TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Yunhai are striking, each catering to distinct preferences in typing experience. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is designed for users who appreciate a tactile feel without overwhelming feedback; its gentle bump provides a background sensation that allows for immersion in writing or gaming, complemented by a soft sound profile that ensures minimal distraction. This switch is often favored by those who seek a polished and subtle typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches deliver an entirely different sensation, characterized by an incredibly light actuation force and a deep, rounded sound. This feathery touch makes typing feel effortless, ideal for users who prefer a smooth, linear experience without tactile interruptions. While the Gold Brown Pro offers understated tactility suited for focused tasks, the Yunhai embraces a weightless feel that can foster speed and fluidity in typing. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Yunhai exhibit contrasting materials in their top housings, which greatly influences their overall sound profiles. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature. This rigidity allows it to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of the polycarbonate is also advantageous for users who want to utilize RGB lighting, as it enhances the visual effects. Conversely, the Yunhai adopts a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, characterized by a duller and rounder acoustic experience. Therefore, while both switches bring their own unique auditory characteristics, the Gold Brown Pro is tailored for a more vibrant sound suited for RGB environments while the Yunhai is designed for a warmer, more muted tone.
In contrast, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Yunhai utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a commonality between the two switches. The nylon material contributes to a rich and rounded sound profile, ensuring that both switches have a similar sonic experience when it comes to the bottom-out sound. This shared characteristic means that when pressed, users would experience a consistent depth and fullness in sound, regardless of the differing top housings. Thus, while the Gold Brown Pro's top housing sharpens its overall sound palette, the nylon bottom housing ensures a cohesive, deeper sound that resonates similarly in both switches.
Ultimately, the interplay of materials in each switch produces a distinct but complementary auditory experience. The differences in the top housings lead to variation in the first half of the sound profile, affecting how the key feels and sounds while pressing down. In contrast, the similarity in the bottom housing serves to unify the sound experience during the bottom-out phase. This combination means that users could expect a bright and vibrant response from the Gold Brown Pro when topped with the polycarbonate housing, while still enjoying the plush, rich resonance characteristic of nylon found in both switches. Therefore, despite their differences, one could achieve a balanced auditory experience with both switches through the integration of their unique material qualities.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch with the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we can note that the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, while the Yunhai has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This difference means that the Gold Brown Pro may be more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, as the increased force can provide a stronger tactile feedback. In terms of bottom out force, the Yunhai linear switch features a known bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force remains unspecified. Therefore, we cannot make a direct comparison on that aspect. Consequently, users focused on lighter actuation may prefer the Yunhai switch due to its lower actuation force, making it an ideal choice for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Gold Brown Pro might appeal to those who appreciate a heavier feel in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, whereas the TTC Yunhai linear switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Gold Brown Pro offers a more pronounced tactile experience and a bit more depth in key presses, which may cater to users who appreciate a fuller key feel. On the other hand, the Yunhai’s shorter travel distance could appeal to gamers or those seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster key actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches hinges on individual preferences; if you prioritize responsiveness, the Yunhai may be the better option, while the Gold Brown Pro is ideal for those who prefer a more substantial keystroke.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 is known for its subtlety, providing a low-key auditory experience. Users can expect a thocky sound when a key is pressed—meaning it produces a deep, rich thud that contributes to a satisfying typing experience without being overwhelming. This is accompanied by a neutral aspect that ensures the switch isn’t too loud or too quiet, making it a versatile choice for those using it in shared spaces. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches are characterized by their deep, rounded sound profile, which is more subdued than the Gold Brown Pro. Even though specific descriptions of the Yunhai's sound are not provided, it can be inferred that their deeper profile offers a softer auditory experience, conducive to a quieter typing atmosphere.
When examining the feel of these two switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro stands out with its polished and silky sensations. The switch is designed for a smooth, refined typing experience with mild tactile feedback that conveys a gentle resistance without being overly pronounced. This makes it approachable for users who prefer an immersive and undistracted typing experience. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai switches provide a feathery feel that essentially makes pressing the keys feel effortless due to their light actuation force. While the Gold Brown Pro offers a nuanced and polished interaction, the Yunhai aims to minimize finger fatigue through a notably lighter touch, making it suitable for long typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the TTC Yunhai switches present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro delivers a rich tactile feedback with a subtle sound, ideal for users who appreciate nuanced experiences, while the Yunhai's light and feathery touch focuses on ease-of-press and a deep, rounded sound profile. While they possess distinct characteristics, users will find that each can deliver a satisfying typing experience, whether one favors the understated brilliance of the Gold Brown Pro or the effortless typing of the Yunhai. The choice ultimately depends on individual typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you're seeking. If you appreciate a subtle tactile feedback that allows you to immerse yourself in your typing without frequent distractions, the Gold Brown Pro is an excellent choice. Its polished and silky feel, combined with a delicate sound profile, makes it suitable for shared spaces or serene work environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more effortless keystroke that permits long sessions of gaming or typing with minimal finger strain, the Yunhai switch is ideal for you. Its feathery touch and deep, rounded sound profile provide a unique and satisfying experience that is perfect for those who enjoy a smooth and cushy typing experience. Ultimately, consider how you want your keyboard to feel and sound during use; this will guide you toward the switch that best complements your typing style.
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