TTC Gold Brown vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and Cherry MX Speed Silver stand out as popular choices with distinctive characteristics. The Gold Brown switch offers a balanced experience with a slight, satisfying bump and moderate weightiness, providing a polished and buttery feel while maintaining a softer sound profile. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver is renowned for its rapid response and linear action, making it ideal for gamers seeking maximum speed and low spring resistance for quick triggers. While each switch has its own strengths and advantages, ultimately, the choice between them will depend on your specific preferences and needs. 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either switch, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics. However, the Gold Brown's top housing is made of polycarbonate, which leads to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Cherry MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate creates a more clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon of the Cherry MX Speed Silver produces a duller and rounder sound.
The use of polycarbonate in the TTC Gold Brown's top housing is advantageous for those who prioritize aesthetics and RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing may not offer the same level of visual appeal, but it does provide a deeper and fuller sound experience when typing. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon in their bottom housing, resulting in a more muffled and subdued bottom-out sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry MX Speed Silver ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetic priorities. While the Gold Brown offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, the Cherry MX Speed Silver provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon housing. Regardless of these differences, both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in influencing the overall typing experience and sound output of a keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the MX Speed Silver is lighter in both categories. The TTC Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the MX Speed Silver has an actuation force of 30 grams. The bottom out force for the MX Speed Silver is unknown. The lighter actuation force of the MX Speed Silver makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and the desired force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Gold Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the MX Speed Silver, making it better suited for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver offers a shorter travel distance, which appeals to gamers seeking faster response times. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, with the Gold Brown providing a more traditional feel and the MX Speed Silver catering to those who prioritize speed and efficiency. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 balanced experience, with a softer sound profile that is generally pleasing for all users. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound that is deep, rich, and satisfying, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced and bass-heavy typing sound. Both switches deliver unique auditory experiences that can be further enhanced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience, striking a balance between gentle feedback and smooth key travel. It also provides a polished finish for reduced friction and a sleek typing sensation. In comparison, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, giving it a noticeable friction when pressed that may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile feedback during typing. While the Gold Brown switch focuses on a soft and approachable feel, the Speed Silver switch emphasizes a textured and responsive typing experience, catering to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown switch provides a balanced and neutral sound with a mild and buttery feel, while the Speed Silver switch delivers a thocky and textured sound with a responsive typing sensation. Both switches cater to different preferences and usage scenarios, offering users a choice between a softer, more rounded typing experience and a more tactile, rapid response option. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a balanced typing experience with a slight bump, moderate weightiness, and softer sound profile, the Gold Brown might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid response and instant triggering for gaming purposes, the MX Speed Silver with its linear action and low spring resistance could be the better fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and specific usage scenarios.
Mentioned in this article
