TTC Gold Brown vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between tactile and linear switches. The TTC Gold Brown switch exemplifies a balanced design, providing users with a slight and satisfying tactile bump that enhances typing feedback while maintaining a softer rounded sound profile. This makes it an appealing option for those who appreciate a mix of responsiveness and quiet operation. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch embraces a linear design, promoting a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke experience. Known for its medium weight and thocky sound profile, it caters to users who prioritize fluidity and a more understated auditory experience. While the Gold Brown offers a tactile sensation that some find essential for typing accuracy, the Sea Salt Smoothie highlights an effortless glide that many gamers and typists admire. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown switches and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, notable differences emerge, particularly in the composition of the top housings. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, high-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This rigidity allows sounds produced by the switch to be clearer and more resonant, making it ideal for users seeking a bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM for its top housing, generating a sound that is deeper and more muted. While the difference in sound profiles is significant, both housings play a critical role in shaping the overall auditory experience of each respective switch.
Delving into the bottom housings reveals both switches share a common characteristic in their sound profiles yet differ in material composition. The Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound, creating a rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing also produces a more muted sound but rightly does so with its own unique qualities. Thus, while both switches provide a deep sound profile, the nylon material in the Gold Brown brings a softness that might be distinct compared to the more distinctive POM properties in the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Ultimately, the differing top and bottom housing materials influence the overall sound and feel when typing. The Gold Brown's polycarbonate top adds clarity to the release sound, while its nylon bottom contributes to a more muted feel upon actuation. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie achieves a complex sound experience through its POM housings. Although the sound outputs differ, users of both switches will find an enjoyable typing experience; if one seeks a brighter response, the Gold Brown will deliver, whereas if a deeper, muted feel is desired, the Sea Salt Smoothie will be preferable. Hence, while distinct in characteristics, both switches can yield a satisfying experience, influenced by the blend of materials utilized across their respective housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences emerge. The TTC Gold Brown features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight switch that offers a solid typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams, making it easier to actuate and potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, leaving a gap in understanding how it may feel when fully pressed. Because of the lighter actuation force, users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience would likely gravitate toward the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those favoring a more substantial push sensation may opt for the heavier TTC Gold Brown.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Gold Brown, with its 4 mm travel, provides a more pronounced tactile feedback due to its longer distance, catering to users who appreciate deeper key presses. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its 3.7 mm travel distance, offers a more seamless and quicker actuation, making it suitable for gamers or those who prefer faster response times. For those accustomed to traditional switch designs, the Gold Brown may feel more substantial, whereas the Gateron switch might feel more abrupt to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference for either the deeper feedback of the Gold Brown or the snappier response of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 features a rounded sound profile that leans towards softness, making it notably quieter than many other mechanical switches. Its neutral sound output ensures that it can be comfortably used in various environments—whether you're at home or in a professional setting, the modest sound level is unobtrusive. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie produces a thocky sound profile, often appreciated for its depth and character. This switch delivers a sound that feels rich and satisfying, but the specifics of its acoustic qualities may vary depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, which can all influence the final auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch is characterized by a mild tactile response, providing enough bump to register each keystroke without overwhelming the typist. This switch combines buttery smoothness with an accented tactile feedback, ensuring a pleasant and approachable typing experience. The Gold Brown is refined and polished, making each keystroke feel fluid and effortless. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie is designed to offer exceptional smoothness, facilitating a silky keystroke experience. While specific tactile details are not provided for this switch, it is understood to be an all-POM switch, hinting at a potentially smooth feel that some users may find appealing.
Overall, when comparing the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches, the two present distinct auditory experiences, with the Gold Brown being softer and more neutral while the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a deeper, thockier sound. In terms of feel, the Gold Brown balances mild tactility with smooth actuation, while the Sea Salt Smoothie promises a silky typing sensation. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference: if you seek a balanced tactile experience, the Gold Brown is your go-to, whereas if a lush, smooth keystroke appeals to you, then the Sea Salt Smoothie will fit the bill nicely. Both switches offer unique yet enjoyable typing experiences, granting newcomers a rich variety of options to explore in their mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate a balanced typing experience with a slight tactile bump that provides feedback during typing, the Gold Brown is an excellent choice. Its moderate bottom-out force of 63 grams strikes a comfortable balance, making it suitable for both home and work environments, especially if you prefer a softer sound profile that isn’t completely silent. This switch is particularly appealing if you are new to mechanical keyboards or enjoy a more traditional typing feel, as its mild and polished qualities can enhance your overall experience while also catering to those who seek a versatile option. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and thocky sound with a more fluid keystroke experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie might be the better option for you. While its bottom-out force is less defined, the buttery feel can provide a euphoric typing experience for those who often type for extended periods or enjoy gaming. In summary, your choice should reflect what matters most to you: tactile feedback and balanced sound with the Gold Brown, or smoothness and an engaging acoustic profile with the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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