TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Tom mechanical keyboard switches, both share a tactile design aimed at enhancing the typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro, with its subtle tactile bump and subdued sound profile, offers a nuanced and understated typing experience perfect for those who seek a background presence while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom does not have a specific standout feature but still provides a tactile feedback. For users who prioritize a polished, thocky, low-pitched, and silky typing experience, the TTC Gold Brown Pro may be the preferred choice. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Tom feature polycarbonate top housings, which lead to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to polycarbonate's stiffness, it creates a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. The Gold Brown Pro also includes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tom's all-polycarbonate construction. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that complements the sharper top housing material.
Despite both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing, the differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing adds a unique depth and fullness to the sound profile, enhancing the typing experience with a softer, more absorbent material. In contrast, the Tom's all-polycarbonate construction may provide a more consistent sound throughout the keystroke due to the uniformity of the material. However, the lack of nylon in the Tom may result in a slightly sharper overall sound compared to the Gold Brown Pro.
The split design of having different materials for the top and bottom housings in the Gold Brown Pro allows for a nuanced typing experience. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be felt, creating a distinct bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the impact of the polycarbonate top housing will be more apparent when releasing a key, producing a crisper sound profile. The Outemu Tom's all-polycarbonate construction may offer a more consistent typing experience throughout as both the top and bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile in a more uniform manner.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Tom tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine which one requires more pressure to fully press down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be the better option, allowing for extended typing sessions with less fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and overall typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Tom has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Brown Pro. The Gold Brown Pro falls more towards the traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Tom is slightly shallower at 3.3 mm. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Tom with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Gold Brown Pro with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 Outemu Tom 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 and low-pitched sound profile, providing a satisfyingly deep and mellow tone with a neutral actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. In contrast, the Outemu Tom tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, but it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro offers a polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped typing experience. This refined and smooth switch provides a gentle resistance with a light typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Tom tactile switch is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison.
Overall, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a subtle and nuanced feedback accompanied by a quiet and understated sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown Pro would be an excellent choice. However, if the tactile feel and sound of the Outemu Tom switch align with your preferences, you may achieve similar results in terms of typing experience. It's important to consider both sound and feel preferences when choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a subtle, nuanced tactile feedback with a quiet sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with different characteristics or attributes, the Tom may suit your needs better. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. As a final point, remember to choose the switch that offers the typing experience that best aligns with your preferences and needs.
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