TTC Gold Pink vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the TTC Gold Pink and the Cherry MX Brown. Both switches offer unique features that may appeal to different types of users. The Gold Pink switches have a light actuation force of 37g, making them incredibly responsive and effortless to type on. They are perfect for those who value a fast typing experience, whether it's for rapid typing tasks or intense gaming sessions. Additionally, these switches provide a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Browns are best known for their subtlety. With a relatively light typing experience and gentle tactility, they offer a more nuanced typing feel. The audio feedback is also more subdued, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the Cherry MX Brown switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, while the Gold Pink offers a more precise and distinct sound, the MX Brown delivers a deeper and overall fuller sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Gold Pink and the MX Brown employ nylon as the material of choice. This choice results in a similar effect on the sound profiles of the switches. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. This is attributed to nylon's ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. Consequently, regardless of the switch, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings will elicit a similar sound experience with a duller and rounder sound.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the switch's sound and feel, it becomes evident that they play distinct roles. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. As both the Gold Pink and the MX Brown feature nylon as the bottom housing material, this aspect will be consistent for both switches. However, when it comes to the release of a key, the top housing becomes more significant. With the Gold Pink's polycarbonate top housing, there will be a distinct sound when a key is released, thanks to its stiffness. Conversely, the MX Brown's nylon top housing will contribute to a different sound experience upon key release, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, we find differences in both their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Pink has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, while the MX Brown requires 45 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force for the Gold Pink is 45 grams, whereas the MX Brown is slightly heavier at 55 grams. This means that those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gold Pink, as it requires less force both for actuation and bottoming out. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial push feel, the MX Brown would be the better option, as it requires a slightly stronger force for both actuation and bottoming out. In terms of weight, both switches offer a relatively lighter typing experience compared to switches with higher force requirements. Thus, those seeking similar results can expect a similar lighter typing experience regardless of the specific switch chosen.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch are identical, both measuring 4 mm. When pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, the user will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results and offer a comparable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
The Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 Pink linear switch offers a clacky sound. This sound is characterized by a relatively higher frequency range, resulting in a crisp and lively audio feedback during key presses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch provides a more subdued and subtle audio feedback. It is best described as bassy and low-pitched, with a deeper and richer sound profile that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound of both switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a more lively and clacky sound, the Gold Pink is the way to go, whereas if you prefer a deeper and bass-heavy sound, the MX Brown will suit your preference.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch offers a range of descriptors including buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. With an exceptionally light actuation force, they greatly reduce finger fatigue and are comfortable for extended typing sessions. The MX Brown tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as textured. This means that these switches have noticeable friction when pressed, providing a textured or scratchy typing experience. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others may prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. Overall, if you prefer a light and smooth typing feel, the Gold Pink is a better choice, while if you prefer a slightly textured typing experience, the MX Brown will be more suitable.
Taking into account the available information, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Gold Pink provides a lively and clacky sound, paired with a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing feel. These switches are best suited for those who value a light and effortless typing experience, perfect for rapid typing or gaming. On the other hand, the MX Brown offers a more subdued and bassy sound, accompanied by a textured typing feel. These switches provide a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility. While both switches have their own unique qualities, they provide similar results in terms of delivering a pleasurable and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences and the desired auditory and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a fast and effortless typing experience with a satisfying level of feedback, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is the way to go. With its light bottom out force of 45 grams and 37g actuation force, these switches are perfect for rapid typing or gaming. They provide a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is a great choice. It has a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams, which falls in the medium-light range. In terms of sound, the Gold Pink offers a description that is not specified, while the MX Brown has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, the Gold Pink is characterized as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a smooth and effortless typing sensation. The MX Brown, on the other hand, has a textured feel, which some users may prefer for noticeable friction. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you are looking for.
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