TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is celebrated for its refined tactile feedback, characterized by a gentle tactile bump that allows users to immerse themselves in their work without constant reminders of each keystroke. Its subdued sound profile reinforces this focus, making it an excellent choice for typists who favor a quiet environment with a hint of tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a subtle to moderate tactile feel, balancing their tactile response with a sound profile that complements the experience. While both switches cater to enthusiasts seeking a tactile feel, the Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who prefer an understated, polished typing experience, whereas the Weightlessness appeals to users who enjoy a bit more presence in their keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, it's clear that the top housings differ fundamentally, while the bottom housings share a common composition. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer structure that results in a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This material is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy utilizing RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances illumination effects. In contrast, the Weightlessness's top housing is constructed from nylon, a softer and more absorbent material that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound. This dichotomy positions the Gold Brown Pro as ideal for those seeking a brighter auditory experience, while the Weightlessness appeals to those who prefer a warmer and rounder sound.
Interestingly, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to similar auditory characteristics in this regard. The nylon material is known for absorbing sound, providing a muted yet rich typing experience that is consistent across both switches. This shared characteristic means that, despite their differences in top housing materials, the bottom-out sound and feel produced by both switches will resonate with a fuller, duller tone due to the nylon composition. Consequently, when users are typing, they will experience a profound similarity in depth and richness, regardless of which switch they are using.
Ultimately, the difference in top housing materials creates a varied tactile experience while typing. The Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top produces a sound that accentuates the release phase of each keystroke, providing a bright and clear auditory feedback, while the softer nylon top of the Weightlessness contributes to a muted experience as the sound fades more subtly. This separation of auditory profiles is essential for users looking for specific sound qualities in their keyboard. However, since both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, a notable commonality emerges, ensuring that the key bottoming out experience retains a similar depth and fullness across both switch types.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch to the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we note a difference in their actuation forces. The Gold Brown Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Weightlessness switch is heavier at 50 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions might find the Gold Brown Pro more suitable for their needs, as it requires less force to actuate. However, the Weightlessness may appeal to those who favor a firmer feel during typing, giving a more substantial experience. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which means for both switches, it's unclear how much force is needed to completely press down the key. As such, one can't directly compare their bottoming out experiences, but the difference in actuation force is clear with the Weightlessness being the heavier option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find that the Gold Brown Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Weightlessness comes in slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This difference highlights a distinct preference depending on the user’s typing style or purpose. For gamers looking for quicker response times, the Gateron Weightlessness may be more appropriate due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for swifter actuation. Conversely, the TTC Gold Brown Pro, with its greater depth, offers a more substantial feel that some users appreciate for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, these two switches cater to different preferences; the Gold Brown Pro is designed for those who favor a deeper travel distance, while the Weightlessness targets those seeking speed 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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 rich and satisfying auditory experience with its thocky profile combined with a neutral undertone. This means that each keystroke produces a deep thud that enhances the typing experience without being overly loud, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a balanced sound profile, but the specifics of its sound characteristics were not detailed. However, it's reasonable to expect that it would not stray too far from the Gold Brown Pro's understated signature since both promote a subtle auditory experience. Ultimately, the sound could vary depending on the keyboard and keycap choices used, but both switches appear designed for those who prefer a quieter performance.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch excels with its polished and silky finish. This results in a smooth and refined typing experience, characterized by minimal friction and resistance. The switch’s gentle tactile bump adds to its mild and subtle nature, making it approachable for typists of all skill levels. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch does not have a defined feel described, leaving some aspects unknown. However, given that it offers a subtle to moderate tactile feel, it may also provide a smooth typing experience, similar to the Gold Brown Pro. The lack of detailed descriptors means that while the Weightlessness may not deliver as pronounced a tactile experience, it still likely provides a comfortable and manageable sensation.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches cater to users seeking a restrained tactile experience and sound profile. The Gold Brown Pro is particularly noted for its polished and silky feel, along with a thocky sound, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate nuanced feedback and a quiet environment. While the Weightlessness switch does not have as much detailed information available, its subtle to moderate tactile response suggests it could offer similar satisfying results in terms of feel and sound. Overall, users looking for understated yet enjoyable typing experiences will find admirable qualities in both switches, allowing them to choose based on personal preference for additional nuances in sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches primarily hinges on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you favor a more subtle, nuanced tactile experience that allows you to stay focused on your tasks without distractions, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is an excellent option. Its polished and silky feel, along with a thocky yet neutral sound profile, makes it ideal for those who work in quieter settings or simply want a typing experience that doesn’t draw attention to itself. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feel that strikes a balance between subtlety and moderate feedback while maintaining a harmonious sound profile, the Gateron Weightlessness might be the right fit for you. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits and the importance you place on sound and feedback; both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your keyboard experience, but understanding your preferences is key to making the best selection.
Mentioned in this article
