TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer unique experiences for typists looking for different qualities in their keyboards. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that appeals to those who prefer a subtle tactile bump with a quiet sound profile, perfect for staying focused on tasks without distractions. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that showcases a buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. If you value understated tactility and a gentle keystroke, the Gold Brown Pro may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you seek a smooth and consistent typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon could be the perfect fit. But beyond these general characteristics, let's dive in a bit deeper to help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both feature polycarbonate top housings, which are known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound profile, both switches will offer similar results due to the shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housings. The Gold Brown Pro boasts a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon also features a nylon bottom housing, so both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetic preferences. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharp, high-pitched sound, the subtle differences in their bottom housings may influence the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound with the Gold Brown Pro or a deeper, fuller sound with the Sea Salt Lemon, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is heavier with 53 grams compared to the unknown bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro switch. The lighter actuation force of both switches may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience for extended periods, while the heavier bottom out force of the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a more robust typing experience. In this way, users can choose between the two switches based on their preference for weight and force when it comes to typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Brown Pro. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Brown Pro being slightly shallower and the Sea Salt Lemon being slightly deeper. Gamers may prefer the Gold Brown Pro for its shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial key press may prefer the Sea Salt Lemon with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference 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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 and low-pitched experience, providing a deep and satisfying sound that is not overly loud or distracting. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a more subtle auditory feedback during typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch also boasts a low-pitched sound profile, which creates a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. While both switches share a neutral sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro may offer a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the Sea Salt Lemon.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is praised for its polished, silky, and subtle typing experience. The switches are described as mild, offering a gentle and refined feel that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Gold Brown Pro features a stepped design, providing a two-stage tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience without being too pronounced. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is recognized for its mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. The switches provide smooth key travel and minimal resistance, thanks to KTT's dry-lube design.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro excels in providing a subtle tactile feedback with a thocky sound profile, ideal for users who appreciate a more refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch delivers a buttery smooth typing experience with a low-pitched sound, making it a versatile option for various users. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that newcomers to mechanical keyboards can find a switch that suits their needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactile feedback and typing experience. If you value a subtle tactile bump and a quiet typing experience, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is the way to go. It offers a polished and silky feel with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, perfect for those seeking a refined and understated typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is a great option. With its mild feel and low-pitched sound, these switches provide a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. Consider your typing style and desired level of feedback when choosing between these two switches, as both offer unique advantages based on your preferences.
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