TTC Gold Brown vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Ink Black V2. The TTC Gold Brown switch is often praised for its balanced characteristics. With a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness, these switches provide a tactile feedback that many users find pleasurable. Additionally, the rounded sound profile of the Gold Browns, while not completely silent, is generally much softer compared to most switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is a beloved linear switch in the keyboard enthusiast community. Known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, this switch delivers a highly satisfying typing experience. Categorized as low-pitched, bassy, chirpy, mild, and polished, the Ink Black V2 offers a different sound profile compared to the Gold Brown. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches offer distinct differences in sound profiles and aesthetics. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This blend produces a satisfying clacky sound, characterized by a thin and higher-pitched tone. While the materials differ, both switches offer unique and desirable sound experiences.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gold Brown incorporates a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 utilizes its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing as well, which produces a similar pointed and high-pitched sound. This bottom housing material contributes to the overall clacky sound experience that Gateron switches are known for. Both switches provide a distinct auditory experience due to their respective bottom housing materials.
When considering the overall impact of the top and bottom housing materials, it is important to note that the qualities brought by each material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. While pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the specific material used in the bottom housing will play a significant role in the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing, whether it be polycarbonate in the Gold Brown or the INK blend in the Ink Black V2, will primarily affect the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the TTC Gold Brown and Gateron Ink Black V2 differ in their housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences that can be tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. The Gold Brown has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Ink Black V2's 60 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Gold Brown is 63 grams, while the Ink Black V2 requires a somewhat heavier force of 70 grams.
Considering weight, the lighter actuation force of the Gold Brown may be more appealing to individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. This can be advantageous for those who require extended typing sessions, such as office workers or avid gamers. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2, with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces, provides a stronger and more substantial pushing sensation. This may be desirable for users who enjoy a more robust typing experience.
While the forces of the two switches differ slightly, it is important to note that both fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. Therefore, individuals opting for either the TTC Gold Brown or the Gateron Ink Black V2 can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference regarding the desired force required for keystrokes and the typing experience one wishes to achieve.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 tactile switch offers a balanced profile with a moderate sound level. These switches have a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches, although they are not completely silent. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch provides a low-pitched sound with a bass-heavy and rich tone. These switches also have a unique chirpy sound, giving them a distinctive acoustic signature. However, it is 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, both the Gold Brown and the Ink Black V2 switches offer a mild typing experience. A mild switch provides a gentle typing sensation without having pronounced characteristics. This makes them approachable to most users, as they fall within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, which means they have a smooth and refined finish resulting in a sleek typing experience. This can be attributed to the materials used in their construction or factory lubrication, which reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches have different qualities but offer similar results in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown provides a balanced sound profile with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, while the Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched sound with rich clack and a smooth downstroke. Both switches have a mild and approachable typing experience and feature a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for tactile feedback and sound characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced and satisfying typing experience, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is a great choice. With a medium bottom out force of 63 grams, these switches offer a moderate weightiness and a slight, satisfying bump. The sound profile is generally softer than most switches, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings, whether at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a classic linear switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is an excellent option. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches provide a smooth downstroke and a rich clack. The sound profile of these switches is low-pitched, bassy, and even a little chirpy, adding a unique acoustic signature to your typing experience.
Both switches offer a mild typing experience and a polished finish, ensuring smooth and refined key travel. However, the Gold Brown switch offers a buttery feel and an accented tactility, while the Ink Black V2 focuses on the smoothness of the keystroke.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Ink Black V2 depends on personal preference. If you prioritize a balanced feel and a slightly softer sound, go for the Gold Brown. If you prefer a classic linear switch with a heavier bottom out force and a richer sound profile, the Ink Black V2 is the way to go. Consider your typing style, desired sound, and overall typing experience to make an informed decision.
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