TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and SP-Star Yanyu offer distinct typing experiences. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that provides a subtle feedback with its gentle bump, allowing for an immersive typing experience without loud keypresses. On the other hand, the Yanyu is a linear switch that offers a delicate typing experience perfect for long typing sessions, with a crisp sound profile. While the Gold Brown Pro is best suited for those who value understated tactility, the Yanyu is ideal for those seeking a polished and feathery typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
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 Gold Brown Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their respective top and bottom housing materials. The Gold Brown Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Yanyu features a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, which provides a pleasant, bright sound profile that is not particularly sharp. Both offer distinct sound profiles, with the Gold Brown Pro leaning towards a crisper sound and the Yanyu providing a brighter tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Gold Brown Pro uses a classic nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In comparison, the Yanyu employs a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing, creating a unique and pleasant sound profile that is also on the brighter side. While both bottom housing materials offer differences in sound profile, they each contribute to the overall typing experience by influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
In summary, while the Gold Brown Pro and the SP-Star Yanyu have different housing materials for both their top and bottom components, they each provide unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, while its nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller tone. On the other hand, the Yanyu's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in both top and bottom housings results in a pleasant and bright sound profile. Ultimately, users can choose between these switches based on their sound preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Yanyu has a lighter bottom out force of 43 grams, while the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro is unknown. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gold Brown Pro for longer typing sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier bottom out force of the Yanyu for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, the Gold Brown Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Yanyu has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Brown Pro being on the shorter end and the Yanyu being slightly longer. The Gold Brown Pro may appeal to gamers looking for a faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, while the Yanyu might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences 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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 profile that creates a deep, satisfying sound with each press. This neutral sound profile makes it suitable for various environments, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned typist. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch also boasts a neutral sound profile with a thocky quality that produces a deep, rich sound. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant typing experience without being too loud or distracting.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is described as offering a polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped typing experience. These qualities result in a smooth and refined keystroke with gentle resistance and minimal friction. Similarly, the SP-Star Yayu switch provides a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant and approachable typing experience that is suitable for long periods of use.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Yayu linear switch offer excellent sound and feel profiles for individuals seeking a refined typing experience. While the Gold Brown Pro provides a more nuanced tactile feedback, the Yayu switch focuses on a delicate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing needs of the user. However, users can expect similar quality results in terms of sound and feel from both switches, allowing for a pleasant and immersive typing experience regardless of the choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value subtle tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro would be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile and light actuation force, the Yanyu switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the kind of typing feel you are seeking in your mechanical keyboard. Choose wisely based on your preferences and enjoy the satisfying typing experience that suits you best.
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