TTC Gold Brown vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Lotus are two popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Gold Brown is a tactile switch known for its balanced feel, featuring a slight bump and moderate weightiness that provides a satisfying typing experience. With a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, it falls into categories like neutral, mild, and buttery. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus is a linear switch that lacks specific standout features in terms of tactile feedback. However, it is categorized as a smooth switch. Depending on your preferences, you may be drawn to the Gold Brown for its satisfying tactility or the Lotus for its simplicity. Let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Lotus switches offer distinct characteristics that affect the sound profile and typing experience. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Lotus's nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, while the softer nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing feature not found in the Lotus switch.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Gold Brown and the Lotus switches utilize nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb sound, creating a more rounded sound compared to harder plastics. The impact of the bottom housing is felt during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, highlighting the importance of housing material in overall typing experience. While the top and bottom housing materials may differ in certain switches, the qualities each material brings play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice between polycarbonate and nylon housing materials in switches like the Gold Brown and the Lotus ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. Polycarbonate offers a sharper, crisper sound with a clear and resonant quality, while nylon provides a deeper, fuller sound with a rounder tone. Whether prioritizing a higher-pitched sound or a more subdued sound, both housing materials have unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch differ in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Lotus's lighter actuation force of 35 grams. The Gold Brown also has a higher bottom out force of 63 grams, whereas the Lotus has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. These differences mean that the Gold Brown offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Lotus provides a lighter typing experience that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Both switches offer unique benefits based on the user's preference for weight in switches. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Gold Brown has a traditional travel distance, while the Lotus is slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Lotus for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may opt for the Gold Brown. Both switches offer a different experience based on their travel distances, catering to individual preferences. However, in general, the Gold Brown has a longer travel distance compared to the Lotus, providing a more substantial key press 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 Lotus 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 TTC Gold Brown tactile switch offers a balanced and neutral sound profile that is generally softer than most switches without being completely silent. This makes it suitable for various settings, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and regardless of whether you plan to use it at home or in a work environment. On the other hand, information on the Outemu Lotus linear switch's sound profile is currently unavailable. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Brown offers a mild and buttery typing experience, with a moderate weightiness and a satisfying bump that is not overwhelming. These switches provide a gentle and smooth keystroke experience, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, they offer a polished finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Lotus linear switch lacks information on its feel characteristics at this time.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is a well-balanced option that provides a satisfying tactile feel and a softer sound profile, making it versatile for various users and environments. If the Outemu Lotus linear switch offers a similar neutral sound profile and smooth typing experience, users can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of sound and feel. However, without more information on the Lotus switch, it's important to consider other factors like personal preference and compatibility with your setup when deciding between these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you value a balanced typing experience with a moderate weightiness and a slight, satisfying bump, the Gold Brown may be the right choice for you. The Gold Brown offers a soft sound profile and a moderate actuation force, suitable for various typing scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a linear typing experience, the Lotus may be more suitable. However, keep in mind that the Lotus lacks specific descriptors for sound and feel compared to the detailed descriptions available for the Gold Brown. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactility, weightiness, and sound profile in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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