TTC Gold Brown vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry Nixie stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The Gold Brown is a tactile switch that is best known for its balanced feel, offering a slight bump and moderate weightiness while producing a softer sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is a linear switch celebrated for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation. While the Gold Brown is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', 'Accented', and 'Polished', the Nixie is categorized as 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched'. Depending on your preferences, you may lean towards the smoother feel of the Gold Brown or the textured typing experience of the Nixie. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry Nixie switches differ mainly in terms of the top housing material. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Nixie switch has a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. While both materials have their unique sound characteristics, polycarbonate emphasizes clarity and resonance, while nylon offers a more muffled and rounder sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Gold Brown and the Nixie switches utilize nylon. This results in a consistent experience when bottoming out the keys, as the nylon material absorbs sound to create a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound overall. Therefore, while the top housing may differ between the two switches, the bottom housing material provides a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the TTC Gold Brown and the Cherry Nixie switches impacts the sound profile and typing experience in different ways. The use of polycarbonate in the Gold Brown's top housing creates a sharper and more resonant sound, whereas the Nixie's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a consistent and muffled sound when bottoming out keys. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the two. The Gold Brown tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, whereas the Nixie linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. The Gold Brown provides a medium resistance level, while the Nixie offers a heavier feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Gold Brown for extended typing or gaming sessions, whereas individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Nixie. Despite the variance in force levels, both switches are designed to provide accurate and responsive keystrokes, ensuring a satisfactory typing experience regardless of the force differences.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the two switches, it is evident that they offer the same tactile feedback and actuation force, providing a similar typing experience. The travel distance of 4mm for both switches allows for comfortable typing and ensures that the keys are responsive. Whether you choose the TTC Gold Brown or the Cherry Nixie, you can expect to receive comparable results in terms of travel distance and overall typing experience.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 softer sound profile compared to the Cherry Nixie switch, which is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound. The Gold Brown switch is suitable for most environments and users due to its moderate actuation force requirement, making it a versatile choice. On the other hand, the Nixie switch provides a deep and rich sound that is particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. However, it's essential to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard's build and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience with accented tactility, providing a balanced and approachable feel for most users. The polished finish of these switches also contributes to a smooth and refined keystroke experience. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switch is described as textured, meaning it may have noticeable friction when pressed, which can be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile sensation. This difference in feel highlights the Gold Brown switch's emphasis on smoothness and uniform typing, while the Nixie switch focuses on providing a distinct texture for a unique typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Brown switch provides a balanced and softer sound profile with a mild and buttery typing feel, the Nixie switch delivers a thocky and low-pitched sound with a textured typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference for sound, feel, and tactile feedback while typing. However, both switches offer quality performance and durability, ensuring that users will get satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a balanced switch with a moderate actuation force and softer sound profile, the Gold Brown may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a deep, thocky sound profile and a textured typing experience, the Nixie may be the better choice. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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