TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that provides subtle, nuanced feedback with a gentle tactile bump that enhances typing experience without being overly obtrusive. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is a linear switch known for its lightning-fast actuation, thocky sound, smoothness, and feather-light touch. If you prefer a more understated tactile experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be the ideal choice, whereas if speed and smoothness are your top priorities, the Smoothie Silver could be the better option. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer distinct differences in sound profiles and aesthetics. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is clear and resonant. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials are durable and allow for RGB lighting, the polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Brown Pro offers a more vibrant and visually appealing option compared to the POM top housing of the Smoothie Silver.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Gold Brown Pro utilizes a nylon housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver, which also contributes to the switch's unique sound profile. While both materials offer their own benefits in terms of sound quality, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown Pro may provide a slightly more robust and impactful typing experience compared to the relatively more muted POM bottom housing of the Smoothie Silver.
Overall, the choice between the Gold Brown Pro and the Smoothie Silver ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities in their housing materials, with the Gold Brown Pro providing a sharper, more resonant sound due to its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, while the Smoothie Silver offers a deeper, more muted sound with its POM housing materials. Ultimately, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective housing materials, but users may prefer one over the other based on their individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a light and responsive typing experience. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, making it difficult to compare the two in terms of overall resistance. In general, a lighter actuation force is preferred by those looking for a smoother typing experience, while a heavier force may be favored by those seeking a more tactile feedback. Ultimately, the Gold Brown Pro may be considered slightly lighter due to its tactile nature, while the Smoothie Silver may provide a more consistent force throughout the keystroke. Overall, both switches offer unique advantages based on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch with a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The difference of 0.4 mm may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing or gaming experience depending on personal preference. Those who enjoy a more tactile feedback may prefer the Gold Brown Pro's longer travel distance, while individuals looking for a quicker response time may lean towards the Smoothie Silver's shorter travel distance. Both switches offer their own advantages, and it ultimately comes down to individual preferences in terms of typing or gaming style.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 known for its low-pitched and neutral sound profile, providing a subtle and quiet typing experience. With a thocky sound characteristic, each keystroke produces a satisfying deep "thud" without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch does not have any specific sound descriptors provided. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro offers a polished, silky, and mild typing experience. With a subtle tactile bump, these switches provide a refined and smooth key travel, reducing friction and offering a gentle resistance. The subtle tactility of these switches makes them suitable for shared spaces due to their non-resonant sound signature. Conversely, information on the feel of the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is not provided.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is best suited for those who prefer a subtle and quiet typing experience with a gentle tactile bump. The switches offer a polished and smooth feel, making them suitable for various typing tasks without causing distraction. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch is known for its lightning-fast actuation and thocky sound, but specific information on its feel is not available. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you value a subtle, nuanced tactile experience with a subdued and quiet sound, the Gold Brown Pro is the way to go. It offers a polished, silky feel with a mild and stepped tactile bump, perfect for uninterrupted typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer lightning-fast actuation with a thocky sound and feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver is the ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your typing style and the type of typing experience you prefer.
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