TTC Gold Brown vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Gold Red. The Gold Brown switches are best known for their balanced nature, offering a slight, satisfying bump with a moderate weightiness. They have a rounded sound profile that is softer compared to most switches, making them a great choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. These linear switches offer a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard. Both switches have their unique characteristics and advantages, but 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
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Gold Red switches are very similar. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic experiences with both the Gold Brown and the Gold Red switches.
However, where these switches differ is in their nylon bottom housing. The Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gold Red also features a nylon bottom housing, which will offer a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The bottom housing of both switches plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, emphasizing the impact and experience of pressing down on the keys.
In terms of sound production, the top housing material of these switches will have more influence on the sound when the key is released. This means that the polycarbonate top housing of both the Gold Brown and the Gold Red will provide a distinct sound experience upon key release. Overall, while the housing materials of these switches differ in the bottom housing, they share similar characteristics and performance in terms of their polycarbonate top housing and its impact on sound and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Starting with the actuation force, the Gold Brown switch requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Gold Red switch only requires 43 grams. This indicates that the Gold Red switch has a lighter and more sensitive actuation.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Gold Brown switch has a higher value of 63 grams compared to the Gold Red switch's 50 grams. This implies that the Gold Brown switch offers a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a greater force to fully press down or bottom out.
In terms of weight, both switches have distinct advantages. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Red switch makes it suitable for users who prefer a swift and effortless keystroke, potentially allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing. This lightness is beneficial for those using keyboards in work settings or engaging in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Gold Brown switch provide a more robust and satisfying tactile feedback, which some users find enhances their typing experience.
In summary, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 63 grams, while the TTC Gold Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. These differences in force showcase the varying preferences and typing experiences that individuals can choose from when selecting between these switches.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of movement, resulting in similar tactile feedback. Despite their equal travel distances, it is worth noting that the Gold Brown switch provides a tactile bump when pressed, offering additional feedback to the user. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch provides a smooth linear experience. So, although the travel distances are the same, there is a distinction in the tactile experience between these two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 tactile switch provides a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches, without being completely silent. It is best described as a neutral switch, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. It is best described as a thocky and low-pitched switch, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. It shares the descriptor of being a neutral switch, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience. It falls into the category of a mild switch, providing a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. With this switch, the sound and feel are both in a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, it can be described as buttery and accented, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience and a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The switch is also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. It is also described as silky and subtle, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Like the Gold Brown, the Gold Red switch is also polished, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the TTC Gold Brown and TTC Gold Red switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown switch offers a softer and more rounded sound profile, while the Gold Red switch has a snappier sound with a touch of personality. In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch provides a more gentle and approachable typing experience with a balanced level of tactility, while the Gold Red switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a subtle resistance. However, both switches share the descriptor of being polished, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, the Gold Brown and Gold Red switches offer distinct experiences, but if you prefer a similar result, both switches fall into the category of neutral switches, providing a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for a variety of uses.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced switch that offers a satisfying bump and moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is the way to go. These switches provide a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches without being completely silent. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is the better choice. These switches add a snappy sound profile to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. In terms of sound, the Gold Brown has a neutral profile suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using them at home or work. The Gold Red, on the other hand, offers a thocky and low-pitched sound that is deep and satisfying. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. However, the Gold Brown provides a buttery and accented feel with a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Gold Red, on the other hand, offers a silky and subtle feel with a polished finish as well. Ultimately, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown and Gold Red switches will depend on your preference for bumpiness, weightiness, sound profile, and typing feel.
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