TTC Gold Red Pro vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch stand out as popular options for different user preferences. The Gold Red Pro is praised for its versatility, offering a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that can adapt well to any environment. On the other hand, the Silent Brown provides a comfortable typing experience with a tactile bump and a muted sound profile. While the Gold Red Pro is known for its ease of press and adaptability, the Silent Brown offers a satisfying tactile feedback and a quieter typing experience. 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red Pro and the TTC Silent Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is also beneficial for switches intended for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. However, the material of the bottom housing sets these two switches apart. The Gold Red Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Silent Brown also features a nylon bottom housing that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing, the differences in their bottom housings impact the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches. The split in housing material between the top and bottom affects how these switches sound and feel when pressed or when keys are released. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when keys are released. This balance of materials in the housing composition contributes to the unique typing experience offered by each switch.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the TTC Silent Brown play a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of these switches. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches creates a sharp and clear sound profile, particularly suitable for switches designed for RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing sets them apart, with the Gold Red Pro offering a deeper and fuller sound profile and the Silent Brown absorbing more sound for a duller and rounder sound. The combination of materials in the housing composition contributes to the overall typing experience, making each switch distinct in its sound and feel.
Weight
Comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, the Gold Red Pro requires less force to actuate at 43 grams, while the Silent Brown needs slightly more at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Silent Brown is noticeably higher at 63.5 grams, compared to the Gold Red Pro which has an unknown bottom out force. This means that the Silent Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel, while the Gold Red Pro offers a lighter actuation force for a smoother typing experience. Both switches have their advantages depending on the user's preference, with the Gold Red Pro being ideal for longer typing sessions and the Silent Brown catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.8mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance between the two switches, they both provide a consistent tactile feel to the user. The Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a smooth linear keypress without any tactile bump, while the Silent Brown tactile switch provides a subtle tactile feedback for a more responsive typing experience. Despite their different mechanisms, both switches offer the same travel distance, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feel and overall typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a moderate sound that is neither too loud nor too soft. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile, resulting in a quieter typing experience overall. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound, with the Gold Red Pro providing a neutral and versatile option, while the Silent Brown offers a more subdued and subtle typing experience.
In the realm of feel, the Gold Red Pro is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined feel with gentle resistance. The switch provides a comfortable and easy typing sensation that is suitable for various typing tasks. Similarly, the TTC Silent Brown switch is also described as providing a buttery and polished typing feel, ensuring a smooth and uniform keystroke experience. Both switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable and suitable for a wide range of users.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch each have their own unique qualities, they both offer a comfortable and versatile typing experience. Whether you prefer a switch with a neutral sound profile like the Gold Red Pro or a more muted sound profile like the Silent Brown, both switches deliver on smooth and refined typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured that you will get satisfying results with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Opt for the Gold Red Pro if you value a smooth and versatile typing experience with a neutral sound profile. This switch is perfect for various settings, from gaming to office work, thanks to its adaptability and ease of press. On the other hand, choose the Silent Brown if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize ease of press and versatility (Gold Red Pro) or tactile satisfaction and quiet typing (Silent Brown).
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