TTC Gold Red vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider the typing experience and sound profile that suits your preferences. Two options to consider are the TTC Gold Red and the TTC Silent Brown switches. The Gold Red is a linear switch that offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. It has a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard. On the other hand, the Silent Brown is a tactile switch that provides a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying rounded tactile bump. It also boasts a muted sound profile that is appreciated by many users. While these general descriptions can help in your decision-making process, let's delve deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
The TTC Gold Red and TTC Silent Brown switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, whether it is the Gold Red or Silent Brown, both switches will provide similar results in terms of the sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
However, where these switches differ is in their nylon bottom housings. The Gold Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Silent Brown also features a nylon bottom housing, providing similar deep and full sound characteristics. Both switches benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon, enhancing the overall auditory experience while typing.
When comparing the effects of the top and bottom housings on the sound and feel of the switches, it should be noted that the qualities of each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. While the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down, the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the choice of materials for both the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience of the switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch differ in terms of weight. The Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Silent Brown's 45 grams. Similarly, the Gold Red has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Silent Brown has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, but the Gold Red offers a slightly lighter touch, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter force for extended periods of typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Silent Brown provides a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, we can see that the Gold Red has a distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly shorter distance of 3.8 mm. Both of these distances fall within the traditional range for switch travel distance, with 4 mm being the more standard option. However, the 3.8 mm distance of the Silent Brown is still considered relatively shallow. The Gold Red offers a more traditional depth, while the Silent Brown offers a slightly shorter distance.
Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. In this case, the Silent Brown would be the preferred option. However, for those who enjoy a deeper key press, the 4 mm travel distance of the Gold Red would provide a more satisfying feel. Both switches have their own advantages and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you prefer a shorter, more responsive distance or a longer, more substantial depth, you can achieve similar results with either the Gold Red or the Silent Brown.
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 TTC Silent 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 Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile. The deep and satisfying sound produced by these switches adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being overwhelming. On the other hand, the Silent Brown tactile switch provides a muted sound experience. These switches minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, resulting in a softer and quieter typing experience. Both switches offer pleasant sound profiles, but the Gold Red will have a deeper and richer tone, while the Silent Brown will have a more muted and subdued sound.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red switch offers a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience. These switches have a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel while providing smooth key travel. The combination of materials used and factory lubing ensures a sleek and refined finish, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience. Similarly, the Silent Brown switch also provides a mild and polished typing experience. The buttery nature of these switches ensures a smooth and fluid keystroke, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches offer a comfortable and approachable typing experience, with the Gold Red being slightly more subtle and the Silent Brown feeling a bit more buttery.
Considering all the available information, the Gold Red linear switch and the Silent Brown tactile switch have their own unique qualities. The Gold Red switch provides a snappy and personality-enhancing sound profile, along with a mild and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a more muted and quiet sound experience, coupled with a buttery and polished typing feel. Depending on individual preferences, both switches provide a light-medium level of resistance, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. If you're looking for a similar overall result in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer a mild and polished typing experience, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the desired sound and feel for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a modest touch of personality in terms of sound, the Gold Red linear switch is a great choice. It offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, which is neither too loud nor too quiet. Additionally, the Gold Red switch provides a mild, silky, subtle, and polished feel, ensuring a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, a satisfying rounded tactile bump, and a muted sound profile, the Silent Brown tactile switch is the way to go. With its muted sound, it minimizes noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Silent Brown switch also offers a buttery, mild, and polished feel, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Red linear switch and the Silent Brown tactile switch depends on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel. Consider whether you prefer a snappy sound profile or a muted sound profile, as well as whether you prioritize a mild or buttery typing experience. Rest assured, both switches provide a light-medium level of resistance, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience overall.
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