TTC Gold Brown vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gold Brown from TTC and the Phoenix from Outemu are two excellent options to consider. On one hand, the Gold Brown switch is best known for its balanced nature, providing a slight but satisfying bump with a moderate weightiness. It offers a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches without being completely silent. This switch is categorized as neutral, mild, buttery, accented, and polished. On the other hand, the Phoenix switch stands out with its unique under-skirt click mechanism, making it one of the most distinctive clicky switches available. It offers a crystalline and sparkling type feel and sound profile, giving your typing experience a crunchy and polished touch. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision according to your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and the Outemu Phoenix both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, making it ideal for users who prioritize auditory feedback while typing. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. Whether it's the Gold Brown or the Phoenix, users can expect a clear and resonant sound experience with vibrant lighting options.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Gold Brown features a nylon material while the Phoenix uses polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Phoenix contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, like its top housing counterpart. Moreover, the transparent nature of polycarbonate in the Phoenix's bottom housing aligns with its aesthetics and compatibility for RGB lighting enthusiasts.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings will be divided between the two for both switches. When pressing down on either the Gold Brown or the Phoenix, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, users will notice the effects of the top housing when releasing a key. Nonetheless, both switches provide distinct sound profiles and different tactile experiences, allowing users to find the right fit for their typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, there are a few notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Brown has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Phoenix, for which the actuation force is not available. Both switches, however, have a similar medium level bottom out force, with the Gold Brown requiring 63 grams and the Phoenix requiring 62 grams.
For individuals who prefer a lighter switch, the Gold Brown may be more suitable as its lower actuation force allows for longer typing periods and is ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who seek a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may prefer the Phoenix. While the actuation force of the Phoenix is unknown, its bottom out force is comparable to the Gold Brown, providing a similar typing experience in terms of force required.
Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Brown may be appealing to those seeking a smoother and more effortless typing experience, while the Phoenix might be preferred by individuals who enjoy a slightly heavier push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it is clear that the Gold Brown has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Phoenix has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The Gold Brown's 4.0 mm travel distance falls into the more traditional range, providing a sense of depth and satisfaction when pressed. On the other hand, the Phoenix's 3.3 mm travel distance is on the shallower side, making it more suitable for gamers or individuals seeking faster response times. While both switches offer distinct advantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy the feeling of depth, the TTC Gold Brown with its longer travel distance would be the ideal choice. Conversely, if you prioritize quick response times and a more responsive touch, the Outemu Phoenix with its shorter travel distance would be a better fit.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch have distinct differences in sound and feel. The Gold Brown switch is known for its balanced sound profile, offering a slight, satisfying bump without being completely silent. This results in a rounded sound that is generally softer than most switches. On the other hand, the Phoenix switch features a unique under-skirt click mechanism, providing a crystalline and sparkling sound profile akin to stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Both switches offer specific sound characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, but they are quite different in terms of the actual sound produced.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience. It falls into a safe and middle-ground zone, providing a more gentle typing sensation. The switch can be described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, it features an accented tactile feel that is not overwhelming or subtle, providing a prominent amount of tactility. The switch is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Phoenix switch is also polished, providing a sleek typing experience with reduced friction. However, the specific feel characteristics of the Phoenix switch are unknown.
In conclusion, the Gold Brown and Phoenix switches differ in sound and feel. The Gold Brown switch offers a balanced sound profile with a slight bump and a softer sound compared to most switches. It provides a mild, buttery, accented, and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Phoenix switch has a distinct clicky sound due to its under-skirt click mechanism, reminiscent of stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. While the feel of the Phoenix switch is unknown, it also boasts a polished finish for reduced friction. Overall, these switches provide unique experiences, and for those seeking similar results, the Gold Brown switch may offer a comparable sound profile and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced and versatile switch, the Gold Brown tactile switch from TTC would be a great choice. With a moderate bottom-out force of 63 grams, it provides just the right amount of weightiness and a satisfying bump. The Gold Brown switch also offers a softer and rounded sound profile, making it suitable for various environments without being completely silent. In terms of feel, it provides a mild and approachable typing experience, with qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, its buttery and polished attributes ensure a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch with a unique feel and sound, the Outemu Phoenix switch is an excellent option. With a bottom-out force of 62 grams, it offers a slightly lighter weight compared to the Gold Brown switch. The Phoenix switch features an under-skirt click mechanism, providing a crystalline and sparkling feel and sound profile. It delivers a crunchy typing experience, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. Like the Gold Brown, the Phoenix switch is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on your personal preferences, so consider your desired sound, feel, and typing experience when making your selection.
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