TTC Gold Brown vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and Haimu Neo White offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown switch is renowned for its balanced nature, featuring a slight bump and moderate weightiness. Its rounded sound profile is softer than most switches, making it a great option for those who prefer a subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Neo White switch stands out for its medium weight and smooth actuation, thanks to the rare use of a Ly stem. This results in a satisfying typing feel with reduced total travel. While the Gold Brown excels in providing a buttery and accented typing experience, the Neo White offers a more neutral and mild 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Brown and Haimu Neo White switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial if RGB lighting is a key feature for your setup. This means that when it comes to the sound produced and the visual appeal of the switches, users can expect similar results from both the Gold Brown and Neo White switches.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housings. The Gold Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softness and ability to absorb sound, which leads to a duller and rounder sound compared to polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Neo White also uses a nylon bottom housing, meaning that users will experience the same deep and full sound profile when typing on these switches. This similarity in the bottom housing material ensures that the typing experience is consistent between the two switches.
In terms of construction, the impact of the housing materials is felt differently depending on where they are located in the switch. The bottom housing has more of an influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. This means that while both the Gold Brown and Neo White switches share similar characteristics in their top and bottom housings, the way these materials interact with the user during typing can vary slightly.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Haimu Neo White linear switch which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a medium bottom out force with the Gold Brown at 63 grams and the Neo White at 58 grams. The Gold Brown provides a bit more resistance during actuation, making it slightly more tactile, while the Neo White offers a smoother linear feel. Ultimately, the Gold Brown may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Neo White would be better for those who prefer a slightly heavier push feel. Overall, both switches can provide a comfortable typing experience, with the actuation and bottom out forces offering users a choice based on personal preference.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Gold Brown has a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth to the keystrokes compared to the Neo White. The Neo White, on the other hand, offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with the Gold Brown leaning towards the longer end and the Neo White towards the shorter end. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key depth and responsiveness.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
When it comes to sound, both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch fall into the category of neutral switches, which means they have a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. The Gold Brown offers a softer, more rounded sound profile compared to most switches, while the Neo White provides a smooth actuation experience with a slightly reduced total travel distance. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable to most users. The Gold Brown switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke, as well as accented, meaning it offers a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Neo White switch falls into the category of mild switches, offering a similar gentle typing experience without the additional descriptors of buttery, accented, or polished.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch offer balanced and medium-weight options for users seeking a satisfying typing experience. While the Gold Brown has a slightly more rounded and softer sound profile, the Neo White provides a smooth actuation with slightly reduced total travel. Users can expect a similar level of comfort and performance from both switches, making either a suitable choice depending on personal preferences and typing habits.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a switch with a balanced feel, offering a moderate weightiness and a satisfying bump, then the Gold Brown would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a smooth and satisfying actuation, thanks to its rare Ly stem design and reduced total travel, then the Neo White would be a great option. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and offer a mild typing experience, making them versatile for various typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should come down to whether you prioritize the slight tactile feedback of the Gold Brown or the smooth linear feel of the Neo White. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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