TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue are two popular options that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch known for its subtle feedback and quiet operation, perfect for those who value a refined typing experience without the distraction of loud keystrokes. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is a linear switch that offers a deep and thocky sound profile, providing a bouncy and enjoyable typing experience for a wide range of users. While the Gold Brown Pro is prized for its understated tactility, the Tourmaline Blue stands out for its satisfying sound and 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
59g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, we can see that they both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This means that both switches will have a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing touch to the overall setup. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal when comparing these two switches based on their polycarbonate top housing.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with its top housing to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile overall. This contrast in bottom housing material may result in a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, as the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the key press.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing in both switches ensures a clear and resonant sound profile that is enhanced by the stiffness of the material. While the Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing complements its top housing for a harmonious typing experience. Ultimately, users can choose between these switches based on their preference for a softer, more absorbent sound profile with the Gold Brown Pro, or a sharper and crisper sound profile with the Everglide Tourmaline Blue.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown Pro is lighter in both aspects. The Gold Brown Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams, making the Gold Brown Pro the lighter option for those who prefer a softer touch when typing. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Brown Pro's force is unknown, while the Tourmaline Blue has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. For users looking for a switch with a more substantial typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue would be the better choice. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences, with the Gold Brown Pro being lighter and the Tourmaline Blue being heavier.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Brown Pro being on the shorter side and the Tourmaline Blue being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the Gold Brown Pro for its quicker response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Tourmaline Blue with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 offers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, producing a subtle and mellow typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch provides a more thocky and deep sound that immerses the user in each keystroke. Both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various environments and user preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference for sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is characterized by its polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped qualities, offering a refined and gentle typing experience with minimal resistance. In comparison, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as buttery, easy-to-press, and mild, providing a smooth and effortless keystroke with gentle resistance. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel that caters to a wide range of users. Again, the decision between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for typing feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches each have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro switch offers a more subdued and refined sound with a gentle typing experience, while the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a satisfyingly deep sound with a smooth keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether the user values a more subtle and nuanced typing experience (Gold Brown Pro) or a thocky and bouncy typing feel (Tourmaline Blue). However, both switches offer a neutral sound profile and a comfortable typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of overall quality and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your preference for the typing experience you desire. If you value a subtle tactile bump and a subdued sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deep and thocky sound profile with a tactile-less linear switch, the Tourmaline Blue could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience or a smooth linear one. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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