TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black stand out as popular options for different preferences. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch known for its subtle and nuanced feedback, offering a gentle tactile bump that allows for an immersive typing experience with minimal distraction. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is a linear switch designed for quiet environments, providing a cushioned bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. While the Gold Brown Pro is ideal for those who value understated tactile experiences, the Silent Ink Black is perfect for individuals seeking a silent typing experience. 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, one key difference lies in the top housing material. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiff nature. This results in a clear and resonant sound that is especially suited for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is still described as clacky. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Gold Brown Pro tends to produce a sharper sound compared to the relatively softer and more unique sound of the INK blend in the Silent Ink Black.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Gold Brown Pro features a nylon bottom housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile as its top housing counterpart. Both materials bring their own unique characteristics to the overall sound profile of the switch, with nylon offering a deeper sound while the INK blend provides a satisfyingly thin and clacky sound.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Gold Brown Pro and the Silent Ink Black may differ, they both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch in their own distinct ways. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings showcase how each material influences the sound when pressing down and releasing a key. Whether it's the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Gold Brown Pro or the unique INK blend in the Silent Ink Black, both switches offer a range of sound profiles that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown Pro is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Ink Black at 70 grams is heavier than the Gold Brown Pro, which does not have a specified bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Gold Brown Pro, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Silent Ink Black. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their actuation and bottom out forces, providing varying degrees of feedback and resistance for users to choose from. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is slightly longer than the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While the Gold Brown Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances for mechanical switches. Gamers looking for a faster response time may prefer the Gold Brown Pro, with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may prefer the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 Silent Ink 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 Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Pro tactile switch is characterized as thocky and low-pitched, offering a deep and rich sound when pressed. This switch provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments without being too overpowering. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is described as muted, providing a softer and quieter typing experience compared to regular switches. Depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps, both switches offer a different sound profile to cater to individual preferences.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is known for its polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped characteristics. This switch offers a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance, making it suitable for shared spaces. The Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch shares similar qualities with its silky and polished feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of keystrokes with reduced friction and resistance. Both switches provide a comfortable and pleasant typing experience, with slight differences in tactile feedback and actuation force.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro excels in providing a subtle tactile feedback with a thocky sound profile, while the Silent Ink Black focuses on a muted typing experience with a silky feel. Depending on your preferences for sound, tactility, and typing experience, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to your needs. Whether you opt for the Gold Brown Pro for a subtle and nuanced feedback or the Silent Ink Black for a quieter typing experience, both switches deliver quality performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your priorities for typing experience. If you value a gentle tactile feedback and a subdued sound profile, opt for the Gold Brown Pro. It offers a polished and silky typing feel, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle tactile experience. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing environment and enjoy a cushioned bottom-out feel, the Silent Ink Black is the way to go. Its muted sound and smooth, polished feel make it a great choice for those looking for a more silent typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preferences for tactility and sound profile, so choose accordingly to enhance your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
