TTC Gold Pink vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Pink and the KTT Orange. The Gold Pink switches are renowned for their light and effortless typing experience, featuring a 37g actuation force that makes them perfect for both rapid typing and gaming. These switches also offer a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound, providing a lively typing sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches boast a bouncy type feel, thanks to their 22mm long spring. With a polycarbonate milky top housing and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, these switches deliver a slick and frictionless typing experience along with a low-pitched sound profile. Furthermore, the KTT Orange switches come factory-lubed, ensuring a refined and fluid key travel that minimizes friction and maximizes smoothness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and KTT Orange keyboards both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, providing a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness, high pitch, and crispness. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the keyboard. Therefore, both the Gold Pink and Orange keyboards offer comparable results in terms of sound quality and aesthetic customization when it comes to their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a difference between the two keyboards. The Gold Pink features a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. This could be preferred by users who enjoy a more immersive and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns with the characteristics of the top housing and produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While the bottom housing may have a lesser impact on the overall sound experience, it is worth considering the slight variance in sound quality between the two keyboards.
It is worth noting that the effects of the top and bottom housings will be divided between the two for both the Gold Pink and Orange keyboards. The bottom housing will have a more pronounced influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when keys are pressed, while the top housing will primarily affect the sound upon key release. Understanding this distinction can help users determine their preference for the overall sound and tactile feedback of the keyboards. Whether it is the Gold Pink's nylon bottom housing or the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing, both options provide unique advantages that can cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the typing experience. The Gold Pink has a relatively lighter actuation force of 37 grams, which means it requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Orange switch, which has an actuation force of 46 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Gold Pink requires 45 grams of force, while the Orange switch requires a slightly heavier 53 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Pink switch would be more suitable as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This lighter actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, perfect for those who use their keyboards for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience may prefer the KTT Orange switch. The slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Orange switch provide a firmer and more pronounced keystroke, catering to those who prefer a heavier tactile feedback.
While the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the Gold Pink and Orange switches, they both fall within the range of being considered lighter to medium-light switches. As a result, individuals seeking a similar typing experience can expect comparable results when using either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired level of typing force for an optimal user experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have different travel distances. The Gold Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two, while the Orange has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. 4.0mm is a more traditional travel distance, providing a balanced feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, 3.5 mm is considered a shallower travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. It is important to note that shorter travel distances are becoming more popular in recent times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Orange switch with its shorter travel distance might be the better option for you. However, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel abrupt or lacking in depth. In this case, the Gold Pink switch with its longer travel distance would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the preference for travel distance depends on personal taste and typing style.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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. This means that it produces a satisfying level of feedback, giving a lively typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Gold Pink switch is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It also has a gentle resistance without being too heavy, making it approachable for most users. The feathery actuation force reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, while the subtle resistance and lack of resonant sound make it suitable for shared spaces. Lastly, the polished finish and factory lubing contribute to a sleek and smooth typing experience. As for the KTT Orange switch, it is characterized as bouncy and frictionless. It offers a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving a lively feel to the keys. Additionally, it provides an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
Overall, the TTC Gold Pink and KTT Orange switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Pink provides a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound, while the Orange switch delivers a slick and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that can cater to different preferences. If you enjoy the light and lively experience of the Gold Pink but prefer a lower-pitched sound, you may opt for the Orange switch. Similarly, if you prefer the slick and frictionless feel of the Orange switch but enjoy a clacky sound, you can achieve similar results with the Gold Pink. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences and intended usage.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a light and lively typing experience, with a fast and effortless keystroke, then the TTC Gold Pink linear switches are a great choice for you. These switches have a bottom out force of 45 grams, making them some of the lightest switches available. They provide a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and seamless typing sensation. The Gold Pinks also offer a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy, spring-like feedback and a frictionless typing experience, then the KTT Orange linear switches are the way to go. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, they offer a medium-light feel. The Orange switches have a low-pitched sound profile and deliver a slick and smooth key travel, thanks to their excellent factory-lubing. Ultimately, your choice between the Gold Pink and Orange switches will depend on your preference for typing experience, feedback, and sound.
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