TTC Gold Brown vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly affect your typing experience, and two popular options – the TTC Gold Brown and the Keygeek Keylin – illustrate this distinction beautifully. The Gold Brown is celebrated for its balanced feel, featuring a slight tactile bump that provides just the right amount of feedback without overwhelming the user. Its moderate weightiness and a rounded, softer sound profile make it an excellent choice for typists seeking an enjoyable blend of tactile sensation and subtlety in each keystroke. In contrast, the Keylin linear switch offers a different appeal, focusing on a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience. With new molds from Keygeek, the Keylin delivers rich acoustics and exceptional fluidity, making it ideal for users who prioritize seamless key presses and a quieter operation. Both switches cater to different preferences and can enhance your overall productivity or gaming experience. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TTC Gold Brown and Keygeek Keylin switches present a fascinating comparison, primarily due to the contrasting materials used for their top housings. The Gold Brown switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer composition and ability to produce sharper, higher-pitched sounds. This stiffer plastic allows for a clearer resonance, making the sound profile more vibrant, especially advantageous for those who utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Keylin employs a nylon top housing, which yields a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory feedback, showcasing how the choice of material significantly influences the overall typing experience.
Conversely, both the Gold Brown and Keylin switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, emphasizing a similarity in one aspect of their design. Nylon is a widely recognized material in switch engineering, famed for its ability to create a deeper sound profile by absorbing sound waves, leading to a tactile experience that feels softer and more muted. This ensures consistency in the bottom-out sound and feel regardless of the differences found in the top housing materials. Therefore, both switches maintain a characteristic depth in sound attributed to their nylon bottom housings, allowing users to enjoy a similar foundational experience when it comes to the overall acoustic and tactile feedback.
Ultimately, while the TTC Gold Brown and Keygeek Keylin switches differ in their top housing materials, the shared use of nylon in their bottom housings allows them to produce comparable results in sound profile depth and tactile satisfaction. The unique properties of their top housings, however, influence the overall experience, creating a distinct contrast between a bright, crisper sound in the Gold Brown versus the warmer, fuller tones conveyed by the Keylin. In this way, users can appreciate how the combination and characteristics of these materials dictate the sound and feel of these switches, leading to overall varied typing experiences despite some shared qualities.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch to the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown switch requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, classifying it as a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Keylin switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch. The difference in actuation force means that typists and gamers using the Keylin switch can type for longer durations with less effort, while those who choose the Gold Brown may enjoy a more substantial, tactile feedback experience. Consequently, if you seek a lighter switch for extended use, the Keylin is the better choice, whereas the Gold Brown will appeal to those who favor a firmer keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, the Gold Brown offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keylin is shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance results in varying tactile experiences: the Gold Brown, with its 4 mm depth, provides a more pronounced feeling when pressed, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Keylin’s 3.6 mm travel is more in line with contemporary trends that prioritize faster response times, making it an appealing choice for gamers seeking quick actuation. Ultimately, if you desire a more traditional feel with greater depth, the Gold Brown is the better option, whereas the Keylin is suited for those who favor a snappier response.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 presents a rounded profile that is notably softer compared to many other mechanical switches, making it well-suited for both home and office environments. Its neutral sound characteristics ensure that it doesn't produce any startling loudness, making it a versatile choice for users who appreciate a moderate acoustic experience. Conversely, while the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is acknowledged for delivering rich acoustics, specific details regarding its sound profile are still unknown. Therefore, it is difficult to draw a definitive comparison concerning the sound output between the two switches at this time.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch is characterized by its mild, buttery, and polished attributes. This combination yields a gentle yet satisfying typing experience, thanks to its balanced tactile feedback that strikes a safe middle ground, perfect for both beginners and more seasoned typists. The switch's accented tactile feature offers a touch of pronounced feedback without being overwhelming, ensuring smooth and fluid keystrokes. On the other hand, the Keylin linear switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, which is a crucial factor for many who prefer a smooth linear action. However, the specific tactile feel and additional characteristics of the Keylin switch remain unspecified, making it hard to provide a complete comparison.
In summary, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a soft, balanced sound and a well-rounded, smooth typing experience that suits a variety of users. Meanwhile, while the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is designed for a premium and exceptionally smooth experience, many of its specific qualities, particularly in terms of sound and feel, are currently unknown. Users looking for a soft acoustic profile and tactile feedback may find the Gold Brown preferable, while those seeking linear smoothness should consider the Keylin, keeping in mind that the overall typing experience will depend significantly on personal preferences and other factors such as the keyboard and keycap choices.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a balanced feel with a tactile bump that allows for feedback during typing, the Gold Browns are an excellent choice. Their medium weight of 63 grams provides a satisfying resistance without feeling too heavy, making them versatile for both work and leisure. The softer sound profile suits environments where noise levels are a consideration while still delivering a gentle yet engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that offers a smooth and fluid keystroke, the Keylin linear switch with a bottom-out force of just 48 grams would be ideal for you. This switch excels in providing a seamless typing experience, perfect for fast-paced gaming or extended typing sessions when you want minimal fatigue and maximum comfort. Ultimately, whether you lean towards the tactile feedback of the Gold Browns or the buttery smoothness of the Keylin, both switches cater to different needs, making your choice entirely based on what brings you the most satisfaction and efficiency in your typing experience.
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