TTC Gold Brown vs. Huano Grape Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Huano Grape Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown and the Huano Grape Orange offer distinctly different experiences tailored to various typing preferences. The Gold Brown is celebrated for its balanced feel, featuring a slight tactile bump that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the user. Its moderate weightiness and rounded sound profile make it an appealing option for both typists and gamers alike, providing a satisfying feedback with each keystroke while maintaining a softer acoustic presence. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange switch prioritizes a light and effortless typing experience, requiring only 40g of actuation force, making it ideal for those who spend long hours typing and seek minimal fatigue. While the Gold Brown is perfect for users who enjoy a tactile sensation and a touch of auditory feedback, the Grape Orange excels in delivering a smooth, linear operation that allows for fast-paced inputs. 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
40g
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
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and Huano Grape Orange switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a similar audible output characteristic between the two models. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that enhances the overall auditory experience. This shared material also allows for RGB lighting to shine through effectively, as the translucency of polycarbonate facilitates vibrant illumination while maintaining sound clarity. Consequently, both switches are expected to deliver a clear and resonant sound signature, which is particularly appealing to users looking for a more engaging typing experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the TTC Gold Brown and Huano Grape Orange switches is made of nylon, a material that contributes a distinctly different sound profile. Nylon's characteristics as a softer plastic lead to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This sonic dampening effect results in a duller and rounder auditory experience, contrasting with the sharper sounds produced by the polycarbonate top housing. While both switches feature consistent nylon bottom housings, it is the combination of their polycarbonate tops that balances their auditory results. As such, users can expect that the impact of the nylon on sound properties will be more pronounced during key presses, providing a contrasted typing feel when compared to the top housing.
When the differences in housing materials are considered, the dual approach of the TTC Gold Brown and Huano Grape Orange yields a well-rounded typing experience. The interplay between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing allows users to benefit from the stiffness and clarity of the polycarbonate for released keystrokes while experiencing the warmth and fullness brought forth by the nylon upon bottoming out. This synergy not only builds a unique auditory atmosphere across both switches but also showcases how the combination of materials can lead to an enriched tactile feedback that aligns with user preferences for sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Brown features a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more engaged typing experience. In contrast, the Grape Orange has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users looking for a switch that allows for longer typing sessions with less strain on the fingers. The differences in both actuation and bottom out forces indicate that the Gold Brown is the heavier option, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push, while the Grape Orange stands out as the lighter choice, suitable for users who favor a more effortless keystroke. Consequently, if both switches are used in typing or gaming scenarios, users can expect different tactile experiences based on their preferences for force feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, we observe that the Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm while the Grape Orange measures 3.6 mm. The Gold Brown, with its longer travel distance, provides a more profound and tactile experience, which some users may prefer for a satisfying key press. In contrast, the Grape Orange’s travel distance is shorter, making it potentially more responsive and suitable for gamers seeking quicker actuation. This reflects the trend where shorter travel distances have gained popularity for enhancing speed and responsiveness in gameplay. Therefore, if a user favors a hearty depth in their typing experience, the Gold Brown would be the better choice, while those prioritizing speed may lean towards the Grape Orange, which offers a more immediate response due to its shorter travel distance.
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 Huano Grape Orange has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Grape Orange for $2.79.
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 switches offer a rounded and soft auditory profile, producing a neutral sound that fits well in both home and office environments. Their moderate sound level ensures that they are not too disruptive, catering to a wide range of users from beginners to more experienced typists. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Huano Grape Orange switches remain unspecified; thus, it's unclear how they will compare in this regard. However, it's worth noting that the overall sound of any mechanical keyboard switch can greatly vary depending on factors like the keyboard construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switches are characterized by a mild and buttery touch, providing a gentle yet tactile typing experience. With an accented nature, they deliver a medium level of tactility that strikes a balance, making them approachable for a variety of typing styles. Furthermore, their polished finish allows for smooth key travel and reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing sensation. Conversely, the Huano Grape Orange switches are noted for their ultra-light actuation force of 40g, which facilitates an effortless and swift typing experience, particularly well-suited for long sessions. However, the specific tactile qualities of the Grape Orange switches remain unknown, making direct comparisons in feel challenging.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown switches present themselves as a versatile choice with their balanced sound and mild, polished tactile feel, ideal for both productivity and comfort. On the other hand, the Huano Grape Orange switches promise a lightweight and easy typing experience, although their sound and tactile feedback details are lacking. Ultimately, if you value a smooth and refined experience with balanced characteristics, the Gold Brown is an excellent option, whereas the Grape Orange could be appealing for those seeking a lighter touch. Your choice will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, but one can expect that both switches will deliver satisfying results in their respective qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. If you value a well-balanced tactile experience with a satisfying bump that provides feedback during your keystrokes while still maintaining a moderate sound profile, the Gold Brown is an excellent choice. Its 63g bottom-out force offers a bit more resistance, making it suitable for users who enjoy a more deliberate typing action, particularly in a professional or mixed-use setting where comfort and a quieter environment are paramount. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light, effortless typing experience with the capability for extended typing sessions, the Grape Orange switch, with its 50g bottom-out force, may serve you better. The linear nature of the Grape Orange provides a smooth keystroke without the tactile bump, enhancing speed and fluidity, making it ideal for gamers or touch typists who favor quick key presses. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal typing style and the environment in which you plan to use the keyboard.
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