TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Cream Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Cream Blue. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch known for its subtlety and nuanced feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentle tactile bump and a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue is a clicky switch that offers a more pronounced click with each key press, providing a satisfying auditory feedback for those who enjoy a more audible typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro is categorized as polished, thocky, low-pitched, and silky, while the Cream Blue does not have any specified categories. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, making it important to consider these factors when choosing the best switch for your 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Cream Blue switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. In contrast, the Cream Blue utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to the softer plastic's sound-absorbing properties. While both top housings offer distinct sound characteristics, the polycarbonate of the Gold Brown Pro creates a clearer and resonant sound, while the nylon of the Cream Blue yields a duller and rounder tone.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials of the Gold Brown Pro and the Cream Blue switches are both constructed from nylon, emphasizing the deeper and fuller sound profiles associated with this classic switch housing material. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound feedback and feel. The nylon material's ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics contributes to a duller and rounder sound, providing users with a more pleasing typing experience in both switches.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Cream Blue switches will primarily come down to personal preference in sound profile. While the Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Cream Blue's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller tone. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent typing experience between the two switches, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of the softer plastic's sound-absorbing properties in either option. Ultimately, both switches offer quality housing materials that cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, we can see that the Gold Brown Pro is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Cream Blue is slightly heavier at 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cream Blue is heavier with a force of 65 grams, whereas the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may lean towards the Gold Brown Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Cream Blue. Both switches offer a tactile feedback, making them ideal for those who enjoy precise keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, which is slightly shorter than the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch that has a travel distance of 4mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly quicker key press due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Gold Brown Pro for its faster response time, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Cream Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key press feel.
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 Outemu Cream Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is renowned for its thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying typing experience without being intrusive. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. As for feel, the Gold Brown Pro offers a polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped typing experience, providing a smooth and refined feel with a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the feel of the Cream Blue switch remains unknown. Overall, if you prefer a subtle tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown Pro would be a suitable choice. In the absence of information on the Cream Blue switch's qualities, opting for the Gold Brown Pro may provide a more predictable and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a subtle tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro would be the ideal choice for you. Its polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped characteristics make for a smooth and refined typing experience without causing too much distraction. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky and medium-heavy typing feel with a satisfying "thocky" sound profile, the Cream Blue switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your personal preference and typing needs.