TTC Gold Pink vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Lightning. The Gold Pink is lauded for its incredibly light actuation force of 37g, making it one of the lightest switches available. Designed with a focus on fast and effortless typing, these switches are ideal for both rapid typing and gaming. They also provide a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. On the other hand, we have the KTT Lightning, known for being approachable "speed" switches. These switches are perfect for situations where milliseconds can make all the difference, such as competitive gaming. With a slick type feel and a clacky sound profile, the Lightning switches offer a unique typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities so you can confidently choose the switch that best suits your needs and preferences.
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
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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 KTT Lightning both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. Polycarbonate offers several benefits, including a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its relatively stiffer plastic composition enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, being translucent, polycarbonate is especially advantageous for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Gold Pink and the Lightning are likely to deliver similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Gold Pink and the Lightning employ nylon. Nylon, being a softer plastic, adds depth and fullness to the typing experience. The sound profile generated by switches with nylon bottom housing is deeper and fuller due to the greater sound absorption provided by this material. As a result, both the Gold Pink and the Lightning are expected to produce a slightly duller and rounder sound, offering a unique typing experience that sets them apart from switches with harder plastics.
When it comes to the overall impact on sound and feel, the characteristics of the top and bottom housing materials are divided between the Gold Pink and the Lightning. The bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, directly influencing the tactile experience when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key, offering a distinct auditory feedback. While both switches may have similar qualities in terms of housing materials, their specific design and construction may result in subtle variations in sound and feel during use.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light forces. The Gold Pink requires an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Lightning has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Therefore, the Gold Pink is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches provide similar results. They would be ideal for those who require a keyboard for long periods of typing or intense gaming sessions. However, for users who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, they may prefer the slight increase in force provided by the Lightning switch. Overall, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Pink has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lightning has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. The Gold Pink's 4 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Lightning with its 3 mm travel distance is more shallow, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. If responsiveness is important to you, the Lightning would be the better choice. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance too abrupt, and in that case, the Gold Pink with its longer travel distance would be preferred for a more hearty key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of key depth.
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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 is known for its clacky sound, providing a satisfying level of feedback. This can be described as a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switch is also described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It falls into the category of high-pitched switches, which offer a sharp and crisp sound profile. Both switches offer a similar clacky sound profile, so you can expect similar results in terms of sound.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Pink switch is often described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, it is considered mild, falling into a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. It is also feathery, which means it requires little exertion from your fingers due to its light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue. Furthermore, it can be described as subtle, offering a gentle resistance and a light typing feel, making it suitable for shared spaces. Lastly, it can also be considered polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with smooth key travel. Similarly, the KTT Lightning switch is also described as subtle and polished, providing a gentle resistance and a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing experience. Therefore, both switches offer a similar feel, catering to those who prefer a light and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Pink and KTT Lightning switches share some similarities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches produce a clacky sound profile, providing a satisfying level of feedback. They also offer a similar feel, with descriptors such as subtle, polished, and providing a smooth typing experience. Therefore, if you are looking for a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound and a smooth feel, you can expect similar results from both the TTC Gold Pink and KTT Lightning switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, both the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch offer light bottom out forces, making them suitable for those who prefer a light and effortless typing experience. The Gold Pink is perfect for rapid typing or gaming, thanks to its fast actuation force of 37 grams and satisfying feedback. It delivers a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Lightning switch is known for its approachable "speed" characteristics, making it ideal for scenarios where milliseconds can determine the outcome. It features a slick type feel and a clacky sound.
In terms of sound, the Gold Pink switch is described as having a certain sound signature that is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. However, the Lightning switch is known for its clacky, high-pitched, and chirpy sound profile.
When it comes to feel, both switches have some similarities. They are described as having a subtle typing feel, with a gentle resistance that provides a light typing experience. The sound signature of both switches is also described as not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, they both offer a polished switch experience, with smooth and refined keystrokes due to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch will depend on your specific preferences and requirements. The Gold Pink is a great option if you value a fast and effortless typing experience with a lively sound profile, while the Lightning switch excels in scenarios where speed is crucial and delivers a sleek typing experience. Consider factors such as typing style, gaming needs, sound preferences, and desired typing feel to make the best decision for your personal mechanical keyboard setup.
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