TTC Gold Brown vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Light Cloud V2 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, a tactile switch, and the TTC Light Cloud V2, a linear switch. The Gold Brown switch is known for its balanced nature with a slight bump that provides a satisfying typing experience. It offers a moderate weightiness and a softer sound profile compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 switch is praised for its silent operation and refined typing feel. Its lightweight design makes it ideal for those who prefer a delicate and nuanced typing experience. While these general pointers give you an idea of what each switch offers, diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you make the best decision for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Light Cloud V2, one key difference is the use of polycarbonate in the Gold Brown's top housing versus nylon in the Light Cloud V2's top housing. Polycarbonate is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound. This results in a crisper sound profile for the Gold Brown and a rounder sound profile for the Light Cloud V2. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucency allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it an attractive option for those looking to add visual flair to their keyboard.
Furthermore, both the Gold Brown and the Light Cloud V2 feature nylon bottom housings, which contribute to the deeper and fuller sound profiles associated with nylon. This consistency in housing material for the bottom of the switches ensures that users will experience a similar typing feel and sound regardless of which switch they choose. The softer nature of nylon compared to harder plastics helps to dampen sound and create a more muted bottom-out sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. This shared characteristic in housing material adds a level of predictability and reliability to the performance of these switches.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Light Cloud V2 ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, such as the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Gold Brown or the deeper sound of nylon in the Light Cloud V2, users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel with the shared nylon bottom housings. Whether you prefer a crisper, high-pitched sound or a mellower, fuller sound, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different keyboard preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Light Cloud V2's 45 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams while the Light Cloud V2 requires 58 grams, making the Gold Brown slightly heavier in this aspect as well. Both switches fall under the medium weight category, providing a balance between typing efficiency and tactile feedback. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended use, the Light Cloud V2 may be the better option, while users who enjoy a slightly heavier push feel may find the Gold Brown more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Brown has a longer travel distance at 4 mm compared to the Light Cloud V2's 3.5 mm. The Gold Brown offers a slightly deeper keypress feel, which some may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 provides a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches offer a different tactile experience, with the Gold Brown offering a deeper press and the Light Cloud V2 providing a quicker actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 offers a balanced and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 provides a more muted and neutral sound, minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. Both switches offer a relatively quiet typing experience, with slight differences in the tone of the sound produced due to the switch design, keycaps, and keyboard construction.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience with a balanced tactile bump that is not too pronounced. It offers a polished feel with smooth key travel, making typing effortless and comfortable. Similarly, the TTC Light Cloud V2 offers a mild and easy-to-press typing experience, with a feather-light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Both switches fall into the category of providing a gentle and approachable typing feel that is suitable for a wide range of users.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown switch provides a balanced and slightly tactile typing experience with a neutral sound profile, while the Light Cloud V2 switch offers a quiet and lightweight typing feel. Depending on whether you prefer a more tactile or linear switch, both options will provide a satisfying typing experience with minimal noise output. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch or the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, you should keep in mind the key characteristics of each. If you prefer a balanced switch with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, the Gold Brown would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a refined and silent typing experience with a lightweight nature, the Light Cloud V2 may be more appealing to you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider what features are most important to you when making your decision.
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