TTC Gold Pink vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up are the TTC Gold Pink and the Cherry MX Black. These switches may both fall under the category of linear switches, but they offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gold Pink stands out for its light actuation force of 37g, providing a fast and effortless typing experience ideal for rapid typing or gaming. Additionally, they emit a satisfying clacky sound, adding to the overall feedback. On the other hand, the MX Black by Cherry showcases their expertise in switch design with their perfected Hyperglide tooling, resulting in a textured smoothness that is well-known and appreciated. The MX Blacks offer a classic deep sound profile while typing. Both switches have their own unique qualities and benefits, making them suitable for different use cases. However, let's delve deeper to better understand these switches and discover the one that best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the Cherry MX Black switches differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if you prefer a switch with a more vibrant and clear sound, the Gold Pink's polycarbonate top housing would be a suitable choice, while the MX Black's nylon top housing would provide a softer and fuller sound experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Gold Pink and the MX Black employ nylon as the material. As nylon is a classic switch housing material, it offers similar characteristics in terms of sound production. Typing on switches that use nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile regardless of the switch model. This is because nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and less sharp sound. Therefore, whether you choose the Gold Pink or the MX Black, you can expect a similar deep and full sound experience due to the nylon bottom housing.
In summary, the choice between the TTC Gold Pink and the Cherry MX Black largely depends on the sound profile you desire. The Gold Pink's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the MX Black's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share similar qualities in terms of the nylon bottom housing, which provides a consistent deep and full sound experience. So, if you prioritize a specific sound characteristic, you can select the switch that aligns with your preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences. The Gold Pink, with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, provides a lighter typing experience. This lighter weight makes it ideal for individuals who enjoy extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, as it reduces the strain on their fingers. On the other hand, the MX Black switch requires a significantly higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, resulting in a heavier feel. This heavier force caters to those who seek a more substantial and deliberate typing experience. It provides a satisfying push feel when engaging with the keys. It is important to note that although the forces required differ between the two switches, individuals looking for a similar experience to the Gold Pink's lighter touch can choose the MX Black switch and mod it with lighter springs, achieving a comparable result.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Pink and the Cherry MX Black linear switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. The travel distance is the same for both switches, ensuring a similar typing experience. Therefore, whether you choose the Gold Pink or the MX Black, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the travel distance of the switch.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 Gold Pink is best described as clacky. The switches provide a satisfying level of feedback with a distinct sound profile. On the other hand, the MX Black switches have a low-pitched sound profile. This means that they offer a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Pink switches are described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. They have a gentle resistance and a light actuation force, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions and reducing finger fatigue. The MX Black switches, on the other hand, are described as textured and stiff. They have noticeable friction when pressed, which can be preferred by some users. Additionally, these switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches.
In conclusion, the Gold Pink and MX Black linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Pink switches provide a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound. They have a smooth and fluid keystroke feel, along with a gentle resistance and a light actuation force. On the other hand, the MX Black switches offer a low-pitched sound profile with a textured feel and require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out. It is important to consider personal preferences and the specific use case when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a light and lively typing experience, perfect for rapid typing or gaming, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 45 grams and a 37g actuation force, these switches provide a fast and effortless typing experience. They offer a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. You'll enjoy a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, with a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a classic textured smoothness, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is the one for you. With a bottom out force of 80 grams, these switches require more force to actuate and bottom-out. They offer a low-pitched sound profile, giving you a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. You'll experience a textured feel with noticeable friction when typing, which some users prefer.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Pink and the Cherry MX Black switches depends on your specific preferences. If you value a light and lively typing experience with a smooth and effortless feel, go for the Gold Pink. If you prefer a heavier switch with a classic sound profile and a textured feel, go for the MX Black. Consider your typing style, gaming needs, and overall comfort to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
