TTC Gold Brown vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Weightlessness both stand out as excellent options for those seeking a tactile feel in their typing experience. The Gold Brown switches are renowned for their balanced performance, providing a slight but satisfying bump with each keystroke, accompanied by a rounded sound profile that remains soft and unobtrusive. This makes them an ideal choice for users who appreciate a tactile feedback without overwhelming noise. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches also deliver a tactile sensation, but with a subtly different approach, offering a subtle to moderate feel and a similarly balanced sound profile. Both switches cater to those who enjoy tactile feedback, but the Gold Browns lean more towards a polished and buttery experience, while the Weightlessness switches embody a more understated tactile response. 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
50g
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
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and Gateron Weightlessness switches present a diverse comparison of housing materials that significantly influence their sound and performance characteristics. The Gold Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. These properties contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it a great choice for users looking for an energetic auditory experience. Given its clear housing, the Gold Brown is also optimized for RGB lighting, enhancing visual aesthetics while complementing the sound profile. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer nature that produces a deeper and more rounded sound. This fundamental difference in material directly affects the overall auditory feedback experienced during typing, with the Weightlessness favoring a softer, more muted sound.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon materials, which create a sense of uniformity in their auditory experiences. The nylon used in the Gold Brown's bottom housing and the Weightlessness serves to absorb sound, contributing to a fuller sound profile and a more cushioned feel. While the top housings differ—polycarbonate in the Gold Brown and nylon in the Weightlessness—the similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver a rich, deep sound when bottoming out. Therefore, while the Gold Brown's crispness might be reflected during actuation and release, the shared nylon bottom provides a grounding aspect that enhances the overall typing experience in both switches.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials of the top housings create distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, while the consistent use of nylon in both bottom housings promotes a familiar tactile sensation. Users who enjoy the sharper auditory feedback of the Gold Brown may find themselves attracted to the aesthetic potential of its polycarbonate top, particularly with RGB setups. Conversely, those who prefer a mellower sound may lean toward the Weightlessness due to its nylon top housing. Regardless of the differences, both switches promise a satisfying typing experience, showcasing the unique characteristics of their respective materials while simultaneously blending them through their common nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch to the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we see a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Gold Brown requires an actuation force of 55 grams, making it the heavier option, while the Gateron Weightlessness has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch, the Weightlessness switch may be more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unknown, which makes it difficult to fully assess the overall typing experience in terms of how it feels when keys are pressed down completely. In contrast, the Gold Brown's bottom out force is 63 grams, providing a medium, more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer. Overall, users looking for a lighter feel should consider the Gateron Weightlessness, while those who appreciate a slightly heavier feedback might find the TTC Gold Brown more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Gold Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Weightlessness has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The longer travel distance of the Gold Brown may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced and substantial key press experience, providing a hearty depth that some find comforting and satisfying. On the other hand, the Weightlessness, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance, caters to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, but it might feel a bit abrupt for users who enjoy the tactile feedback of deeper presses. Overall, if you value depth and a more classic feel, the Gold Brown would be the more suitable choice, whereas for those prioritizing speed and responsiveness, the Gateron Weightlessness is the better option.
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 Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 it comes to sound, both the TTC Gold Brown and Gateron Weightlessness switches possess a balanced profile that makes them suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office. The Gold Brown has a rounded sound that is notably softer than many other switches, providing a more muted audio experience without being completely silent. This neutrality allows for a typing experience that feels unobtrusive, fitting for both beginners and seasoned users alike. The Weightlessness, while lacking specific descriptors, also offers a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile feedback. This alignment in sound characteristics means both switches will deliver a similar auditory experience, albeit with each having its unique nuances.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown excels with its mild, buttery, accented, and polished tactile qualities that yield a smooth and approachable typing sensation. Its subtle bump provides enough feedback to ensure that users can confidently register key presses without the distractions that come from overly tactile switches. The combination of a smooth keystroke experience and a delicate touch makes the Gold Brown versatile for all types of users. The Gateron Weightlessness switches, while described as offering a subtle to moderate tactile feel, lack further detailed characterizations. However, given their similar intended experience, users can expect a moderately pleasant tactile sensation—this may parallel the unique but refined touch of the Gold Brown for those seeking a well-rounded typing experience.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown and Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches offer balanced sound and feel, catering to users seeking a versatile and unobtrusive typing experience. The Gold Brown stands out with its rich description of tactile feedback traits, from mild to polished, while the Weightlessness maintains the promise of subtlety in its tactile response. Even with the limited information on the Weightlessness, it appears that users will achieve comparable typing results, allowing them to enjoy a smooth and satisfying mechanical keyboard experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing needs. If you seek a balanced typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump, the Gold Brown might be your best option. It offers a medium actuation force of 63 grams, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings, providing a soft yet rounded sound that is not overly intrusive. This makes the Gold Brown an excellent choice if you want a versatile switch that feels polished and offers a mild tactile feedback without being too pronounced. Conversely, if you're looking for something that emphasizes subtlety and moderate tactile feedback, the Gateron Weightlessness switch could be the right fit for you. While it lacks specific bottom out force data, known for its balanced sound profile, it might appeal to users who enjoy a more understated typing experience. Overall, consider your typing style and preferences; if you prefer a clearer tactile sensation with a bit more weight, choose the Gold Brown. However, if you appreciate a gentler and more subdued feel, the Weightlessness might be your go-to switch.
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