TTC Gold Brown vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Tom mechanical keyboard switches, both are tactile switches, but they offer different characteristics for users to consider. The Gold Brown is praised for its balanced feel, slight bump, moderate weightiness, and softer sound profile. On the other hand, the Tom lacks specific notable features but is still a tactile switch. Choosing the Gold Brown may be ideal for those seeking a tactile switch with a smoother and more refined typing experience, while the Tom could be suitable for someone looking for a tactile switch without any standout characteristics. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
The TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Tom both use polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting as it allows for a vibrant visual experience. Since both switches use the same material for their top housings, users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when typing on these switches.
In terms of bottom housing material, both the Gold Brown and the Tom utilize nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is softer than other plastics, absorbing more sound and creating a duller but rounder sound overall. This material is considered a classic choice for switch housings due to its ability to provide a satisfying typing experience with its unique sound characteristics. With both switches featuring nylon bottom housings, users can expect a consistent typing feel and sound quality when using either of these switches.
When different housing materials are used for the top and bottom of a switch, the qualities of each material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This division allows for a more nuanced typing experience, with each housing material contributing its unique characteristics to the overall sound and feel of the switch. Both the Gold Brown and the Tom offer a balance of materials that complement each other to provide a satisfying typing experience for users.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch have the same actuation force of 55 grams, making them equally light to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams while the Tom's force is unknown. The Gold Brown offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the lighter bottom out force of the Tom may be preferred by individuals who value longer typing sessions without experiencing fatigue. Overall, while both switches share a similar actuation force, the difference in bottom out force between the Gold Brown and the Tom caters to users with varying preferences for typing feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Tom tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Gold Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Tom. The difference of 0.7 mm may not seem significant, but it can impact the typing experience for some users. A longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying and tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who prefer a deeper keypress. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Tom switch can appeal to those looking for a quicker response time, which is especially favored by gamers. Both switches offer different experiences when it comes to keypress feedback, so the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Tom 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, the TTC Gold Brown and Outemu Tom switches offer different experiences when it comes to sound and feel. The Gold Brown switch provides a balanced and rounded sound profile with a moderate weightiness, making it suitable for a variety of uses. In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild and buttery typing experience with accented tactility and a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, information regarding the sound and feel of the Outemu Tom switch is unknown.
If both switches were to offer similar qualities in the areas of sound and feel, users can expect a pleasant typing experience with a moderate sound profile and gentle key presses that are neither too overwhelming nor too subtle. It is important to note that the overall sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's design, keycaps used, and personal preference. Ultimately, choosing between the Gold Brown and Tom switches will depend on the individual's preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch or the Outemu Tom tactile switch, it is important to think about your individual preferences and needs. If you are looking for a balanced switch with a satisfying bump, moderate weightiness, and softer sound profile, the Gold Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with unknown specifications and qualities, the Tom may be worth exploring. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your specific typing style, preferences, and priorities when it comes to your mechanical keyboard experience. Consider trying out both switches if possible before making a final decision.
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