TTC Gold Brown vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Red, a linear switch. The Gold Brown is praised for its balanced feel, with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, as well as a soft and rounded sound profile. On the other hand, the MX Red is known for its heftier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. While the Gold Brown offers a buttery and accented typing experience, the MX Red provides a thocky and textured feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Yes
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry MX Red, one major difference lies in the materials used for the top housing. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the MX Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Gold Brown leans towards a clearer and more resonant tone, while the nylon of the MX Red provides a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, we see a similar situation with both switches utilizing nylon for this component. The nylon bottom housing of both the Gold Brown and MX Red contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound characteristic common to switches using nylon in their housing materials. Despite both switches sharing this material for the bottom housing, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel is still significant, highlighting the importance of housing materials in the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the Gold Brown and the MX Red differ in their top housing materials, leading to distinct sound profiles, they share a commonality in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. This provides a consistent element in the typing experience of both switches, with the nylon contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Whether it's the sharper, higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate in the Gold Brown or the deeper, fuller sound of nylon in the MX Red, the housing materials play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is evident that the MX Red is lighter in terms of actuation force at 45 grams compared to the 55 grams required for the Gold Brown. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Brown at 63 grams surpasses the Cherry MX Red, which has an unknown bottom out force. Despite this difference, both switches offer a medium level of force, making them suitable for a variety of typing preferences. The Gold Brown provides a slightly heavier typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial feel, while the MX Red offers a lighter actuation force, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This can result in a similar typing experience in terms of keypress feel and actuation point. With their equal travel distances, users can expect consistent performance and comfort when using either the TTC Gold Brown or Cherry MX Red switches for their keyboards.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 switch offers a more neutral and rounded sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of environments and preferences. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch provides a deep and satisfying "thocky" sound, which can be appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycap choices.
As for feel, the TTC Gold Brown switch is often described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished, offering a smooth and approachable typing experience with a balanced tactile bump. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is noted for a textured feel, which may provide more noticeable friction when pressed compared to the smoother qualities of the Gold Brown switch. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown switch and the Cherry MX Red switch each have their own distinct qualities when it comes to sound and feel. While the Gold Brown switch leans towards a more balanced and neutral sound profile with a smooth typing feel, the MX Red switch provides a deeper and more pronounced auditory feedback with a textured tactile sensation. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style, as both can offer a satisfying typing experience depending on the individual's needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you prioritize a balanced switch with a moderate actuation force, a soft sound profile, and a slight bump for tactile feedback, the Gold Brown may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel, a deeper sound profile with a thocky and low-pitched sound, and don't mind the lack of tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Red could be a better option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for.
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