TTC Gold Pink vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. Both switches are linear switches, meaning they offer a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback. The Gold Pink switches are best known for their lightness, with a low actuation force of 37g, making them effortless to type on. These switches are perfect for those who value a fast and seamless typing experience, whether it be for rapid typing or intense gaming sessions. Additionally, the Gold Pinks provide a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switches offer a lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches and have a smooth and silky keystroke. They also have a higher-pitched clack sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
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 TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Ink Box Pink have different housing materials that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Gold Pink's clear housing is ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink has a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. While both switches offer a satisfying and higher-pitched sound, the Ink Box Pink's sound profile is characterized as slightly less sharp compared to the Gold Pink.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gold Pink utilizes nylon, which adds depth and fullness to the sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing that contributes to its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, similar to the top housing. While both switches have a thin and higher-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Pink's bottom housing reinforces this clacky nature.
Since the top and bottom housing materials are different for each switch, the qualities brought by each housing material are divided. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is more pronounced. Alternatively, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Although they differ in materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles that are highly sought after by keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Pink has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Ink Box Pink's heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Similarly, the Gold Pink has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Ink Box Pink requires a heavier force of 60 grams to fully bottom out.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Pink switch would be a suitable choice. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming sessions that require quick and precise movements. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Ink Box Pink switch. With its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, it provides a firmer push and a more tactile typing experience.
It's worth noting that while the Ink Box Pink switch is heavier in both the actuation force and bottom out force, its overall feel may still be comparable to the Gold Pink switch due to personal preferences and typing styles. Some users may find that the slight difference in forces between the two switches may not drastically impact their typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired feel during typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it is clear that there is a difference in their distances. The Gold Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance, while the Ink Box Pink has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prefer a shallower and more responsive feel when pressing down on a key, the Ink Box Pink may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the Gold Pink with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Pink switch offers a clacky sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch produces a higher-pitched clack sound. This means that the Ink Box Pink switch will have a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Gold Pink switch. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a clacky sound, the Gold Pink switch would be a good choice, while the Ink Box Pink switch would provide a higher-pitched clack sound.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Pink switch is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. This means that the Gold Pink switch offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a light typing feel that is approachable to most users. It requires little exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Gold Pink switch has a gentle resistance and a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished. This means that the Ink Box Pink switch provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It also has a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, both switches offer a smooth and comfortable typing experience, with the Gold Pink switch providing a lighter typing feel compared to the Ink Box Pink switch.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the TTC Gold Pink and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches have different subjective qualities. The Gold Pink switch delivers a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound, while the Ink Box Pink switch offers a smoother typing feel with a higher-pitched clack sound. If you prefer a lighter typing feel, the Gold Pink switch would be a suitable choice, while the Ink Box Pink switch would be ideal if you prioritize a smoother and silkier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, it's recommended to consider the overall setup when making a decision.
Conclusion
To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there are several factors to consider. If you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, especially for rapid typing or gaming, the Gold Pink would be the recommended choice. With a bottom out force of 45 grams and a light actuation force of 37 grams, these switches provide a fast and lively typing experience. They also offer a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing feel and a lighter typing force relative to other switches, the Ink Box Pink would be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 60 grams and a high-pitched clack sound, these switches deliver a smooth and lighter typing experience. Additionally, both switches have their unique sound and feel characteristics. The Gold Pink is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, while the Ink Box Pink is described as silky and polished. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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