TTC Gold Brown vs. Cherry MX Orange

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown and Cherry MX Orange represent two distinct approaches to tactile feedback and typing experience. The TTC Gold Brown switches are celebrated for their balanced feel, offering a slight but satisfying bump that enhances typing accuracy without being overly disruptive. With a moderate weightiness and a rounded sound profile that strikes a pleasing balance between presence and softness, the Gold Brown switches cater to users who appreciate a tactile response while maintaining a relatively quiet working environment. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switches are a linear design that prioritizes smooth keystrokes, allowing for uninterrupted typing flows ideal for gamers and typists alike. Their reissue pays homage to the beloved original MX Orange switches, now enhanced to meet the demands of today’s keyboard enthusiasts, making them a solid choice if you're looking for a consistent and fluid keystroke. Each switch has its own unique qualities suited to different preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and Cherry MX Orange switches, a key distinction arises from the materials used for the top housing. The TTC Gold Brown utilizes polycarbonate, which contributes a sharper and more resonant sound profile due to its stiffness. This rigidity allows for a clarity in sound that is accentuated, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as polycarbonate’s translucency enhances the aesthetic appeal and visibility of lighting effects. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing, known for producing a smoother and fuller sound profile owing to its softer composition, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This fundamental difference in materials leads to divergent auditory experiences when using each switch, with the TTC Gold Brown favoring a more vibrant and higher-pitched feedback, whereas the MX Orange provides a muted and rounded auditory response.

Despite the difference in top housing materials, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which provides a similar tactile experience during typing. Both the TTC Gold Brown and Cherry MX Orange switches share the qualities afforded by nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when pressed down. The sound absorption characteristic of nylon contributes to a more subdued bottom-out sound, promoting a pleasant typing experience. Here, the bottom housing helps determine the feel and sound when the key is fully pressed down, thus creating a cohesive typing sensation between the two switch types, despite the material contrast present in the top housing.

In essence, while the TTC Gold Brown and Cherry MX Orange switches differ in their top housing materials—leading to contrasting sound profiles—the similarities in their nylon bottom housings bridge the gap by providing a shared sound experience during the actuation. Consequently, the overall typing experience is influenced by both the distinct qualities of polycarbonate and the immersive properties of nylon. If one were to use both types of switches, the acoustics would vary significantly during keystrokes, but upon bottoming out, both would deliver a rich, full-bodied sound owing to their shared nylon base construction. This interplay of materials illustrates how individual components affect auditory feedback and tactile feel in mechanisms such as mechanical switches.

Weight

The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch exhibit similarity in their actuation forces, both requiring 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This alignment suggests that users can expect a comparable feel when it comes to actuation, whether they're typing or gaming. However, the contrast emerges with the bottom out force: the Gold Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, which means that it requires a stronger push to reach the bottom of the keypress. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Orange is unknown, leaving some uncertainty about its performance when fully pressed. Consequently, for those seeking a lighter overall experience, both switches provide the same actuation force, but the Gold Brown’s additional bottom out force contributes to a slightly heavier feel overall due to its specified bottom out measurement. Therefore, the TTC Gold Brown is the heavier option in overall feel, while Cherry MX Orange may be lighter if it has a low or non-existent bottom out force. Ultimately, this distinction may influence a user's choice depending on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels when pressed. This means that users can expect a similar keystroke depth and feel when using either switch, providing a comparable typing experience. Since both switches feature the same travel distance, users can achieve similar results in responsiveness and actuation force, making their choice more about preference for tactile feedback or linear movement rather than travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the TTC Gold Brown switches is characterized as rounded and soft, striking a balance that is neither jarring nor completely silent. This nuanced sound makes them well-suited for various environments, whether at home or in the office, allowing users from all experience levels to feel comfortable with their auditory feedback. The neutral sound quality contributes to an engaging typing experience without overwhelming the ears, ensuring that even prolonged typing sessions remain pleasant. The Cherry MX Orange switches, on the other hand, have a distinct sound quality that falls into a unique realm owing to their reissue enhancements. While specific sound descriptors for the MX Orange switches are currently unknown, users can generally expect them to have an improved acoustic profile that may carry its own subtleties.

When examining the tactile feel, the TTC Gold Brown switches shine with a mild and buttery character. The slight bump in their design provides satisfying tactile feedback while maintaining a smooth keystroke experience. This results in a uniform typing sensation that is approachable for most users, neither overtly tactile nor overly soft. The Gold Brown switches can be described as "accented," providing a medium level of tactility that strikes just the right balance for those who enjoy a tactile response without excessive sharpness. With their polished feel, users can anticipate a refined typing experience characterized by reduced friction and smooth travel. The feel characteristics of the Cherry MX Orange switches remain unspecified, leaving room for curiosity regarding their tactile response and overall typing experience.

In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is celebrated for its balanced sound and feel, characterized by mild tactility and smooth keystrokes, the Cherry MX Orange's subjective qualities are less defined, particularly in terms of sound and feel. Users can expect the Gold Brown to provide a harmonious typing experience that works well in various settings. The absence of specific descriptors for the Cherry MX Orange switches invites further exploration, but the known qualities of the Gold Brown suggest it will satisfy a range of users who prioritize balance and comfort in their mechanical switches.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch should be guided by your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you value a balanced typing experience with a tactile bump that provides feedback without being overwhelming, the Gold Brown is an excellent choice. Its moderate weight and soft, rounded sound profile make it suitable for both work and casual gaming, allowing you to type comfortably for extended periods without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke experience, perhaps for gaming or fast-paced typing, the Cherry MX Orange may be the right pick for you. While specific sound and feel descriptors for the MX Orange are less available, its linear nature typically appeals to those who enjoy a more fluid motion without the tactile interruption. Ultimately, consider what aspects—such as actuation feel, sound, and intended usage—are most important to you, as these factors will guide you toward the switch that best fits your typing style and environment.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more