TTC Gold Brown vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Silent Red. The Gold Brown switches are best known for their balanced feel, offering a slight but satisfying bump with a moderate weightiness. These switches have a rounded sound profile that is softer than most, making them a great choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red switches are perfect for individuals who value a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise. With a muted sound profile, these switches are ideal for office or shared living space use. They provide a consistent feel from top to bottom, and also offer a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch is right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the TTC Silent Red switches, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material leads to a similar outcome for both switches, as polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Aesthetically, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting, offering a visually pleasing experience in both the Gold Brown and Silent Red switches.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches differs, with the Gold Brown featuring a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Red utilizes the same material. The nylon bottom housing in these switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This can be attributed to nylon's softer nature, allowing it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound, providing a more satisfying typing experience for users of both the Gold Brown and Silent Red switches.
While the top and bottom housings of the switches serve different purposes, they work in harmony to deliver the overall sound and feel. When a key is pressed, the qualities of the bottom housing are more pronounced, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, when releasing the key, the top housing takes a more prominent role in shaping the sound. Therefore, it can be inferred that the differences in housing materials between the Gold Brown and Silent Red switches mainly affect the typing experience and sound-related aspects of the switches, ensuring that users can choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it becomes evident that both switches fall into the medium range. The Gold Brown requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Silent Red requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches have a similar measurement of 63 grams.
For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Silent Red switch provides a lower actuation force, allowing them to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. This makes it an ideal choice for those who bring their keyboard to work or engage in extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial and satisfying typing experience may lean towards the Gold Brown switch. With its slightly heavier actuation force, it provides a stronger push feel, which can enhance the overall typing experience.
While the actuation force varies between the two switches, both require the same amount of force to bottom out. This means that individuals who enjoy the feeling of pressing all the way down will achieve similar results with both switches.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch comes down to personal preference. Weight considerations play a crucial role, with some individuals favoring a lighter typing experience for extended use, while others prefer a heavier force for a more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and TTC Silent Red linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Silent Red the shorter option between the two. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Gold Brown provides a deeper and more satisfying key press for those who prefer a bit more depth. However, some people find shorter travel distances more preferable, especially gamers who value faster response times. The 3.7 mm travel distance of the Silent Red offers a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference.
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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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
When comparing the sound of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, the Gold Brown has a rounded and softer sound profile that is generally much softer than most switches without being completely silent. This makes it suitable for both home and work environments. On the other hand, the Silent Red has a muted sound profile, which produces a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. This makes it perfect for office or shared living space use. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, so individual results may vary. Overall, both switches provide a quieter typing experience, but the Silent Red is specifically designed for minimizing noise.
In terms of feel, both the Gold Brown and Silent Red have similar qualities. They both provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, giving a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, they both offer a mild typing experience, which is more gentle compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes them approachable to most users, as the qualities of these switches stand in a safe and middle-ground zone. Both switches are also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Whether using the Gold Brown or Silent Red, users can expect a comfortable and enjoyable typing feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown and TTC Silent Red switches offer different sound profiles, with the Gold Brown being neutral and the Silent Red being muted. However, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with a smooth and seamless feel. Whether you prefer a slight bump and moderate weightiness (Gold Brown) or a switch that delivers comfiness and is perfect for office or shared living spaces (Silent Red), these switches offer a balanced and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're in search of a balanced and versatile mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is the way to go. With a moderate bottom out force of 63 grams, it offers a satisfying bump and a weightiness that adds to the typing experience. The Gold Browns have a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, making them suitable for various environments. They provide a mild, buttery, accented, and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and smooth typing experience, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is the perfect choice. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches deliver a consistent feel from top to bottom. The Silent Reds have a muted sound profile, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. They offer a buttery, mild, and polished feel, ensuring a seamless and comfortable typing sensation.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is recommended for those seeking a balanced and versatile typing experience, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch is ideal for those prioritizing a quiet and smooth typing experience. Consider your preferences and environment to choose the switch that best suits your needs.
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