TTC Gold Brown vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that often come up are the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Ink Box Black. The Gold Brown is best known for its balanced nature, featuring a slight and satisfying bump, along with a moderate weightiness. The sound profile of these switches is generally softer compared to most switches, without being completely silent. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black stands out for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel. The sound signature of these switches is often compared to a spray paint can being shaken. While both switches have their unique characteristics, it's essential to dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to determine which switch is the best fit for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches differ in composition and sound profile. The Gold Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The relatively stiffer polycarbonate plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the switch. In contrast, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. While both materials offer a satisfying sound, the Gold Brown's polycarbonate brings a more defined and resonant quality, especially for those who plan to use RGB lighting.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gold Brown employs a nylon material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which shares similar characteristics with its top housing. The bottom housing contributes to the overall clacky sound, described as thin and higher-pitched. Despite the differences in material, both switches deliver a satisfying auditory experience, with the Gold Brown creating a deeper tone while the Ink Box Black offers a clackier, higher-pitched sound.

While the top and bottom housings differ for these switches, each housing material still plays a crucial role in the overall sound and feel. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more pronounced, influencing the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. However, upon releasing a key, the top housing takes center stage, impacting the sound produced. Despite their distinctive qualities, both switches offer a pleasing typing experience thanks to the combination of their top and bottom housing materials, ensuring users will achieve similar results in terms of satisfying sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, we can see some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Ink Box Black's 60 grams. This means that the Gold Brown switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, when it comes to bottoming out, the Gold Brown has a slightly lower force of 63 grams, while the Ink Box Black has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This indicates that the Ink Box Black switch will provide a more substantial typing experience as it requires a stronger push to fully press the keys.

Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the Gold Brown for longer typing or gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force allows for easier and quicker keystrokes, which can contribute to reduced fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black, with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, will provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. They would find the heavier forces contribute to a greater level of feedback and response from the keyboard. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, ensuring a balanced feel. Overall, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch will depend on the individual's preference for lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch have different travel distances. The Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Gold Brown provides a deeper feeling when pressing down on a key, while the Ink Box Black offers a slightly shallower experience.

If you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Ink Box Black with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. This can be beneficial for gamers who prioritize faster response times. However, if you prefer a switch with a more substantial feel, the Gold Brown with its longer travel distance would be the choice to go for. It's important to consider your personal preference and whether you value quickness or a deeper key press when deciding between these two switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown and Gateron Ink Box Black switches offer contrasting profiles. The Gold Brown switch has a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, providing a more subtle and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch produces a clacky sound that can be described as sharp and percussive, reminiscent of shaking a spray paint can. This makes the Gold Brown a great choice for those seeking a neutral sound, suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various environments. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Black is ideal for individuals who prefer a more pronounced and high-pitched sound when typing. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Brown and Gateron Ink Box Black switches offer different tactile experiences. The Gold Brown switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience with a balanced bump, making it suitable for a wide range of users. It offers a buttery and polished feel due to its smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Ink Box Black, on the other hand, offers a silky typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. This switch also features a polished finish, further contributing to a sleek typing experience. Therefore, individuals who prefer a gentler and more uniform tactile sensation may opt for the Gold Brown switch, while those who prioritize an exceptionally smooth typing feel may prefer the Ink Box Black.

To summarize, the TTC Gold Brown and Gateron Ink Box Black switches have distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown switch provides a balanced and satisfying typing experience with a softer sound profile, making it suitable for most users. It offers a mild, buttery, and polished feel, appealing to those seeking a gentle and refined typing sensation. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black switch offers an incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile. It is ideal for individuals who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience and enjoy a sharp and crisp sound when typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and typing style. However, it is important to consider external factors such as keyboard board and keycap choices as they can also have an impact on the overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a balanced switch with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches provide a rounded, softer sound profile and are suitable for both beginners and more advanced users. Additionally, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild, buttery, accented, and polished feel, resulting in a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel.

On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth and creamy switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, then the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch is the one for you. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound and are particularly suitable if you enjoy the crisp, bright, and percussive nature of clacky switches. With a silky and polished feel, the Ink Box Black switch enhances the overall smoothness of typing while offering reduced friction and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys.

Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch depends on your preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a balanced and softer sound with a gentle typing experience, go for Gold Brown. However, if you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound with an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Ink Box Black is the way to go. Consider your personal typing style and the environment in which you will use the keyboard to make an informed decision. Happy typing!

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more