 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Orange is 53 grams, making it heavier than the Gold Brown Pro, for which the bottom out force is unknown. Weight is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter actuation force is preferred by those who type for extended periods, while a heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience. In this case, opting for the Gold Brown Pro would result in a lighter typing experience overall, while the Orange would provide a slightly heavier feel. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying force requirements, catering to different preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly longer than the KTT Orange linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may result in a slightly different feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, if you prefer a switch with a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial key press feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the KTT Orange may be more suitable for your needs.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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 offers a low-pitched, thocky, and neutral typing experience, producing a satisfying yet subtle sound with each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch provides a low-pitched tone, ensuring a mellow and smooth typing sound that is gentle on the ears. Both switches excel in offering a quiet typing experience that is not disruptive to those around you, making them suitable for shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro switch boasts a polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped typing sensation, providing a refined and smooth key travel with minimal friction. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a gentle and nuanced typing experience without any harsh feedback. On the contrary, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing feel, giving users a spring-like feedback and effortless key travel. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a more lively and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and KTT Orange switches both cater to users who value a quiet typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro excels in offering a subtle and refined tactile feedback with a low-pitched sound profile, while the KTT Orange provides a bouncy and frictionless typing feel with a smooth and mellow sound. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile, either switch can offer a satisfying typing experience that minimizes distractions and maximizes comfort. Ultimately, whether you choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro or KTT Orange switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that aligns with your preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you are someone who values a subtle tactile feedback and a subdued sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Orange switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you prioritize a gentle and polished typing feel or a lively and smooth typing experience. Choose wisely based on what type of typing experience you find most enjoyable and productive.
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