TTC Gold Brown vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, a linear switch, offer distinct qualities to consider. The Gold Brown is recognized for its balanced nature, providing a slight, satisfying bump and moderate weightiness. Its rounded sound profile adds a softer touch compared to many switches, making it ideal for those seeking a neutral, mild, and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 stands out with its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a silky typing experience and enhanced RGB illumination through its light diffuser. While the Gold Brown appeals to those looking for a polished and accented feel, the Lightning Silver V3 caters to users seeking a clacky and high-pitched sensation. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they differ in their bottom housing composition.
The TTC Gold Brown incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to those looking for a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, continuing the trend of a sharper and crisper sound profile associated with this material. The combination of polycarbonate top and bottom housings in the Lightning Silver V3 results in a consistent sound experience throughout the typing process.
Overall, while both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing to achieve a similar sound profile, the differing bottom housing materials in the TTC Gold Brown and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offer distinct typing experiences. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown provides a softer and fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Lightning Silver V3 maintains a sharper and crisper sound profile. Whether you prefer a more muted typing experience or a consistent sharp sound, both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch both have medium actuation forces, with the Gold Brown at 55 grams and the Lightning Silver V3 at 48 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams. This means that the Gold Brown is slightly heavier both in actuation and bottom out force compared to the Lightning Silver V3. For those who prefer a lighter touch and want to type for longer periods, the Lightning Silver V3 may be the better option. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Gold Brown may be the preferred choice. Overall, while both switches offer a medium level of actuation and bottom out force, the slight differences in weight may cater to different preferences for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we can see that the Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm while the Lightning Silver V3 has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Lightning Silver V3 has the shorter travel distance, making it more suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Gold Brown offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Gold Brown being slightly longer than average and the Lightning Silver V3 being slightly shorter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired tactile feel when using the switches.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 Gold Brown switch offers a balanced and rounded profile that is softer compared to most switches, while the Lightning Silver V3 switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound signature that is sharp and percussive. If you prefer a neutral and moderate sound profile, the Gold Brown switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more distinct and bright sound with a hint of sharpness, the Lightning Silver V3 switch would be more to your liking.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience with accented tactility that is not overwhelming but still quite noticeable. The switch is also described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 switch offers a silky and exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. If you prefer a gentle and approachable typing experience, the Gold Brown switch would be a good fit. However, if you prioritize extreme smoothness and minimal resistance, the Lightning Silver V3 switch would be a better option.
In conclusion, the Gold Brown and Lightning Silver V3 switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown switch provides a balanced and buttery typing experience with a softer sound profile, while the Lightning Silver V3 switch offers a sharp and high-pitched sound with an exceptionally smooth typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would come down to personal preference, with the Gold Brown switch catering to those who prefer a moderate and approachable typing experience, and the Lightning Silver V3 switch appealing to individuals seeking extreme smoothness and distinct sound characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced and moderate typing experience with a soft sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your preferences for sound and typing feel when choosing between these two switches to ensure that you have the best possible typing experience.
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