TTC Gold Brown vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Ink Box Pink offer distinctive features and characteristics that cater to different preferences. The TTC Gold Brown switches are best known for their balanced nature, providing a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness. With a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, the Gold Browns offer a buttery and accented typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches stand out for their smoothness and lighter typing feel. These beautiful translucent switches have a higher-pitched clack, giving them a unique auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches have distinct differences. The Gold Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. It produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. While both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the Gold Brown leans towards a sharper and crisper sound, while the Ink Box Pink has a slightly milder, yet still satisfying, clacky tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gold Brown employs a nylon material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. Its softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink provides a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile. The clacky sound associated with the Ink Box Pink switch is achieved through this unique bottom housing material. Although both switches offer a distinctive auditory experience, the Gold Brown's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing produces a thinner and higher-pitched clacky sound.
While the top housing materials of the Gold Brown and the Ink Box Pink differ, their impact on the overall sound profile varies depending on the function of the switch. The bottom housing of a switch influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down. In this case, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing in the Gold Brown and the proprietary INK blend bottom housing in the Ink Box Pink play a significant role. However, when it comes to the sound produced upon releasing the key, the top housing becomes more influential. Therefore, the different qualities of the polycarbonate top housing in the Gold Brown and the proprietary INK blend top housing in the Ink Box Pink will have a greater impact on the sound when letting go of a key.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there are some similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have a medium weight profile, making them suitable for a variety of users. The Gold Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams, slightly heavier than the Ink Box Pink's 50 grams. This means that the Gold Brown requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Gold Brown has a slightly higher force of 63 grams compared to the Ink Box Pink's 60 grams. This means that the Gold Brown provides a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. Overall, both switches offer a similar weight range, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have different travel distances. The Gold Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional, while the Ink Box Pink has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Gold Brown switch, you will feel a slightly greater distance compared to the Ink Box Pink switch. Gamers, who value faster response times, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Pink switch. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing may opt for the Gold Brown switch with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer their own advantages and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a balanced experience. It has a moderate sound profile, which makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or work. The sound is generally soft and rounded, providing a satisfying typing experience without being completely silent. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is known for its clacky sound. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. Additionally, it has a higher-pitched sound compared to other switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown switch offers a mild and approachable typing experience. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It also offers a buttery and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The key travel is seamless, effortless, and uniform, providing a satisfying typing sensation. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished. It offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the key press and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Like the Gold Brown, the Ink Box Pink switch also provides a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the TTC Gold Brown switch and Gateron Ink Box Pink switch have distinct subjective qualities. The Gold Brown switch offers a balanced sound profile and a gentle, buttery, and polished typing feel. It provides a moderate weightiness and a slightly satisfying bump. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, along with a lighter typing feel and a silky, polished sensation. While the two switches have their unique qualities, they both provide a smooth and refined typing experience. Depending on your preferences, either switch can offer a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch that offers a balanced and satisfying typing experience, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch would be a great choice. With its moderate bottom out force of 63 grams and slight bump, it provides a comfortable weightiness and a rounded sound profile. These switches are suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and can be used at home or work. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch might be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches offer a higher-pitched clack and a silky smooth typing experience. They are great for those who prefer a softer sound profile and minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
Mentioned in this article
