TTC Gold Brown vs. Outemu Dustproof Purple
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Purple are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Gold Brown switch is revered for its balanced feel, offering a slight but satisfying bump with a moderate weightiness. Its sound profile is rounded and softer than many other switches, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple switch lacks any specific standout features but is known for its clicky sound. It provides a tactile feedback and audible click with each keystroke, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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 the Outemu Dustproof Purple switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. This shared feature ensures that both switches offer a similar sound experience and aesthetic appeal when it comes to their top housing material.
On the other hand, the Gold Brown and Dustproof Purple switches differ in their bottom housing material, with the Gold Brown using a nylon bottom housing and the Dustproof Purple incorporating a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Dustproof Purple may contribute to a different sound experience with a potentially sharper and crisper quality. This contrast in bottom housing materials showcases how the choice of material can impact the overall sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Gold Brown and Dustproof Purple switches highlights the importance of considering the impact of each component on the overall typing experience. While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing for enhanced sound clarity and resonance, the use of nylon in the Gold Brown's bottom housing creates a unique typing sensation with a deeper sound profile. On the other hand, the Dustproof Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing may offer a different tactile feel and sound experience. Ultimately, understanding the role of each housing material is crucial in deciding which switch best suits individual preferences for typing sound and feel.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch have similar actuation forces at 55 grams, providing a medium resistance when triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams, making it lighter compared to the Dustproof Purple which has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This difference means that typing on the Dustproof Purple may feel a bit more substantial and require a slightly stronger push, while the Gold Brown may offer a lighter typing experience better suited for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. With a travel distance of 4 mm for both switches, users can expect to feel a similar level of tactile feedback and key travel whether they choose the Gold Brown or the Dustproof Purple switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to other factors such as actuation force, sound level, or overall 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 Outemu Dustproof Purple 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
In terms of sound, the Gold Brown tactile switch offers a balanced and slightly rounded sound profile with a moderate weightiness, making it suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can vary depending on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown switch is described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished, providing a gentle and smooth typing experience with a prominent amount of tactility. This makes the switch approachable to most users and ensures a seamless keystroke sensation. However, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch is currently unknown.
Overall, if you are seeking a balanced and tactile switch with a soft sound profile and a pleasant typing experience, the TTC Gold Brown switch would be a reliable choice. While the qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Purple switch are not specified, you can expect similar results with a crisp clicky sound and a satisfying tactile feedback. Choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Purple clicky switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a balanced switch with a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness, the Gold Brown is a great choice. It offers a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a clicky sound profile, the Dustproof Purple might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the Gold Brown is ideal for a versatile and balanced typing experience, while the Dustproof Purple is a suitable option for those who enjoy a more pronounced clicky feedback. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences and needs.
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