TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Black offer distinct experiences to cater to various preferences. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch known for its subtle and nuanced feedback, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler typing experience that doesn't draw attention with loud keypresses. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black is a linear switch that boasts an incredibly smooth and creamy feel, accompanied by a sound profile reminiscent of a spray can being shaken. While the Gold Brown Pro is focused on providing a quiet and understated tactile experience, the Ink Box Black offers a more distinct and high-pitched typing sensation. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Black both have unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Gold Brown Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a higher-pitched but not overly sharp sound described as clacky. However, both housings offer a satisfying sound experience with distinct characteristics. The use of polycarbonate in the Gold Brown Pro's top housing is especially beneficial for RGB lighting due to its translucency, while the INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Black offers a unique sound profile that is popular among users.
In terms of bottom housings, the Gold Brown Pro's nylon material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gateron Ink Box Black's INK blend bottom housing, which also offers a thin and higher-pitched sound. Nylon is known for absorbing more sound due to its softer nature, creating a rounder and duller sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the INK blend. Both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound experience of the switches, with nylon offering a classic feel and the INK blend providing a unique clacky sound that is characteristic of Gateron switches.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Black showcase different housing materials that impact the sound profiles of the switches. While the Gold Brown Pro uses polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing, the Ink Box Black features Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housings. Users can expect a sharper and crisper sound from the Gold Brown Pro, with a deeper and fuller sound from its nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black offers a unique clacky sound profile with both its top and bottom INK blend housings. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying sound experience with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown Pro is lighter in both aspects. The Gold Brown Pro requires 45 grams of force to actuate, while the Ink Box Black requires 60 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, whereas the Ink Box Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a heavier switch. The actuation force is crucial for triggering a keystroke efficiently, while the bottom out force determines the overall typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the Gold Brown Pro, which allows for extended typing sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier actuation force of the Ink Box Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, we can see that the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Ink Box Black has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered a standard travel distance for mechanical switches. The Gold Brown Pro offers a bit more depth, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press feeling. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. 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 Brown Pro 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 Brown Pro for $2.90.
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Brown Pro tactile switch is best described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, giving it a deep, rich, and satisfying sound with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is clacky and high-pitched, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Depending on the user's preference for sound, the Gold Brown Pro provides a more subdued and subtle typing experience, while the Ink Box Black delivers a more prominent and percussive auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, both switches share similarities as they are both described as silky and polished. This indicates that they offer exceptionally smooth typing experiences with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Gold Brown Pro also has additional qualities such as being mild, subtle, and stepped, providing a gentle but nuanced tactile feedback with a two-stage feel for the keystroke. Similarly, the Ink Box Black emphasizes smoothness and refinement, ensuring a sleek typing experience for users who appreciate a more refined keypress.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch have distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback, they both excel in providing smooth and polished typing experiences. Whether you prefer a softer, thocky sound with subtle tactility or a crisper, clacky sound with a linear feel, both switches offer quality performance depending on your personal preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to your individual preference for sound and feel in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback. If you enjoy a subtle and nuanced tactile experience with a gentle bump and subdued sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing feel with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, the Ink Box Black would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing experience you value the most - whether it's a quiet and immersive one with the Gold Brown Pro or a sharp and crisp one with the Ink Box Black.
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