TTC Gold Pink vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, TTC offers two excellent options: the Gold Pink and the Gold Red. The Gold Pink is a linear switch with a remarkably light actuation force of 37g, making it one of the lightest switches available. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize a fast and effortless typing experience, whether it's for rapid typing or gaming. With its clacky sound and satisfying feedback, the Gold Pink delivers a light and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red linear switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. These switches add a modest touch of personality to your keyboard with their snappy sound profile, without being too ostentatious. The Gold Pink is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Feathery', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', while the Gold Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Silky', 'Subtle', and 'Polished'. 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
37g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Gold Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will offer similar sonic characteristics and aesthetic appeal when it comes to the top housing.
However, the two switches differ in terms of their bottom housings. The Gold Pink utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Gold Red also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Its softer nature allows for the absorption of more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, typing on the Gold Pink will provide a different auditory experience compared to typing on the Gold Red, as the bottom-out sound and feel will be more influenced by the bottom housing.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by the housing materials of the Gold Pink and the Gold Red are divided between the bottom and top of the switch. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite this difference, both switches will still offer similar results when it comes to the overall sound profile, thanks to their shared polycarbonate top housings.
Weight
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch have some similarities and differences in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. In terms of weight, the Gold Pink is lighter compared to the Gold Red. The Gold Pink has an actuation force of 37 grams, which is lighter, whereas the Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it slightly heavier. Both switches have a relatively light actuation force, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming.
When it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Pink has a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Gold Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams. Again, the Gold Red is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Gold Pink. However, it's worth noting that both switches have relatively low bottom out forces, providing a consistent and comfortable typing experience.
Overall, if one prefers a lighter actuation and bottom out force, the Gold Pink would be the preferable choice. On the other hand, if someone desires a slightly heavier feel, they can opt for the Gold Red. However, it's worth mentioning that the differences in force between the two switches are minimal, so the typing experience will be quite similar for both options. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual's personal preference for a lighter or slightly heavier touch while typing or gaming.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance refers to the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, and it is the sensation you feel when you press down on a key. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect similar results and experiences when using either of them. It is worth noting that the travel distance is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can greatly affect the typing experience and comfort level for individuals.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red for $3.28.
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
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch is best known for offering a light and lively typing experience. With a 37g actuation force, these switches are among the lightest available, providing a fast and effortless typing experience that is perfect for rapid typing or gaming. These switches also offer a satisfying level of feedback with a clacky sound, adding to the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. These switches have a snappy sound profile, providing a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. The Gold Red switches are also described as mild, which means they offer a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. Additionally, they are described as silky, indicating an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In terms of sound, the Gold Pink switches are known for their clacky sound, which provides a satisfying level of feedback. On the other hand, the Gold Red switches are described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed and released. The Gold Red switches also have a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Overall, the sound of a switch is also dependent on other factors such as your choice of board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Pink switches are described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. They are also characterized as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that stands in a safe middle-ground zone. These switches are feathery, meaning they are exceptionally light to press and require little exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue. They are also described as subtle, with a gentle resistance that is not feather light but still maintains a light typing feel. The Gold Pink switches are also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Similarly, the Gold Red switches are also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. They are characterized as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance. Like the Gold Pink switches, the Gold Red switches are subtle, with a gentle resistance that maintains a light typing feel suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, they are also polished, ensuring a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Pink linear switches deliver a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound and a buttery feel. They are best suited for those who value a fast and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience with a snappy sound profile. They are suitable for users who prefer a gentle typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Overall, both switches offer satisfying qualities in terms of sound and feel, giving users similar results but with subtle differences that may cater to individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a light and lively typing experience, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch with its 37g actuation force and clacky sound profile would be a great choice. These switches are designed for rapid typing or gaming, offering fast and effortless keystrokes. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, they provide a light feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be more suitable. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches still offer a light feel while delivering a snappy sound profile. The Gold Red switches provide a mild and approachable typing experience, making them suitable for most use cases. Whether you value a clacky and lively typing experience or a smooth and gentle feel, both the Gold Pink and Gold Red switches have their unique qualities to enhance your typing or gaming journey. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
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