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TTC Gold Brown vs. SP-Star RedBlue

An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

Introducing the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, and the SP-Star RedBlue, a linear switch. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that make them a popular choice among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Gold Brown is best known for its balanced feel, offering a slight but satisfying bump with a moderate weightiness. It also boasts a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches without being completely silent. On the other hand, the RedBlue linear switches are particularly suited for those who prefer a medium-light typing experience. With a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, they provide a unique feel for typists. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your keyboard setup.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

55g

Actuation force

N/A

Bottom-out force

63g

Bottom-out force

57g

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

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

Gold plated

Housing materials

The TTC Gold Brown and the SP-Star RedBlue both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide similar benefits. Due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, both switches produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's clarity and resonance make it ideal for those who prioritize a clean sound while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the effective use of RGB lighting in both switches.

However, the housings differ when it comes to their bottom housing materials. The Gold Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a slightly duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the RedBlue features a polycarbonate bottom housing. Although the top and bottom housings of the RedBlue may have different material compositions, the benefits of polycarbonate shine through in both cases. With its stiffer properties, the polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile.

When using either switch, the distinct qualities of the top and bottom housings become apparent. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. In this regard, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Brown promotes a deeper and fuller sound. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the RedBlue supports a sharper and crisper sound experience. On the other hand, the top housing predominantly affects the sound that occurs when releasing a key. In both switches, the polycarbonate top housing ensures a clear and resonant sound profile during key release.

In summary, while the TTC Gold Brown and the SP-Star RedBlue share the benefits of polycarbonate top housings, their bottom housing materials diverge. The Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound. Despite this difference, both switches offer a satisfying and unique typing experience, showcasing the distinct qualities each housing material brings to the overall sound.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the RedBlue's actuation force is unavailable. Both switches have a medium actuation force, meaning they require a moderate amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Brown has a slightly heavier force of 63 grams, whereas the RedBlue has a medium-light bottom out force of 57 grams. This means that while the Gold Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier bottom out, the RedBlue offers a lighter feel.

Weight is an essential factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can affect typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter switch might opt for the RedBlue, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This lighter weight is particularly beneficial for individuals who frequently use their keyboards for work or indulge in lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, and for them, the heavier bottom out force of the Gold Brown may be more suitable. However, despite their differences in force, both switches still fall within the medium to medium-light range, ensuring a balanced and responsive typing experience.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel distance. Both switches provide a tactile feedback that helps users determine when a key press has been registered. So, whether you choose the TTC Gold Brown or the SP-Star RedBlue, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels when pressed.

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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.

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 switches have a rounded sound profile that is generally much softer than most switches without being completely silent. This neutral sound profile makes them suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether they are using the switches at home or at work. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switches have a low-pitched sound profile which features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the RedBlue switches are described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.

Moving on to feel, the TTC Gold Brown switches offer a mild typing experience with a satisfying bump. These switches have a moderate weightiness to them, providing a balanced feel. They are also described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Gold Brown switches have an accented characteristic, providing a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Lastly, these switches are polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Similarly, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switches also offer a mild typing experience, providing a gentle feel when typing. Like the Gold Brown switches, the RedBlue switches are described as polished, which gives them a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown switches are best known for their balanced nature, providing a gentle bump and moderate weightiness, accompanied by a rounded and soft sound profile. They offer a mild and buttery typing experience with accented tactility and a polished finish. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switches provide a medium-light typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. They also offer a mild typing experience with a polished finish. While the two switches have some similarities in terms of feel, the Gold Brown switches provide a more pronounced bump and accented tactility compared to the RedBlue switches. However, if you prefer a smoother and more refined typing experience, both switches offer a polished finish that ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced switch with a moderate weightiness and a slight satisfying bump, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a generally softer sound profile. They are suitable for both beginners and advanced users, and can be used at home or in a work setting. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switches are worth considering. These switches have a lower actuation force requirement and provide a mellow tone. They also offer a smooth and refined typing experience, thanks to their polished finish. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for tactile feedback, weightiness, and sound profile.

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