TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the KTT Semi Mute 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 KTT Semi Mute offer distinct experiences for different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that provides subtle feedback with a gentle bump, ensuring a quiet and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute is a linear switch that offers completely silent operation, ideal for those who prioritize a noise-free environment. The Semi Mute also features advanced dampening technology for a comfortable typing feel. While the Gold Brown Pro is polished, thocky, and low-pitched, the Semi Mute is buttery and muted. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to specific needs and preferences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Gold Brown Pro and the Semi Mute both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which leads to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing, which offers a sharper and clearer sound. The difference in bottom housing material will impact the overall sound and feel of the switches when pressed.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, the Gold Brown Pro and the Semi Mute diverge in their choice of bottom housing material, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing, being stiffer, contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound experience. This difference in bottom housing material showcases how varying materials can impact the overall typing experience and sound output of a switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Brown Pro and the Semi Mute will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Gold Brown Pro offers a unique blend of sharpness and depth in sound, while the Semi Mute's consistent polycarbonate construction provides a more uniform, crisp sound profile. Whether one prefers a duller, fuller sound or a sharper, clearer tone, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. Additionally, the impact of the bottom housing material on the bottom-out sound and feel adds another layer of customization and variability for keyboard enthusiasts to consider.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, we see that the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Semi Mute's 43 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, while the Semi Mute has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. The Gold Brown Pro provides a lighter actuation force but lacks information on the bottom out force, while the Semi Mute offers a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Gold Brown Pro, while those wanting a more pronounced typing feel may opt for the Semi Mute. In either case, users can expect similar results in terms of force sensitivity when it comes to actuation force, but the experience may differ when it comes to bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Semi Mute linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Semi Mute. The difference may not be significant, but if you prefer a slightly shorter keystroke, the Gold Brown Pro may be the better option for you. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Brown Pro leaning towards the shallower end and the Semi Mute towards the deeper end. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for key travel depth and responsiveness.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is characterized as thocky and low-pitched, providing a satisfying and deep sound upon actuation. This switch falls under the neutral category, suitable for various users and settings. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is known for its muted sound profile, minimizing noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Also falling under the neutral category, it offers a quieter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize a noise-free environment. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Gold Brown Pro offering a more pronounced thocky sound compared to the Semi Mute's softer and quieter tone.
Regarding feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, offering a refined and smooth typing experience with gentle resistance and a light touch. This switch provides a comfortable and approachable typing feel suitable for shared spaces. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switch is labeled as buttery and mild, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke experience with a gentle typing feel that is also approachable to most users. Both switches prioritize a pleasant typing sensation, with the Gold Brown Pro offering a more nuanced and refined feel compared to the Semi Mute's smooth and uniform keystroke experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch cater to different preferences and needs. While the Gold Brown Pro offers a more pronounced tactile feedback with a subtle sound profile, the Semi Mute focuses on providing a quieter and smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences for tactile feedback and sound levels during typing. It is important to consider factors such as the keyboard setup and keycaps used to optimize the overall typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you value a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a quiet typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and desire a smooth and buttery typing feel, the Semi Mute switch would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a gentle tactile bump or a linear actuation, as well as whether you prioritize a low sound profile or a completely silent operation. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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