TTC Gold Brown vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, a linear switch. The Gold Brown is known for its balanced feel, slight tactile bump, moderate weightiness, and softer sound profile. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is recognized for its all-POM construction, short travel distance for quick actuation, thocky sound, smooth operation, and feather-light touch. Each switch offers unique characteristics that may appeal to different preferences, whether you value a tactile typing experience or prefer a smooth linear feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, catering to individuals who prefer a softer and less intense typing sound. While both housing materials offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and typing experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, the Gold Brown utilizes nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that absorbs more sound due to the softer nature of the plastic. This creates a duller and rounder sound, perfect for those seeking a more subdued typing experience. Similarly, the Smoothie Silver's POM bottom housing complements its top housing by also producing a deeper and more muted sound profile, ensuring a consistent typing experience with a focus on sound quality. Both switches prioritize sound quality and comfort, making them excellent choices for users who value a pleasant typing experience.
While the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offer different sound profiles, they both excel in providing a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper, higher-pitched sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Gold Brown or the deeper, more muted sound produced by the POM top housing in the Smoothie Silver, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing style, but rest assured that you can expect a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch with an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Gold Brown switch requires more force to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Brown switch has a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Smoothie Silver switch does not have a specified bottom out force. This indicates that the Gold Brown switch is heavier overall in terms of bottoming out. In terms of weight preferences, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Smoothie Silver switch, while those who prefer a heavier feel may opt for the Gold Brown switch. Both switches offer different tactile and linear experiences, so choosing between them would depend on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Smoothie Silver has the shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Brown. The shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Gold Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress feel. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between them ultimately 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 Gateron Smoothie Silver 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 Silver 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 Gold Brown offers a balanced and neutral sound profile suitable for various uses, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver provides a unique thocky sound that is smooth and satisfying. The sound of both switches will also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Brown switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience, with a balanced amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. These switches offer a polished and refined key feel, resulting in a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver switch's feel is not described in the provided information.
In conclusion, the Gold Brown and Smoothie Silver switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Brown switch provides a balanced and moderate typing experience with a slight bump and rounded sound profile, the Smoothie Silver switch features a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Remember, the keycaps, keyboard, and individual typing habits will also play a significant role in the overall feel and sound of the switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch or the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a balanced switch with a moderate actuation force and a soft, rounded sound profile, then the Gold Brown may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you value lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, then the Smoothie Silver may be more to your liking. Ultimately, test out both switches if possible to see which one feels more comfortable and suits your typing needs best. Remember, the right switch for you is the one that feels the most natural and enjoyable to type on.
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