TTC Gold Red vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often find themselves in the spotlight are the TTC Gold Red and the Cherry MX Brown. The Gold Red, a linear switch, is renowned for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance. With a snappy sound profile that adds just the right amount of personality without being too ostentatious, these switches are often described as 'thocky', 'low-pitched', 'neutral', 'mild', 'silky', 'subtle', and 'polished'. On the other hand, the MX Brown is all about subtlety. Offering a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, these switches are characterized as 'textured', 'bassy', and 'low-pitched'. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, 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
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Cherry MX Brown switches exhibit several key differences. The Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the MX Brown features a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and produces a duller and rounder sound. While both materials serve as classic switch housing options, their distinct characteristics lend themselves to different auditory experiences.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the Gold Red and the MX Brown use nylon. Consequently, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings in both models generates a similar deep and full sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon plastic efficiently absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Thus, users can expect a consistent acoustic experience when utilizing the bottom housings of these switches. However, it is important to note that the qualities of the bottom housing have a more prominent influence on the sound and feel during bottom-out keystrokes compared to the top housing.
Although the top and bottom housings differ between the Gold Red and the MX Brown switches, the impact each housing material has on the switch is divided between the top and bottom components. Users will experience the qualities of the bottom housing when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing primarily influences the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these distinctions, both switches offer unique sound profiles, providing users with a variety of acoustic options based on their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the MX Brown requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches fall into the lighter range, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions that require rapid keystrokes. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Gold Red requires a force of 50 grams, while the MX Brown needs a slightly higher force of 55 grams. This means that the MX Brown provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with a firmer push feel when compared to the Gold Red. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Gold Red, while those seeking a bit more resistance and feedback might opt for the MX Brown. However, both switches offer similar results in terms of weight and are well-suited for extended periods of typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. Comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel. The TTC Gold Red and Cherry MX Brown switches provide a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance.
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 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
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have some differences in terms of sound and feel.
Starting with sound, the Gold Red switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound similar to a soft "knock" or "thud." This switch offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone, resulting in a pleasing audio feedback. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch is described as bassy and low-pitched, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. Both switches offer a similar low-pitched sound profile, but the Gold Red switch has a more nuanced "thocky" aspect, while the MX Brown switch exhibits a more straightforward bassiness.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Red switch is characterized as mild, silky, subtle, and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. The keys have minimal resistance when pressed and released, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. The MX Brown switch, however, is described as textured, meaning it has noticeable friction when pressed. Some users might prefer this subtle texture for added feedback, while others might prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience. The Gold Red switch provides a more effortless and approachable typing feel, while the MX Brown switch offers a slightly more textured experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red switch offers a thocky, low-pitched sound profile, while the MX Brown switch provides a bassy, low-pitched sound. When it comes to feel, the Gold Red switch is mild, silky, subtle, and polished, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Brown switch is textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. While they have their differences, both switches offer a light-medium level of resistance and can be suitable for most intents and purposes. Nevertheless, it's important to consider other factors such as the keyboard and keycap choices, as they also affect the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when making a decision between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
If you prioritize a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, along with a snappy and modest sound profile, the Gold Red switches would be a great choice for you. They offer a mild, silky, subtle, and polished feel, providing an approachable and refined typing experience. The Gold Red switches are also described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral in terms of sound, giving you a deep, mellow tone without being overwhelming.
On the other hand, if subtlety is what you seek, the MX Brown switches excel in delivering a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. These switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. If you prefer a textured feel with noticeable friction when typing, the MX Brown switches may be the right fit for you.
In summary, if you want a smooth, refined, and slightly snappy typing experience with a neutral sound profile, choose the TTC Gold Red linear switches. If you value subtlety, gentle tactility, and a bassy sound profile, opt for the Cherry MX Brown tactile switches. Consider your personal preferences regarding resistance, sound, and feel to make an informed decision on which switch best suits your typing style.
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