TTC Gold Red vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Brown offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red, a linear switch, is renowned for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium resistance. Its snappy sound profile adds a touch of personality without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown, a tactile switch, provides tactile feedback for a more distinct typing experience. While the Gold Red is characterized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Silky', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Brown does not have specific characteristics listed. Both switches have their strengths and choosing between them will ultimately come down to personal preference. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Brown, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making it ideal for use in switches with RGB lighting. However, the differences lie in the bottom housings, with the Gold Red utilizing a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Outemu Brown also features a nylon bottom housing that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Despite having similar polycarbonate top housings, the contrast between the nylon bottom housings of the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Brown showcases how different materials can impact the overall sound profile of a switch. The Gold Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Brown's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder tone. These differences in sound profiles highlight the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall typing experience and auditory feedback of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Ultimately, the split between the top and bottom housing materials in switches like the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Brown demonstrates how each material brings unique qualities to the typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. By understanding how both top and bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile and tactile feedback of a switch, keyboard enthusiasts can make more informed decisions when selecting switches for their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch differ in weight. The Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a smoother typing experience. On the other hand, the Brown switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience. If equivalent, both switches would offer a similar typing feel for users. Ultimately, the choice between a lighter or heavier force depends on the individual's preference for typing comfort and efficiency.
Travel distance
When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that pressing down on either switch will result in a similar feeling in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Users can expect consistent results in this aspect when using either switch. Despite having different characteristics - linear versus tactile - the travel distance of both switches remains identical. Thus, users can expect the same level of responsiveness and tactile feedback when using either the Gold Red or the Brown switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red for $3.28.
The Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is praised for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, giving a satisfying and bass-heavy typing experience. This switch also falls under the neutral category, making it versatile for various users and environments. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to directly compare. However, keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red linear switch is noted for its mild, silky, subtle, and polished characteristics, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance. These qualities provide a comfortable middle-ground typing feel suitable for a wide range of users. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison between the two switches. Just like with sound, factors such as personal preference and typing style can affect the perceived feel of a switch.
Overall, while the sound and feel qualities of the TTC Gold Red linear switch are well-documented and praised for their smoothness and richness, the characteristics of the Outemu Brown tactile switch remain unknown. It's important to consider individual preferences and requirements when choosing between switches, as what works well for one person may not necessarily be the best option for another. In cases where the qualities are similar or unknown, it's likely that you'll achieve comparable results in terms of typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red linear switch or the Outemu Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference in typing experience. If you prefer a light-medium level of resistance with a buttery smooth feel and a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a tactile bump for added feedback but are not concerned with sound profile, the Outemu Brown switch might be more suitable for your typing style. Consider your typing preferences and priorities when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Red linear switch and the Brown tactile switch will depend on what features are most important to you in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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