TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Silent Red offer distinctly different typing experiences. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that provides a subtle and nuanced feedback with its gentle tactile bump, allowing for a quiet and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red is a linear switch known for its smooth and seamless typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a muted sound profile. While the Gold Brown Pro is ideal for those who value understated tactile experiences, the Silent Red is great for office or shared living spaces due to its quiet operation. 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
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Silent Red switches are quite similar, as they both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, polycarbonate is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housings. The Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent Red also has a nylon bottom housing that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the same top housing material, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile, whereas the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound. These differences in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and the sound produced by each switch. Additionally, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials of a switch can determine the overall sound profile and feel of the switch when typing.
In summary, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and TTC Silent Red switches contribute to their distinct sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp and clear sound, their nylon bottom housings offer different sound characteristics - with the Gold Brown Pro providing a deeper sound profile and the Silent Red producing a duller sound. Understanding the impact of these housing materials on the overall typing experience can help users make an informed decision when choosing between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users will get a similar typing experience in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Gold Brown Pro has an unknown bottom out force, while the Silent Red has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This means that the Silent Red switch will require a slightly heavier force to fully press the key compared to the Gold Brown Pro switch, which may affect the typing experience for users who prefer a lighter touch. Overall, those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Gold Brown Pro, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Silent Red.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly longer than the TTC Silent Red linear switch with a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for individuals looking for a quicker response time. Gamers, in particular, may lean towards the Gold Brown Pro for its slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. However, those who prefer a smoother and quicker keystroke may opt for the Silent Red. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches comes down to individual preference for travel distance and the desired typing experience.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 offers a thocky and low-pitched experience with a neutral tone, creating a deep and satisfying sound that is perfect for those looking for a more subtle auditory feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red provides a muted sound profile, ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience suitable for shared environments like offices or homes where noise may be a concern.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro switch is polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, offering a refined, smooth, and gentle typing experience with a slight tactile bump for added feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation that is smooth and effortless.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who value a subtle tactile feel and thocky sound, while the Silent Red is ideal for individuals looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific environment in which they will be used. Both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value subtle tactility and a whisper-quiet typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and seamless typing feel with minimal noise, the Silent Red switch is the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a nuanced tactile feedback or a muted sound profile in your mechanical keyboard switches. Choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and environment to enhance your overall typing experience.
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