TTC Gold Brown vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and Outemu Blue offer distinct experiences for users. The gold brown switches are praised for their balanced nature, providing a satisfying bump with a moderate weight. They produce a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches without being completely silent. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switches are known for their clicky feedback, offering a crisp sound with each key press. While the gold brown switches are categorized as neutral, mild, buttery, accented, and polished, the blue switches do not have a specific categorization. If you prefer a tactile and balanced typing experience, the gold brown switches may be the way to go. However, if you enjoy the audible feedback and satisfying click of a switch, the Outemu Blue switches might be more your style. Let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Brown and Outemu Blue switches have polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, creates a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who want a more defined typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing for a visually appealing effect.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Gold Brown and Blue switches utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the typing experience for those who prefer a quieter switch. The bottom housing's influence on the bottom-out sound and feel is significant, providing a cushioned effect when pressing down on the keys.
Despite having different top and bottom housing materials, the qualities each material brings to the switch are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. In the case of the Gold Brown and Blue switches, the impact of the housing material is felt differently when pressing down on a key versus releasing it. The bottom housing plays a key role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, highlighting the importance of both materials in creating a well-rounded typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in their performance. The Gold Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Blue's 50 grams, making it slightly heavier to press down on initially. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams which is higher compared to the Blue's unknown force. This means that the Gold Brown provides a more consistent and heavier typing experience overall. Those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Blue switch more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel may lean towards the Gold Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, which means they provide a similar key press experience in terms of distance traveled. When comparing the two switches, their travel distance is identical, so you can expect to get similar results in terms of how far the switch travels when pressed. This means that whether you choose the TTC Gold Brown or the Outemu Blue switch, you can expect the same amount of travel distance when typing on a keyboard.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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
Overall, when comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, there are some key differences in both sound and feel. The Gold Brown offers a balanced and slightly tactile typing experience with a softer sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch is known for its clicky feedback, but without specific descriptors available, it may not offer the same balanced feel as the Gold Brown. That being said, if you are looking for a similar experience in terms of sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience depending on your personal preferences. Always consider factors like keycaps and keyboard setup when choosing the right switch for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it really comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you are looking for a balanced switch with a slight bump, moderate weightiness, and a softer sound profile, the Gold Brown may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky switch with a more pronounced tactile feedback and a louder sound profile, the Blue could be the better choice for you. Ultimately, consider factors such as typing style, noise sensitivity, and personal typing preferences when making your decision.
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