TTC Gold Silver vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, one can immediately notice significant differences in their characteristics. The Gold Silver switch is lauded for its rapid responsiveness, providing a swift and solid bottom-out with each keystroke, accompanied by a resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying tactile bump and a muted sound profile. While the Gold Silver switch excels in speed, sound, and fluidity, the Silent Brown switch prioritizes comfort 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and the TTC Silent Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is useful for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Gold Silver and Silent Brown differ in their nylon bottom housings. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics.
While both the Gold Silver and the Silent Brown share the same top housing material of polycarbonate, their bottom housing materials reveal their differences. The Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile, providing a distinct typing experience for users. In contrast, the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing also offers a deep and full sound profile but with a slightly different resonance due to the switch's design. Despite these nuances, both switches ultimately deliver a satisfying typing experience rooted in the choice of their housing materials.
When considering how the qualities of the housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of each switch, it becomes evident that the top and bottom housings each play a significant role. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. By having different housing materials, the Gold Silver and Silent Brown are able to provide a diverse typing experience that caters to individual preferences in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, both have a similar actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience for users. However, the bottom out force differs between the two switches. The Gold Silver has an unknown bottom out force, while the Silent Brown has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a slightly heavier option. This means that the Silent Brown switch would provide a firmer and more substantial typing experience compared to the Gold Silver switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being ideal for longer typing sessions and heavier switches offering a more tactile feel for those who prefer a stronger push when typing.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Gold Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Silent Brown has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking quick response times, such as gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may be noticeable to some users. The Gold Silver's shorter travel distance may provide a crisper and more immediate keystroke, while the Silent Brown's slightly longer travel distance could offer a more deliberate and tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and rich auditory experience. The sound is neutral, striking a balance between actuation force and sound level suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is characterized by its muted sound, minimizing noise and providing a quieter typing experience overall.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is often described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance and minimal friction. The keystrokes are smooth and effortless, providing a fluid typing sensation. In comparison, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is known for its buttery and polished feel, similar to the Gold Silver in terms of smoothness and refinement. The mild characteristics ensure a comfortable typing experience suitable for most users.
Considering all available information, both the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Silver excels in rapid responsiveness and a resonant sound signature, the Silent Brown provides a comfortable typing experience with a light resistance and satisfying tactile bump. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and key usage, with both switches delivering a high-quality typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you value speed, precision, and a resonant sound profile, the Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. Its thocky and low-pitched sound, paired with its polished and silky feel, offer a unique typing experience suited for those who prioritize performance and responsiveness. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump, and a muted sound profile for quieter operation, the Silent Brown tactile switch could be the better option. With its buttery and mild feel, along with its muted sound signature, the Silent Brown provides a pleasant typing experience without compromising on performance. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
