TTC Gold Brown vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, with the TTC Gold Red Pro, a linear switch, it is important to consider the key characteristics that set them apart. The Gold Brown is praised for its balanced feel, offering a slight bump and moderate weightiness that provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, with a smooth and effortless press that caters to a wide range of user preferences. While the Gold Brown is known for its softer sound profile, the Gold Red Pro boasts a neutral sound signature that is suitable for any environment. Both switches have their own strengths and reasons why you might choose one over the other, 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
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and TTC Gold Red Pro both feature polycarbonate top housings, which deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate. This material is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the light to shine through effectively. However, while the top housings are the same, the Gold Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Gold Red Pro also features a polycarbonate bottom housing for a similar effect.
When it comes to the difference in bottom housings, the Gold Brown's nylon material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, providing a rounder and duller sound upon typing. This contrasts with the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile but with a sharper and crisper edge compared to nylon. Despite these variations, both housing materials offer unique benefits in terms of sound quality based on their respective properties.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and TTC Gold Red Pro housing materials ultimately depends on personal preference and the sound profile desired. While both switches offer a sharp, high-pitched sound profile with their polycarbonate top housings, the type of bottom housing used will influence the overall sound experience. Whether opting for the softer sound absorption of nylon in the Gold Brown or the sharper resonant quality of polycarbonate in the Gold Red Pro, users can tailor their typing experience to suit their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gold Red Pro. The Gold Brown requires an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Weight is an important factor to consider, as a lighter switch allows for longer typing periods and is suitable for work or gaming sessions. In contrast, a heavier switch provides a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with different preferences in terms of typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Gold Red Pro. While both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Gold Brown being on the longer side and the Gold Red Pro being on the shorter side, the difference between them may be subtle but noticeable to those who are extremely sensitive to keypress feedback. Gamers seeking faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Gold Red Pro, while those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Gold Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness.
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 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 Red Pro for $2.90.
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 is known for its neutral sound profile, offering a moderate and comfortable auditory experience suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched sound, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying auditory feedback. Both switches have a neutral sound signature, making them versatile and adaptable to different environments depending on personal preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gold Brown is praised for its mild and buttery typing experience, offering a gentle but smooth keystroke that falls into a safe middle-ground zone of tactility and typing satisfaction. The Gold Red Pro, on the other hand, boasts a polished and silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches feature mild characteristics that make typing comfortable and approachable to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both provide a pleasant and satisfying typing experience suitable for various preferences and environments. Whether you prefer a balanced and rounded sound profile with a satisfying bump or a versatile and seamless typing experience with a harmonious sound signature, both switches deliver reliability and performance. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style, as both options offer high quality and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between TTC Gold Brown tactile switches and TTC Gold Red Pro linear switches, it all comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you prefer a balanced switch with a moderate weightiness and a softer sound profile, the Gold Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a versatile switch with a seamless typing experience and a harmonious sound signature, the Gold Red Pro might be more suitable. Ultimately, consider your typing style, environment, and desired feel and sound when making the decision between these two excellent switch options.
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