TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Phoenix offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that provides a subtle and nuanced feedback, perfect for those who value understated tactile experiences and a quiet typing session. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix is a clicky switch with a unique under-skirt click mechanism that delivers a crisp and sparkling sound profile, making it a standout option for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Phoenix both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is useful for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro has a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. The softer nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile.
In terms of sound profile, the top housing of both switches plays a significant role. The polycarbonate top housing of both the Gold Brown Pro and the Phoenix contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile when a key is released. However, the bottom housing of each switch also influences the sound, with the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown Pro providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Phoenix's polycarbonate bottom housing, which offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound. These differences in bottom housing material impact the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches.
Overall, while the top housings of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Outemu Phoenix are both made of polycarbonate, their bottom housings differ in material, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Gold Brown Pro with its nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Phoenix with its polycarbonate bottom housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials, showcasing how material choice can impact sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it is clear that the Gold Brown Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Phoenix's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Phoenix has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is not provided. This means that the Phoenix switch would provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Gold Brown Pro would be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their respective actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more deliberate key press with a bit more depth. On the other hand, the Phoenix switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in a more immediate key press for those seeking a faster response. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 offers a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral profile, resulting in a deep, satisfying sound that is not overly loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is described as crunchy, reminiscent of stepping on crispy leaves. Depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, both switches can provide unique auditory experiences, with the Gold Brown Pro focusing on a more subdued sound compared to the Phoenix.
In terms of feel, both the Gold Brown Pro and the Phoenix switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro switch specifically is known for its silky, mild, subtle, and stepped feel, providing a gentle resistance and a smooth key travel experience. While the Phoenix switch shares the polished characteristic, specific details about its tactile feel are not provided, so it may offer similarities in smoothness but potentially different feedback compared to the Gold Brown Pro switch.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is ideal for those who prefer a subtle tactile experience with a subdued sound profile, perfect for minimizing distractions during typing tasks. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch stands out for its unique under-skirt click mechanism, offering a more pronounced and possibly crisp tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, with the Gold Brown Pro providing a more understated experience and the Phoenix offering a potentially more distinct tactile sensation.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a subtle and understated tactile experience with minimal distraction, opt for the TTC Gold Brown Pro. Its gentle tactile bump and subdued sound profile make it perfect for those who want to stay focused and immersed in their tasks. On the other hand, if you are looking for a unique and crystalline clicky switch with a crunchy sound profile, the Outemu Phoenix is the way to go. Its under-skirt click mechanism provides an unparalleled typing experience that stands out from the crowd. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a gentle and polished typing experience or a bold and crunchy one.
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