Gateron Melodic vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard, you'll find that each offers a unique typing experience. The Gateron Melodic redefines the clicky switch category with its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing a satisfying tactile feedback and crunchy sound. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown offers a more muted and polished typing experience with a gentle tactile bump. Both switches are categorized as 'Buttery', but the Melodic leans towards being more resonant and invigorating, while the Silent Brown is described as mild and comfortable. 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the TTC Silent Brown, it is evident that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and clear resonant qualities. Additionally, polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for the illumination to shine through. With both switches utilizing this material for their top housing, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetic appeal.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the Gateron Melodic and the TTC Silent Brown showcases a contrast in material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon for their bottom housing. While both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, users may notice a difference in the sound and feel when bottoming out the switch, as this is where the bottom housing has a more significant impact.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Gateron Melodic and the TTC Silent Brown allows for a balance of sharp, crisp sound and deeper, fuller tones. The usage of different materials for each part of the switch contributes to a unique typing experience, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing affecting the sound and feel when bottoming out. Users can appreciate the nuances in sound profile and tactile feedback that each housing material brings to these switches, making them stand out in their own right.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Melodic has a lower bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Silent Brown's 63.5 grams, making the Melodic the lighter option in terms of how much force is needed to fully press the key down. However, the actuation force of the Silent Brown at 45 grams is lower than the Melodic's unknown force, making the Silent Brown the lighter option in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Silent Brown for its lower actuation force, while those looking for a more substantial typing feel may prefer the Melodic for its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the type of typing experience one is looking to achieve.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. The Melodic switch has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly deeper key press feel compared to the Silent Brown switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Silent Brown switch. Both switches offer a balance between travel distance and key press depth, but those looking for a slightly deeper press may lean towards the Gateron Melodic switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Gateron Melodic clicky switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, providing a higher-pitched sound profile with sharp clicks reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch delivers a muted sound profile, producing softer and quieter keystrokes compared to traditional switches, making it ideal for those seeking a more subtle typing experience. Both switches offer distinct auditory characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Melodic being more crisp and immersive, while the Silent Brown is more subdued and gentle.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic offers a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and reactive feel. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown offers a buttery and polished feel, with a more gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone suitable for most users. Both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort in their tactile feedback, with the Melodic leaning towards a more firm actuation force and the Silent Brown offering a more approachable typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch excels in delivering a resonant, crunchy sound with an invigorating typing feel, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch provides a muted sound profile and a polished, mild tactile feel, catering to those who prefer a softer and quieter typing experience with a refined touch. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that target different preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect match for their typing style and sound preferences.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a resonant and crunchy sound profile with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Melodic switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a muted sound profile with a buttery, mild, and polished feel, the Silent Brown switch could be the better option. Additionally, take into account the bottom out force of each switch, with the Melodic being medium and the Silent Brown being medium-heavy. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value most.
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