TTC Gold Brown vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch, you may find yourself torn between the TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry MX Brown. Both switches fall under the tactile category, offering a satisfying feedback during typing. The Gold Brown is best known for its balanced nature, providing a slight yet satisfying bump with a moderate weightiness. Additionally, it offers a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, though not completely silent. On the other hand, the MX Brown is all about subtlety, offering a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. While both switches have their unique qualities, diving deeper into their characteristics will help you make the best decision for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry MX Brown differ in terms of their housing materials. The Gold Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which lends a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile to the switch. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the MX Brown employs a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. While both switches have different sound characteristics, they provide unique experiences in terms of sound quality.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Gold Brown and the MX Brown share the same material, which is nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deep and full sound profile. Since nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, it produces a dulled and rounded sound. Regardless of the switch choice, the bottom housing's impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch will be prevalent when pressing down on the keys. Hence, the similarity in the bottom housing material ensures a comparable sound experience for both switches.
However, the differentiation between the top and bottom housing materials of a switch is crucial. In the case of the Gold Brown and the MX Brown, the qualities brought by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, with nylon contributing to a deep and full sound, the top housing holds more sway over the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing material for the top contributes to the overall sound profile and serves as a distinguishing factor between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, whereas the MX Brown requires 45 grams, making it slightly lighter. However, both switches fall within the medium range. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams, while the MX Brown requires 55 grams, again making the Gold Brown slightly heavier.
For those who prefer lighter switches, the MX Brown would be a favorable choice as its actuation and bottom out forces are lighter than the Gold Brown. This lighter weight can result in a more effortless typing experience, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work and extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel would lean towards the Gold Brown. Its actuation and bottom out forces are heavier, providing a greater tactile feedback and a more satisfying keystroke. This heavier weight may be preferred by those looking for a more precise and deliberate typing feel.
Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry MX Brown comes down to individual preferences. Both switches offer medium-level actuation and bottom out forces but with slight variations in weight. So, while the experiences may differ slightly, they can still yield similar results for users seeking a tactile switch in the medium range.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent 4 mm distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches provide a similar experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Brown 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 offers a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches without being completely silent. This means that the sound produced during key presses is more neutral and balanced, making it suitable for a variety of environments and user preferences. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch produces a deeper and richer sound profile with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. This results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Gold Brown switch. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a mild and approachable tactile experience. It provides a moderate bump that is satisfying without being overwhelming, making it suitable for most users. The typing sensation is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch is described as textured or scratchy. This means that it has noticeable friction when pressed, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feel. However, others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown and Cherry MX Brown switches offer their own unique qualities. The Gold Brown switch provides a balanced sound profile that is softer and more neutral, while the MX Brown switch offers a deeper and richer sound with a bass-heavy tone. In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience with reduced friction, while the MX Brown switch has a textured feel with noticeable friction. Depending on your preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying tactile experience. However, it's important to consider other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, as they can also influence the sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are looking for a balanced switch with a slight, satisfying bump and moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a softer sound profile and provide a mild and buttery typing experience. They are approachable and suitable for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is the way to go. These switches have a lower bottom out force and offer a lighter typing experience. They have a bassy sound profile and provide a textured feel, which some users might prefer. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics and it depends on your personal preferences and typing style as to which one would be the best fit for you.
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