TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Silent Brown mechanical keyboard switches, one can see that both switches offer a tactile typing experience. The Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback, allowing typists to focus on their tasks without being distracted by loud keypresses. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch also offers a tactile bump but with a more rounded feel and a muted sound profile. While the Gold Brown Pro is polished, thocky, and low-pitched, the Silent Brown is buttery, mild, and polished. Both switches cater to individuals looking for a comfortable typing experience with tactile feedback, but their differences lie in the level of tactility and sound produced. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Silent Brown, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness and clarity. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the Gold Brown Pro has a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder tone. The Silent Brown also features a nylon bottom housing, providing similar acoustic qualities to the Gold Brown Pro.
Despite sharing a polycarbonate top housing, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Silent Brown differ in their bottom housing materials. The Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing produces a distinctive sound profile that is deeper and fuller compared to the sharper sound created by the polycarbonate top housing. Conversely, the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing also offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a similar typing experience to the Gold Brown Pro. The choice of bottom housing material significantly impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed.
Overall, the unique combination of housing materials in each switch contributes to their individual sound profiles. While both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing for a crisp and resonant sound, the Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller tone, highlighting the impact of different materials on switch performance. The Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing creates a similar sound profile to the Gold Brown Pro, showcasing how variations in housing materials can influence the overall typing experience. Ultimately, understanding the role of top and bottom housing materials is essential for selecting the right switch to suit individual preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent pressure requirement for triggering keypresses. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The Gold Brown Pro has no information available regarding its bottom out force, while the Silent Brown has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium to heavy switch in comparison. In terms of weight, the Gold Brown Pro may be lighter due to the lack of information on its bottom out force, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions where lighter actuation may be preferred. On the other hand, the Silent Brown's heavier bottom out force could offer a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and TTC Silent Brown tactile switches have the same travel distance of 3.8 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distance, both switches offer the same amount of key travel for users to type comfortably. This means that whether you choose the Gold Brown Pro or the Silent Brown, you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will have a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch they select.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 is known for its thocky and low-pitched profile, offering a deep and rich sound with a moderate level of noise. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch provides a muted sound experience, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Depending on your preference for sound, the Gold Brown Pro may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, while the Silent Brown may be a better option for those seeking a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Brown Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and slightly stepped, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle tactile feel. In contrast, the Silent Brown switch is characterized as buttery, mild, and polished, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke with a gentle tactile bump. Both switches fall into the mild category in terms of typing experience, making them suitable for most users looking for a comfortable and approachable feel while typing.
Taking into consideration the information provided, it is evident that the TTC Gold Brown Pro and TTC Silent Brown switches cater to different preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro excels in providing a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback and a moderate noise level, while the Silent Brown offers a quieter and smoother typing experience with a soft tactile bump. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, as both options provide a high-quality typing experience with their own unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a subtle and nuanced tactile feedback with a subdued sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro would be the ideal choice for you. This switch allows for a quiet and immersive typing experience, perfect for those who value minimal distraction. On the other hand, if you desire a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, the Silent Brown switch is the way to go. Its muted sound profile ensures a softer and quieter typing session. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a gentle and understated tactile feel or a comfortable and quiet typing experience. So, weigh your preferences carefully and choose the switch that best aligns with your needs and preferences.
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