TTC Gold Pink vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Ice switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Pink and TTC Ice both offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Gold Pink, with its impressively light 37g actuation force, is an excellent choice for typists and gamers who prioritize speed and agility in their keystrokes. Its buttery and polished feel, complemented by a clacky sound, makes it an inviting option for those who enjoy rapid typing and a lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Ice boasts a striking crystal-clear design and a smooth, responsive action, making it ideal for users who desire a premium typing experience that excels in both gaming and daily tasks. Categorized as clacky yet feathery, the Ice switch provides a satisfying bottom-out sound that appeals to many. While the Gold Pink focuses on a light and zippy interaction, the Ice emphasizes a smoothness paired with aesthetic appeal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and TTC Ice exhibit both similarities and differences that affect their sound profiles and overall performance. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, which is notable for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant auditory experience, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate enhanced acoustic responsiveness in their switches. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal that enthusiasts often seek in keyboard switches. Thus, in terms of their top housings, the Gold Pink and Ice switches are aligned in their capability to deliver an illuminated and crisp sound experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two models. The TTC Gold Pink features a nylon bottom housing, known for its softer composition, which absorbs sound and results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic creates a velvety auditory experience that contrasts with the heightened clarity found in the top. On the other hand, the TTC Ice employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the qualities of its top housing, yielding a similarly bright and crisp sound profile. This differentiation means that while the top hones in on the cleaner sounds, the Gold Pink's nylon bottom adds a layer of warmth, creating a more rounded feedback during use, while the Ice's all-polycarbonate construction maintains a consistent sharpness throughout.
Ultimately, the varying combinations of housing materials in the TTC Gold Pink and TTC Ice lead to distinct sound characteristics. The impact of each housing material becomes noticeable with how the switches feel and sound both when pressed down and released. Users of the Gold Pink will appreciate the mix of nylon's absorbent nature with polycarbonate's clarity, achieving a unique auditory experience upon bottoming out. Conversely, those opting for the TTC Ice will encounter an entirely polycarbonate sound profile that emphasizes sharpness and resonance, both while typing and releasing keys. Despite the differences, both switches ultimately strive to deliver satisfying auditory feedback, and users will find that careful consideration of housing choices allows for tailored experiences that suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch to the TTC Ice linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge that may influence user preference. The Gold Pink switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it well-suited for users who prioritize a softer feel for extended typing periods or prolonged gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ice switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a more substantial resistance that some users might prefer for a firmer typing experience. This means that the Gold Pink is the lighter option overall, while the Ice switch is the heavier one, catering to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. The differences in force not only define the tactile feedback but also contribute to the overall typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, it becomes clear that the Gold Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Ice switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Gold Pink switch provides a more traditional and deeper keystroke, which some users may find preferable for a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Ice switch, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker response times and snappier feedback, making it a popular choice among gamers. Overall, if you prioritize depth and a more pronounced feel while typing, the Gold Pink's longer 4 mm travel distance is the way to go, while if you prefer a faster and more immediate actuation, the Ice switch with its 3.6 mm distance would serve you better.
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 Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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 Pink switch stands out with its clacky nature, producing a crisp and bright sound that adds a lively character to your typing experience. This switch's pronounced auditory feedback is perfect for those who enjoy a more engaging and responsive sound while interacting with their keyboard. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switch offers a satisfying bottom-out sound, although its sound signature isn't as explicitly described as that of the Gold Pink. The clarity in the Ice's design may contribute to a more refined and subtle acoustics, providing a premium auditory experience that suits both gaming and everyday typing scenarios.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Pink switch provides a buttery, mild, subtle, and polished experience. This means that as you type, you'll enjoy a fluid keystroke that feels effortless and smooth, making it suitable for rapid typing. The combination of mild resistance and polished finishes lends itself to a typing experience that's approachable and comfortable. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch offers a feathery touch, requiring little exertion while typing—this characteristic helps reduce finger fatigue during prolonged use. While the Gold Pink feels more substantial with its variety of nuanced characteristics, the Ice switch emphasizes a lightness and smoothness that users may find appealing for extended sessions.
In summary, both TTC Gold Pink and TTC Ice switches cater to specific preferences. If you appreciate a lively auditory feedback with a rich, engaging typing feel, the Gold Pink might be your go-to choice. Alternatively, if you favor a lighter experience that prioritizes ease of use and reduced finger strain, the Ice switch is an excellent contender. Ultimately, while they differ in certain qualities, users can find satisfaction in either switch depending on their specific typing habits and preferences, ensuring a rewarding mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing style and preferences. The Gold Pink is an excellent choice if you prioritize a light and quick typing experience, perfect for both fast-paced gaming and rapid typing tasks. Its 37g actuation force means your fingers will glide effortlessly across the keys, providing a buttery and polished feel with a mild, subtle sound profile that can be suitable for shared workspaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more resistance and a more robust typing experience, you may opt for the TTC Ice. With a 60g bottom-out force, it provides a satisfying, feathery touch that can be particularly comforting during long typing sessions, while its clacky sound and crystal-clear design add a touch of premium quality to your setup. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you desire a lighter, snappier touch with the Gold Pink or a more substantial feel with the Ice, tailored to fit your unique keyboarding needs and environment.
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