TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Kailh Sage 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 Kailh Sage stand out as excellent options with distinct features. The Gold Brown Pro, a tactile switch, is perfect for those who prefer subtle feedback and a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, offers a more pronounced tactile and auditory experience with a heavier actuation force. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Kailh Sage, it is clear that both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Sage's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Kailh Sage share polycarbonate top housings, their differences lie in the bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown Pro offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Sage's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. These differences in material impact the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing allow for a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Kailh Sage play a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. While both switches have polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown Pro produces a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Sage. These differences result in distinct typing experiences, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Overall, the choice of housing materials can greatly influence the overall performance and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sage, whose actuation force is unknown. However, the Sage has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro is not provided. These differences in actuation and bottom out forces can significantly impact typing and gaming experiences. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Gold Brown Pro for extended typing sessions, while those who enjoy a firmer keystroke may opt for the Sage for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Sage switch slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the Gold Brown Pro. The shorter travel distance of the Sage switch may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the slightly longer travel distance of the Gold Brown Pro may provide a more substantial feeling when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key 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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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 known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deep and satisfying typing experience that is not disruptive to others. In contrast, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, providing a distinct and sharp auditory feedback. When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown Pro is described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance. On the other hand, the Sage provides an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, with a firm actuation force for a dynamic and responsive typing sensation.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is ideal for those who prefer a subtle and understated tactile experience with a quiet typing sound, while the Kailh Sage switch caters to users seeking a more pronounced and clicky typing feedback. Depending on your preferences, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, whether you value a gentle immersion in tasks or crave a sharp and invigorating feel with each keypress. Ultimately, choosing between the Gold Brown Pro and Sage switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a subtle and refined tactile feedback with a quiet sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced clicky typing experience with a heavier actuation force, the Sage switch may be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider how you like to type and what kind of feedback you prefer before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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