TTC Gold Brown vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear switches can greatly impact your typing experience. The TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, is best known for its balanced feel with a slight bump and moderate weightiness. It offers a softer sound profile compared to most switches, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie, a linear switch, stands out for its all-POM construction that ensures remarkable smoothness and a thocky sound signature. It also boasts a lightweight touch, making it perfect for fast typists. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Smoothie offer contrasting sound profiles due to their use of different materials. The Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the Smoothie's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in sound profile is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate versus the softer nature of POM. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic advantage over the opaque POM material.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both switches diverge from each other once again. The Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and producing a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing maintains the deep and muted sound profile found in its top housing. This consistency in sound profile between the top and bottom housings of the Smoothie contrasts with the split qualities of the Gold Brown, with each housing material contributing to different aspects of the switch's sound and feel.
Overall, while both switches offer unique sound profiles, the Gold Brown and the Smoothie vary in their use of housing materials to achieve these results. The Gold Brown utilizes polycarbonate and nylon to create a sharper top sound profile and a deeper bottom sound profile, while the Smoothie's POM material results in a more consistent, deep, and muted sound throughout. Whether a preference for a crisper and resonant sound (Gold Brown) or a pleasing and unique sound (Smoothie), users have options to cater to their desired typing experience based on the housing materials chosen.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Brown requires 63 grams while the Smoothie's bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Gold Brown has a more substantial typing experience with a higher bottom out force, whereas the Smoothie provides a lighter keystroke with a lower actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Gateron Smoothie may be the better option. However, for those who prefer a more pronounced typing feel, the TTC Gold Brown may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Brown has a longer travel distance at 4 mm, while the Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance at 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Brown being on the longer side and the Smoothie on the shorter side. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preference - gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Gold Brown. In the end, both switches offer a tactile typing experience, with the difference in travel distance leading to slightly varied sensations.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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 tactile switch provides a balanced and moderate sound profile that is softer compared to most switches, offering a pleasant typing experience suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched sound signature that delivers a deep and rich sound when pressed. The Smoothie switch also features a subdued sound that is not completely silent but offers a more subtle and dampened sound compared to many switches. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches will depend on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gold Brown tactile switch delivers a mild and buttery typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. It also offers an accented and polished key press, giving a smooth and refined typing sensation with reduced friction and seamless key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is also characterized by a buttery and creamy typing experience, offering a smooth and uniform feel that enhances the overall smoothness of typing. With a silky sensation, the Smoothie switch minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch have different sound and feel characteristics, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a balanced and moderate sound with a weighty touch or a thocky and low-pitched sound with remarkable smoothness, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Brown and Smoothie switches will depend on personal preferences in sound and feel, as well as the specific typing experience desired by the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a balanced typing experience with a moderate weightiness and a softer sound profile, the Gold Brown may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Smoothie could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and bottom out force. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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