TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Gateron Ink Box Pink are two popular options with distinct characteristics. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that offers a subtle, nuanced feedback with a gentle tactile bump, making it ideal for those who prefer a quiet and understated typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is a linear switch known for its smooth operation and light typing feel, accompanied by a higher-pitched clack. While the Gold Brown Pro is perfect for users who appreciate a low-pitched and subtle tactile experience, the Gateron Ink Box Pink appeals to those who prefer a smoother and higher-pitched typing feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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 housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Pink both have unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in a more resonant sound that is especially enhanced when using RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a slightly higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Gold Brown Pro leaning towards a sharper tone while the Ink Box Pink provides a slightly more muted yet still satisfying sound.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Gold Brown Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the Ink Box Pink features Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which complements the top housing in producing a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. While both switches offer unique characteristics in their bottom housing materials, the Gold Brown Pro tends towards a deeper sound profile while the Ink Box Pink leans towards a thinner and higher-pitched sound.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Ink Box Pink play a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While the Gold Brown Pro features a combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings that create a sharper and deeper sound, the Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend to produce a slightly higher-pitched and clacky sound. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, making them both popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, we find that the Gold Brown Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Ink Box Pink has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. The bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, whereas the Ink Box Pink has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a bit heavier. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gold Brown Pro, as it requires less force to actuate. Meanwhile, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Ink Box Pink, with its higher actuation and bottom out forces providing a more responsive and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown Pro has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Ink Box Pink's 3.6 mm travel distance. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Brown Pro offering slightly more depth than the Ink Box Pink. Gamers, who often seek faster response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Pink. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more robust key press may lean towards the Gold Brown Pro for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired 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 Pink 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 Pink 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 offers a thocky sound with a low pitch and neutral profile, resulting in a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch produces a clacky, high-pitched sound, which is sharp, crisp, and percussive. The choice between these switches will ultimately depend on the user's preference for a subtle, deep thocky sound or a sharper, clacky sound.
Moving on to the feel, both switches share similar qualities of offering a silky and polished typing experience. This means that users can expect exceptionally smooth key travel with reduced friction, enhancing the overall typing feel. The Gold Brown Pro switch also has additional characteristics such as being polished, mild, subtle, and stepped, providing a gentle and refined typing experience. While the precise feel of the Ink Box Pink switch is not fully detailed, its silky and polished qualities suggest a similarly smooth and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is best suited for those who appreciate a subtle tactile feedback with a thocky, low-pitched sound profile, and a polished, silky typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch caters to users looking for a lighter typing feel with a clacky, high-pitched sound signature, also offering a polished and silky typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it is important for users to test them out and determine which qualities align best with their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a subtle tactile experience with a quiet sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth and light typing feel with a higher-pitched clacky sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch may be more up your alley. Consider what type of typing experience you value most, whether it be gentle tactility or smoothness with a bit more auditory feedback, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
