TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offer two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Gold Brown Pro, a tactile switch, is designed for users who appreciate a gentle touch of feedback beneath their fingers. Its subtle tactile bump allows typists to remain focused without feeling overwhelmed by the keystrokes, and its low-pitched, silky sound profile ensures that typing remains a quiet affair. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a linear switch that prioritizes smoothness and consistency, making it ideal for those who enjoy a fluid typing experience without the interruption of tactile feedback. With its thocky sound profile, this switch can add a satisfying auditory element to your typing sessions, making it a great choice for gamers and typists seeking a more dynamic feel. While both switches have their unique advantages—one promoting a serene and understated typing experience, the other delivering an engaging and smooth interaction—it's essential to dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie present a fascinating comparison in housing materials that significantly affect their respective sound profiles. The Gold Brown Pro's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This crisp sound is amplified by the plastic's translucency, making it particularly suitable for RGB setups. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM top housing, which results in a deeper, more muted sound profile. While both switches may excel in their own right, they create starkly different auditory experiences. The choice between them will ultimately depend on whether one prefers the vibrant, resonant tones of polycarbonate or the warm, subdued qualities of POM.
Examining the bottom housing further illustrates the differences in sound dynamics between these two switch designs. The Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing, a classic material that yields a fuller and deeper sound by absorbing vibrations more effectively. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie also boasts a POM bottom housing. While both switches utilize POM in their top housings, the Smoother’s bottom housing maintains its muted sound profile. This difference suggests that the tactile experience when bottoming out could feel less pronounced and rounder on the Gold Brown Pro than on the Sea Salt Smoothie. Consequently, both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, relying on their materials to shape the auditory feedback during typing sessions.
In summary, while the Gold Brown Pro and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie share some similarities in build quality, such as their reliance on POM and how different materials can influence sound profiles, their unique combinations lead to contrasting typing experiences. The Gold Brown Pro, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, favors a brighter and more lively sound, while the POM-housed Sea Salt Smoothie offers a deeper, more muted auditory experience. Typists seeking a balance of sound clarity and warmth may find that both switches can be tailored to their preferences, yet the choice ultimately hinges on personal taste regarding the interplay of sound and feel afforded by their materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force reveal interesting differences. The Gold Brown Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is slightly heavier, requiring 48 grams to achieve actuation. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which means we can't directly compare that metric. However, the difference in actuation force indicates that the Gold Brown Pro is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for users who type for extended periods or require less effort during gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its heavier actuation force, may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This indicates that the Gold Brown Pro offers a more pronounced feel during typing, allowing for a more substantial tactile feedback, which may appeal to those who enjoy depth in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, could provide quicker response times, making it an attractive option for gamers seeking agility in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you prefer a more pronounced feel, the Gold Brown Pro is the better choice, while those who favor speed may gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie. Although the travel distances are close, the 0.1 mm difference highlights the preference for longer or shorter keystrokes depending on individual typing style and use case.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 sound profile of the TTC Gold Brown Pro is notably subdued, characterized as low-pitched and neutral. This results in a typing experience that is gentle on the ears, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quieter environment, whether at home or in the office. When a key is pressed, the switch emits a wholesome thock that is deep and satisfying, akin to a soft knock, yet it remains unobtrusive enough to not disrupt one's concentration. Unfortunately, specific sound characteristics of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie are not provided, leaving its exact auditory qualities open to interpretation. However, it's worth noting that sound perception can vary greatly depending on the keyboard build and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro offers a polished and silky typing experience, which is enhanced by its mild and subtle tactile feedback. This smoothness minimizes friction during key presses, allowing for a fluid typing experience that is still satisfying due to the gentle tactile bump. The overall feel encourages prolonged use without fatiguing the fingers, catering to typists who appreciate a more refined touch. Like the sound, the tactile characteristics of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie aren't explicitly mentioned, but its medium weight suggests it could potentially provide a different or unique typing experience altogether.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is designed for those who appreciate a softer, quieter, and more nuanced tactile experience, featuring a thocky sound profile and a smooth feel. The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, while lacking specific details, may offer a contrasting experience given its linear nature, potentially appealing to users who prefer uninterrupted keystrokes without tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches cater to distinct user preferences, making the choice between them a matter of personal typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie really depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you relish a subtle tactile experience that allows you to type with minimal distraction—perfect for maintaining focus during long typing sessions—the Gold Brown Pro would be an excellent choice. Its gentle tactile bump provides just enough feedback without being intrusive, making it ideal for work environments where quiet operation is desired. On the other hand, if you desire a smooth, linear switch with a satisfying thocky sound, the Sea Salt Smoothie is the way to go. Its excellent smoothness and sound profile can enhance the overall typing experience, giving you the gratifying auditory feedback that makes typing enjoyable, especially for casual gaming or typing enthusiasts. Ultimately, consider your typing style, environment, and the sensory feedback you appreciate most to make an informed decision that suits your needs.
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