TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who appreciate a subtle tactile feedback, with a gentle bump that provides just the right amount of feedback without being overly distracting. Its low-pitched and silky feel, combined with a subdued sound profile, make it ideal for those who value a quiet and understated typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers a unique blend of whisper-quiet topping-out sound and clacky bottom-out sound, making it a great option for those who prefer a smooth and polished typing feel. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The key difference between the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is that the Gold Brown Pro utilizes a combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, while the Semi-Silent Linear uses polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. This means that the Gold Brown Pro will offer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the polycarbonate top housing, while providing a deeper and fuller sound profile through the nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate housing on both top and bottom will create a consistently sharp and crisp sound profile throughout typing.
In terms of aesthetics, both the Gold Brown Pro and the Semi-Silent Linear feature polycarbonate top housings, making them visually appealing options for users who plan to use RGB lighting. The Gold Brown Pro's clear polycarbonate top housing will allow the RGB lighting to shine through more vibrantly, while the Semi-Silent Linear's translucent polycarbonate top housing will also provide a similar aesthetic effect. However, the Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing may offer a more classic look compared to the Semi-Silent Linear's all-polycarbonate design.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear will mainly come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetics. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Gold Brown Pro will provide a unique typing experience with a mix of sharp and deep sound qualities, while the all-polycarbonate construction of the Semi-Silent Linear will maintain a consistently crisp and clear sound profile. Both switches offer the benefits of using polycarbonate in the top housing for enhanced RGB lighting effects, ensuring a visually pleasing experience for users who prioritize aesthetics.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, but the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is heavier with a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Gold Brown Pro may be more ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear may cater to those who prefer a firmer feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm standard. The Gold Brown Pro is slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Semi-Silent Linear, which could result in a slightly deeper key press feel. Gamers may favor the Gold Brown Pro for its slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial keypress, while those looking for a faster response time may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Semi-Silent Linear. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for keypress 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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 tactile switch offers a low-pitched and thocky experience, creating a deep and satisfying sound with each press. The switch maintains a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a subdued sound that is dampened and subtle, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Both switches provide a moderate sound profile, ensuring they are versatile options for different typing preferences.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance. The switch offers a nuanced tactile feel with a background presence that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, ensuring a gentle and responsive typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke. Both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel, catering to users who value different levels of tactility and smoothness in their switches.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offer unique qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle tactile bump with a thocky and low-pitched sound, the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a smooth and quiet typing experience with a subdued sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer a more tactile or linear experience, both switches deliver on their respective strengths in providing a satisfying and immersive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a subtle tactile feedback with a quiet sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and quiet typing feel with a medium actuation force, the Semi-Silent Linear switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a nuanced tactile experience or a silky smooth typing feel with minimal noise. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your personal preferences.
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