TTC Gold Silver vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver, a linear switch, to the Cherry MX Brown, a tactile switch, one can easily distinguish the key differences in their characteristics. The TTC Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness, delivering a solid bottom-out with each keystroke and a resonant sound signature that emphasizes swift action. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown is known for its subtlety, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. While the Gold Silver offers speed, sound, and fluidity, the MX Brown focuses on a more textured and bassy 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Cherry MX Brown switches have distinct characteristics that impact the sound and feel of typing. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to create a duller tone. Both materials offer unique acoustic qualities that cater to different preferences in typing sound.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Gold Silver and the MX Brown switches utilize nylon, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder sound that adds to the overall typing experience. While the top housing of each switch provides distinct sound profiles, the similar nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent depth and fullness of sound when typing on both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the TTC Gold Silver and Cherry MX Brown switches plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing on each switch. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Silver offers a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon top housing of the MX Brown provides a deeper and fuller tone. Despite the differences in top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures a consistent sound experience that emphasizes a rounder and fuller sound profile. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials in mechanical switches contributes to the overall typing experience and caters to individual preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the TTC Gold Silver has a bottom out force of None grams, while the Cherry MX Brown has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light. This means that the MX Brown switch requires a slightly heavier force to fully press down compared to the Gold Silver switch. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gold Silver for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may enjoy the slightly heavier bottom out force of the MX Brown for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is clear that the Gold Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the MX Brown's 4 mm. The Gold Silver's shorter distance may appeal to those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the MX Brown's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more substantial keypress for those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying feel when typing. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Silver being on the shallower end and the MX Brown falling closer to the standard 4.0 mm distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Silver switch produces a thocky and low-pitched noise that resonates with a sense of satisfaction, while the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a more bass-heavy and mellow sound profile. Both switches provide a pleasing auditory experience, but the Gold Silver switch may offer a deeper and richer tone due to its design. Ultimately, the sound produced by either switch will also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Silver switch provides a polished and silky typing experience, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch may offer a textured feel, which some users prefer for a more tactile sensation while typing. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Gold Silver switch may excel in providing a smoother and more refined feel with its polished and silky characteristics.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch each have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver switch emphasizes rapid responsiveness, precision bottoming out, and a thocky sound profile, while the MX Brown switch focuses on subtle tactility and a light typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a premium typing experience that is sure to enhance your overall keyboarding enjoyment. Whether opting for the TTC Gold Silver or the Cherry MX Brown, you can expect a high-quality mechanical keyboard switch that meets your typing needs with excellence.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value rapid responsiveness, a smooth keystroke experience, and a resonant sound signature, the Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with subtle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the MX Brown could be more suited to your needs. Take into account factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force to make an informed decision on which switch aligns best with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on what you prioritize in your typing experience.
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