TTC Gold Brown vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards switches, two options that often come to mind are the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Black, a linear switch. Choosing the right switch for your keyboard is crucial as it can greatly impact your typing experience. The Gold Brown switches are best known for their balanced feel, providing a slight but satisfying bump with a moderate weightiness. They have a soft and rounded sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches have been perfected by Cherry, offering a classic textured smoothness with their new Hyperglide tooling. They provide a familiar deep sound profile when typing and are categorized as low-pitched, textured, and stiff. Both switches have their own unique qualities and cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry MX Black switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Gold Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the MX Black features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder tone.
Both switches share a common material for their bottom housing, which is nylon. This classic switch housing material delivers a deep and full sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, contributing to a more satisfying typing experience. As nylon is a relatively softer plastic, it absorbs sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder tone.
While the top and bottom housings of the switches differ in material, they both bring their unique qualities to the overall sound profile of the switch. Pressing down on either switch allows you to feel the qualities of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound produced when you release a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct sound experiences based on the properties of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, some key differences can be observed. The actuation force of the Gold Brown is 55 grams, whereas the MX Black requires a slightly higher actuation force of 60 grams. This means that the MX Black will require a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Gold Brown.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Gold Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the MX Black has a higher bottom out force of 80 grams. This indicates that the MX Black provides a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a heavier force to fully press the key all the way down compared to the Gold Brown.
Considering the weight factor, those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Gold Brown more suitable. Its slightly lighter actuation and bottom out forces may allow for comfortable usage over extended periods. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may prefer the MX Black, as its heavier forces deliver a satisfying resistance during keystrokes.
Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, they cater to different preferences. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience, both switches provide options to achieve desired results.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches provide similar results.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Brown switch is described as having a neutral sound profile with a moderate volume. This means that it produces a satisfying sound without being too loud or too soft. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch has a low-pitched sound profile that is deeper and more bass-heavy compared to higher-pitched switches. The MX Black switch offers a familiar deep sound when typing on it. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual results may vary. Overall, both switches offer pleasant sound profiles, with the Gold Brown being more balanced and the MX Black having a deeper tone.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Brown switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience. It offers a gentle and approachable feel, making it suitable for most users. The switch is described as having an accented tactile feel, meaning it provides a noticeable bump without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch is described as textured, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother typing experience. The MX Black switch is also stiffer, requiring more force to actuate compared to other switches. This means that users will need to apply more force when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild, buttery, and polished feel, while the MX Black switch provides a textured and stiffer typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown switch and the Cherry MX Black switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown switch has a more neutral sound profile with a moderate volume, providing a well-balanced sound experience. It offers a mild, buttery, and polished feel with a noticeable bump, resulting in a gentle and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Black switch has a low-pitched sound profile with a deeper and more bass-heavy tone. It offers a textured feel with noticeable friction and requires more force to actuate. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, if you prefer a balanced and gentle typing experience, the Gold Brown switch would be a suitable choice, while the MX Black switch is more suitable for those who prefer a deeper sound and a textured typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, you would want to choose it if you are seeking a balanced switch with a medium bottom out force of 63 grams. These switches offer a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. They also have a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches. The Gold Browns are known for their neutral sound profile and mild feel, offering a gentle typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke. They are polished switches, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a bottom out force of 80 grams, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be a better choice for you. These switches feature Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling, providing a classic textured smoothness. The MX Blacks have a deep sound profile when typing on them and are described as having a low-pitched sound.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is recommended for those looking for a balanced switch with a moderate force requirement, a softer sound profile, and a mild and polished feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a deeper sound profile and a textured feel, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be a better fit for you. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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