TTC Gold Brown vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular choices are the TTC Gold Brown and the KTT Orange switches. The Gold Brown switches are best known for their balanced nature, offering a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. They also have a softer sound profile compared to most switches, making them suitable for quieter environments. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches boast a bouncy type feel, thanks to their 22mm long spring. With a polycarbonate milky top housing and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, these switches provide a frictionless typing experience. They also have a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches offer unique advantages, making them suitable for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the KTT Orange switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Gold Brown and the Orange switches will provide similar sound profiles and visual effects when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ. The Gold Brown utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which gives it a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Orange switch uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This means that the sharper and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate will also be present in the bottom-out sound and feel of the Orange switch. Therefore, there will be a noticeable difference in the sound and feel of the two switches when it comes to bottom-out actions.
When pressing down on either the Gold Brown or the Orange switch, you will feel the qualities of the bottom housing, as it has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The softer nylon housing of the Gold Brown will provide a deeper and fuller typing experience, while the stiffer polycarbonate housing of the Orange will create a sharper and more resonant sensation. On the other hand, the release sound and feel of a key will be influenced more by the top housing. Since both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing, the sound when letting go of a key will be similar, with a sharper and higher-pitched profile.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the KTT Orange switches share similarities in terms of their polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharp and crisp sound profile. However, the bottom housing materials differ, with the Gold Brown utilizing nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, and the Orange using polycarbonate for a sharper and resonant sensation. Understanding the impact of each housing material on the switch's sound and feel is crucial in deciding which switch would best suit individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, one notable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Orange's 46 grams, making it slightly heavier. Similarly, the Gold Brown also has a higher bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Orange has a lower bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Gold Brown provides a slightly stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience compared to the Orange switch. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Orange switch would be the more suitable choice, offering a medium-light actuation and bottom out force. However, if a stronger and heavier keystroke is desired, the Gold Brown switch would be the preferred option. Overall, both switches fall within the medium range, and while they have slight differences in force, they provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have different travel distances. The Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered traditional, while the Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter. Gamers, who value faster response times, may prefer the Orange switch with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and deeper feeling when pressing down on the keys may opt for the Gold Brown switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold 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 Gold Brown for $3.28.
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 Brown and KTT Orange switches offer distinct profiles. The Gold Brown switch produces a rounded sound that is softer than most switches, providing a satisfying and moderate level of noise without being completely silent. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch produces a low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. While both switches have their own unique sound characteristics, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild and approachable experience. It falls in a safe, middle-ground zone, providing a more gentle typing sensation compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The smooth and fluid keystroke experience of the Gold Brown switch is referred to as "buttery," offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Additionally, these switches are described as "accented," meaning that they have a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming or subtle. The polished finish and factory lubing of the Gold Brown switch further contribute to its smooth and refined typing experience, minimizing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy and frictionless feel. With a 22mm long spring, these switches provide a spring-like or elastic feedback, giving a lively feel and rebound when pressed. The frictionless nature of the KTT Orange switch ensures an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. This makes for a slick and frictionless typing experience.
In summary, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown switch provides a balanced and satisfying typing experience, with a moderate sound profile and a mild, buttery, and polished feel. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound profile and a bouncy, frictionless feel. Both switches provide their own distinct typing experiences, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose the switch that best suits your needs. However, it's important to consider that individual preferences may vary, and the overall typing experience can also be influenced by other factors such as keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
In closing, to help you decide between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a balanced and satisfying typing experience with a moderate weightiness and a softer sound profile, the Gold Brown is the switch for you. Its mild, buttery, accented, and polished qualities ensure a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the Orange switch is a great option. Its 22mm long spring, polycarbonate milky top housing, and excellent factory-lubing contribute to a slick and fluid key travel. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer the moderate actuation force and neutral sound profile of the Gold Brown, or the lighter actuation force and bouncy, frictionless feel of the Orange.
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