TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Outemu Dustproof Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Dustproof Black represent two distinct philosophies in keystroke design. The Gold Brown Pro, a tactile switch, is ideal for those who appreciate subtle tactile feedback; its gentle bump offers a nuanced interaction that lets typists immerse themselves in their work with minimal distraction. This switch is also characterized by its low-pitched sound profile, allowing for quiet operation without sacrificing responsiveness. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black, as a linear switch, provides a smooth and uninterrupted keypress experience, making it a favorite among gamers and fast typists who prefer a steady and consistent actuation without any tactile interruptions. While the Gold Brown Pro caters to those who enjoy a refined tactile sensation, the Dustproof Black excels in delivering swift, noise-free performance. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Dustproof Black, the most notable similarity lies in their choice of materials for the top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced sound resonance, making it an excellent choice for users seeking clarity in key presses, particularly for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. As a result, both switches promise similar auditory experiences, emphasizing a bright tonal quality that can elevate the typing experience for gamers and typists alike.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are composed of nylon, which presents a striking contrast to the polycarbonate tops. Nylon is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to its softer plastic composition that absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. Consequently, the bottom housing is responsible for the overall bottom-out sound and tactile feel of each switch, creating a duller and rounder auditory response during key presses. Despite the shared materials, the interaction between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both switches results in a balanced sound profile, showcasing how different housing materials can complement each other effectively.
In summary, while both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Outemu Dustproof Black switches utilize the same materials for their respective top and bottom housings, their unique combination yields a distinctive acoustic experience. The polycarbonate tops deliver sharpness and clarity, while the nylon bottoms provide warmth and fullness, leading to a well-rounded sound profile when typing or gaming. Thus, despite their differences, users of either switch can expect a harmonious blend of sound characteristics that enhance the overall experience, allowing for similar performance outcomes regardless of the specific option chosen.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch show distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown Pro features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the actuation force for the Dustproof Black is higher at 60 grams, indicating that the latter requires a heavier push to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is unavailable, making a direct comparison challenging. The Dustproof Black's bottom out force is notably heavy at 80 grams, emphasizing a more robust feel when the key is fully pressed down. Therefore, if you're seeking a lighter touch for longer typing sessions, the TTC Gold Brown Pro would be more suitable, while the Outemu Dustproof Black is ideal for those who prefer a firmer typing experience. These differences highlight how the choice between these switches can influence overall comfort and performance during use.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gold Brown Pro offers a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Dustproof Black, with its longer 4 mm travel, provides a more substantial tactile experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper press and a less abrupt feel when typing. Ultimately, if you lean towards responsiveness, the Gold Brown Pro is the better choice, whereas the Dustproof Black would suit those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress.
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 Dustproof Black 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch excels with its thocky, low-pitched, and neutral audio profile. The deep, rich thud characteristic provides an engaging auditory experience while typing, allowing users to enjoy a satisfying sound without overpowering distractions. This muted tonality is ideal for settings where noise levels need to be controlled, making it a favored choice for both office environments and quiet spaces at home. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch has no specific sound characteristics noted, leaving its auditory qualities largely undefined. However, linear switches are generally known to be quieter than tactile or clicky options, so you might expect a smoother sound experience, although that can vary widely based on the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro offers a polished, silky typing experience that is both smooth and refined. The gentle resistance and subtle tactile feedback make it suitable for extended typing sessions, as the stepped nature of the switch helps users maintain comfortable key engagement without overwhelming sensations. The mildness of the Gold Brown Pro's characteristics ensures that it appeals to a wide range of typists, providing an approachable yet pleasurable tactile interaction. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Black remains unspecified, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, linear switches typically offer a consistent and smooth feel throughout the keypress, which could be advantageous for gamers and typists who prefer unencumbered travel.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is distinguished by its rich sound and refined feel, making it a preferred option for those who appreciate subtlety and nuance in their typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch lacks defined qualities in both sound and feel, which leaves potential users without a clear understanding of its performance. While the Gold Brown Pro is consistent in delivering enjoyable audio and tactile feedback, the linear alternative may be more unpredictable. Ultimately, for typists seeking a controlled auditory environment and a polished typing sensation, the Gold Brown Pro is the way to go, whereas those intrigued by a potentially quieter and smooth experience might consider awaiting more information on the Dustproof Black.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a typing experience that is smooth and polished, with gentle tactile feedback and a low sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro is the ideal choice. This switch excels in settings where you might want to remain immersed in your work without excessive noise, making it great for both home and office use. Its nuanced response enables a comfortable typing experience that is especially suitable for long typing sessions, where a subtle reminder of key actuation can aid in focus. On the other hand, if you're attracted to a heavier actuation force and a more robust typing feel, the Outemu Dustproof Black would be well-suited to your needs. While its characteristics are not explicitly detailed, the heavier bottom-out force offers clear feedback, making it a potential fit for gamers or typists who prefer a firmer touch. Overall, consider your typing style, the environment in which you’ll be using the keyboard, and your preference for sound and feedback to make the best choice between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
