TTC Gold Brown vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and TTC Ice offer two distinct experiences that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Gold Brown switch is celebrated for its balanced characteristics, providing a slight tactile bump that enhances feedback without overwhelming the user. Its moderately weighted nature and rounded, softer sound profile make it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a refined typing experience, ideal for both work and leisure. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switch stands out with its visually striking transparent design and silky-smooth performance, delivering a responsive feel and a crisp bottom-out sound that appeals particularly to gamers and fast typists. While the Gold Brown excels in providing a tactile sensation that many find comforting, the Ice offers an effortless keystroke experience that prioritizes speed and fluidity. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TTC Gold Brown and TTC Ice switches exhibit distinct characteristics, especially when examining the top and bottom housings. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is well-regarded for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound when the key is released. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for an attractive display of RGB lighting, making both switches visually appealing for enthusiasts eager to showcase their setups. Thus, if users desire a brighter and more defined auditory feedback, they will experience similar results from both switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housings.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of these switches diverge significantly, leading to differing sound profiles and tactile experiences. The TTC Gold Brown employs a nylon bottom housing, recognized for its softer plastic composition that absorbs sound and creates a fuller, more rounded auditory output. This choice results in a typing experience that feels deeper and more muted compared to switches with stiffer materials. Conversely, the TTC Ice utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, producing a sound profile that aligns with the crisper quality of its top housing. As a result, the Ice's bottom housing consistently maintains clarity and resonance, mirroring the characteristics of the top housing and leading to a unified auditory experience throughout the key press.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in these switches leads to a diverse typing experience. The Gold Brown, with its nylon bottom housing, provides a pronounced impact on the sound and feel of bottoming out, favoring a fuller sound. In contrast, the Ice, which adopts polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, ensures consistent clarity from key press to release. Therefore, while both switches offer a crisper sound when releasing a key due to their identical top housings, the overall auditory and tactile feedback diverges significantly because of the nylon versus polycarbonate integration in their respective bottom housings. Users can choose based on their preferences for sound profile and typing feel, depending on whether they prioritize warmth or clarity in their keyboard experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Ice linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown switch has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Ice switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This difference makes the Ice switch the lighter option, which may appeal to users who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing sessions, making it ideal for work or gaming. In contrast, the Gold Brown, with its heavier actuation force, provides a more substantial push feel, catering to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. While both switches fall into the medium category for bottom out force, the Gold Brown's greater actuation force means that it requires more effort to trigger than the Ice switch. Therefore, users looking for a lighter feel should opt for the TTC Ice, whereas those desiring a stronger push should choose the TTC Gold Brown.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option between the two switches compared. In contrast, the TTC Ice linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance may significantly influence user experience; the Gold Brown's 4 mm travel provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, which many users prefer for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Ice's 3.6 mm travel caters to those who appreciate quicker actuation, as shorter travel distances are favored by gamers for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for tactile feedback versus 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 Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a more rounded and soft auditory profile, which is notably moderate compared to many other switches on the market. Its neutral sound makes it quite versatile, suitable for both home and work environments without being too intrusive. This switch strikes a balance that appeals to a variety of users, whether beginners or experienced typists. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the TTC Ice switch have yet to be explored, leaving it unknown how it compares on this front. The smooth, satisfying bottom-out sound experienced with the Ice suggests a different auditory experience, but specific descriptors are not available.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch stands out for its mild and polished qualities, offering a gentle yet engaging typing experience. The appealing tactile bump delivers a medium level of tactility, which is accentuated by a buttery key travel that enhances both typing and gaming. This balance makes the Gold Brown switches approachable for users of all skill levels. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Ice switch is not described in available resources, leaving its tactile characteristics to be assessed upon personal experience. However, the advertised smooth and responsive feel implies a sleek typing sensation that may contrast with the tactile nature of the Gold Browns.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Brown and TTC Ice switches offer unique tactile experiences suited to different preferences. The Gold Brown excels in sound and feel with its balanced, mild characteristics and pleasant auditory profile. Meanwhile, while the Ice is praised for its smoothness, the lack of specific information regarding sound and tactile feedback means users might have a varied experience. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on whether one prioritizes tactility and warmth or seeks a fluid, linear typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Ice linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and use cases. If you appreciate a tactile feedback while typing or gaming, the Gold Brown is an excellent choice. Its balanced design, with a slight bump and a moderately weighty feel, makes it suitable for prolonged use, whether you're working at a desk or enjoying a gaming session. The neutral sound profile enhances its versatility, allowing for discreet use in shared environments. On the other hand, if you favor a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience, the TTC Ice linear switch would be more appealing. With its crystal-clear design and buttery feel, the Ice caters well to those who prioritize a seamless typing experience, making it ideal for both gaming and daily tasks where rapid input is essential. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard, and what kind of feedback you desire from your switches to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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