TTC Gold Pink vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Gold Red Pro stand out as top contenders. The Gold Pink, a linear switch with a 37g actuation force, provides a light and effortless typing experience ideal for rapid typing or gaming. Its clacky sound offers a satisfying level of feedback, making typing a delight. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro, also a linear switch, boasts versatility with its ease of press and neutral sound signature. This switch is suitable for a wide range of activities, from gaming to office work to leisurely typing sessions. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Gold Red Pro, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate's stiffness allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate also makes it a popular choice for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. As a result, both the Gold Pink and Gold Red Pro offer a similar sound experience due to their shared top housing material.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Gold Pink features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. Similarly, the Gold Red Pro also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches offers users a different tactile and auditory experience compared to the top housing.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Gold Red Pro provide users with distinct typing experiences. While both switches share the benefits of a polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and resonant sound, their choice of bottom housing material sets them apart. The nylon bottom housing of both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. Whether users prefer a sharper sound profile from the polycarbonate top housing or a more rounded sound from the nylon bottom housing, both switches offer a unique blend of materials for an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Pink is the lighter option. The Gold Pink has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Gold Red Pro has an actuation force of 43 grams and an unknown bottom out force. The Gold Pink offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro provides a slightly heavier actuation force, which may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer a linear typing experience, but the slight difference in actuation force may result in a noticeable variation in typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Gold Pink has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Red Pro. This means that the Gold Pink switch will offer a slightly deeper key press feeling than the Gold Red Pro. However, the difference of 0.2 mm may not be significant to everyone. Ultimately, whether you choose the Gold Pink or Gold Red Pro switch will depend on your personal preference for key press depth and response time. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, so you can expect similar results in terms of key press feel.
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 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 Red Pro for $2.90.
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
In terms of sound, the Gold Pink linear switch offers a clacky sound profile, giving users a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound that is deep and rich, creating a harmonious typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, with the Gold Pink being more clacky and the Gold Red Pro offering a deeper thocky sound signature.
Moving on to the feel, the Gold Pink linear switch is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing users with a smooth, gentle, and light typing experience. In comparison, the Gold Red Pro linear switch is also polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience, along with a silky and mild feel that minimizes resistance when pressing keys. Both switches provide a polished and smooth typing experience, with the Gold Pink being lighter and the Gold Red Pro offering a slightly more pronounced typing feel.
Overall, while the Gold Pink linear switch is best suited for those who prefer a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Gold Red Pro linear switch excels in versatility, offering a seamless typing experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound. Users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, depending on their preference for sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, with slight variations in sound and feel to cater to different user preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Pink linear switch or the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, you should consider the specific characteristics that align with your preferences and needs. If you value a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound, the Gold Pink with its 37g actuation force may be the ideal choice for rapid typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize versatility and a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro offers a seamless typing experience suitable for various settings. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal typing style and the environment in which you intend to use them.
Mentioned in this article
