TTC Gold Brown vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it is important to note the distinct characteristics of each. The Gold Brown switches are praised for their balanced nature, offering a slight bump and moderate weightiness. They produce a rounded sound profile that is softer compared to other switches, yet not entirely silent. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze switches do not have a specific standout feature but are known for their clicky feedback. While the Gold Browns provide a 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', 'Accented', 'Polished' typing experience, the Spring Breeze switches have a unique feel of their own. If you prefer a more tactile typing experience, the Gold Browns might be the way to go, whereas if you enjoy the audible feedback of a clicky switch, the Spring Breeze switches could be the better choice. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Spring Breeze, it is evident that they both incorporate nylon as a housing material, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. However, the Gold Brown utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound. This difference in material contributes to a unique sound experience for each switch.
Both the Gold Brown and the Spring Breeze employ nylon for their bottom housing, emphasizing the deep and full sound profile that this material is known for. This similarity in material for the bottom housing suggests that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel between the two switches. However, the Gold Brown's use of polycarbonate in the top housing sets it apart from the Spring Breeze, offering a distinct sound profile characterized by its stiffness and resonance.
In summary, while both the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Spring Breeze feature nylon as a common housing material for the bottom housing, the use of polycarbonate in the Gold Brown's top housing creates a unique sound profile that differs from the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing. The combination of materials in each switch results in a distinctive typing experience, with the Gold Brown offering a sharper and crisper sound, while the Spring Breeze provides a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams while the Spring Breeze needs 55 grams. This means that while the Gold Brown may feel heavier to press initially, it requires less force to press all the way down compared to the Spring Breeze. The Gold Brown offers a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force, while the Spring Breeze provides a lighter typing feel for longer typing sessions. Both switches fall into the medium to medium-light category, offering a balance between typing comfort and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we find that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that whether you are using the Gold Brown or the Spring Breeze, you can expect to feel the same distance when pressing down on a key. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience with no significant differences in this aspect.
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 Spring Breeze 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 neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other components such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown switch is known for its mild and buttery typing experience, offering a gentle yet fluid keystroke that most users find approachable and comfortable. Additionally, these switches are accented and polished, providing a balanced tactile feedback without being overwhelming or subtle. As for the Spring Breeze switch, information regarding its tactile feel is unavailable, so it is challenging to draw a direct contrast in this regard.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is praised for its balanced and versatile qualities in both sound and feel, the information available for the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is limited. If you enjoy the characteristics of the Gold Brown switch, you may find similar results with the Spring Breeze switch depending on your preference for clicky switches. Ultimately, the best choice between these two switches would depend on your personal typing preferences and the specific usage scenario in which you plan to use them.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing needs. If you value a balanced switch with a moderate weightiness, a soft sound profile, and a satisfying bump, the Gold Brown would be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a clicky sound profile and a lower bottom out force, the Spring Breeze might be more suitable for you. Consider your typing style, noise tolerance, and desired typing experience when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
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