TTC Gold Pink vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Pink and TTC Neptune stand out as intriguing options to explore. The Gold Pink offers a light and effortless typing experience with a 37g actuation force, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and ease in their typing or gaming activities. Known for its satisfying clacky sound, this switch provides a lively feel while being categorized as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, polished. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune presents a unique internal structure that sets it apart in the switch landscape, offering a smooth, frictionless glide with a touch of springy resistance that resembles chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls. With an ultralight feel and a muted sound signature, the Neptune delivers a textured pleasure with each keystroke and is categorized as buttery, gummy, frictionless, low-pitched, mild, muted, neutral, polished, subdued, thocky. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound, offering a range of options for users to choose from. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Neptune, we can see that they differ in their top and bottom housing compositions. The Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Neptune boasts a POM top housing, known for producing a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials have their unique sonic qualities, they cater to different preferences in sound aesthetics.
Moving on to the bottom housing, we see another distinction between the two switches. The Gold Pink is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Neptune features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like its top counterpart, produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in bottom housing material reflects how each switch will feel and sound when keys are pressed and released.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in a mechanical switch plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the typing experience. While the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Neptune share similarities in their top housing materials, their bottom housing compositions offer distinct differences in sound profiles. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more muted tone, each switch caters to different sound preferences, offering a unique typing experience based on the combination of materials used in their housing.
Weight
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces compared to other switches on the market. The Gold Pink has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Neptune has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches are on the lighter side, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. However, the Neptune does require slightly more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Gold Pink. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Neptune, while those who prefer an even lighter touch may lean towards the Gold Pink. Overall, both switches offer a smooth linear feel with minimal resistance, providing a pleasant typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Pink being slightly longer. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Neptune for faster response times, while those who prefer a more robust key press may opt for the Gold Pink. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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, TTC Gold Pink switches are known for their clacky sound, providing a satisfying level of feedback. On the other hand, TTC Neptune switches are described as having a low-pitched, muted, subdued, and thocky sound. The Neptune offers a more refined and unobtrusive auditory ambiance compared to the Gold Pink. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.
When it comes to feel, TTC Gold Pink switches are characterized as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, delivering a light and lively typing experience. In comparison, TTC Neptune switches provide a buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished typing experience, combining a smooth, almost frictionless glide with a springy resistance that offers a unique textured pleasure. Both switches aim to provide effortless and swift typing experiences, with the Neptune adding a touch of springiness and texture to each key press.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Pink and Neptune switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, they both excel in providing light and effortless typing experiences. The Gold Pink leans towards a clacky sound with a buttery and feathery feel, while the Neptune presents a low-pitched, muted sound with a gummy and frictionless feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing sensation, both switches can deliver satisfying results for users seeking a fast and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a light and lively typing experience with feedback and a clacky sound, the Gold Pink switch would be an ideal choice for rapid typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, almost frictionless glide with a springy resistance that feels like mochi or tapioca pearls, along with a muted sound signature, the Neptune switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique benefits, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style. Choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and needs.
Mentioned in this article
