TTC Gold Pink vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to comparing and contrasting two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Pink and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, there are notable differences that cater to different preferences. The Gold Pink is widely recognized for its extremely light actuation force of just 37g, which ensures a fast and effortless typing experience. Perfect for rapid typing or gaming, these switches offer a satisfying level of feedback with their characteristic clacky sound. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear stands out with its innovative design, combining a whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a clacky bottom-out sound. This unique combination creates a silky smooth typing experience without being overly polished. While both switches fall under the linear switch category, it's important to dive deeper into their specific qualities and attributes to determine the best fit for your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous if RGB lighting is intended for the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and lighting results from both the Gold Pink and the Semi-Silent Linear due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of bottom housing, the Gold Pink utilizes nylon while the Semi-Silent Linear also employs the same material. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material due to its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. It achieves this by being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. Consequently, both the Gold Pink and the Semi-Silent Linear offer a duller and rounder sound experience. Thus, users can anticipate a similar typing sound when engaging the switches, as nylon's characteristics are demonstrated in both products.
Since the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Gold Pink and the Semi-Silent Linear, the impact of each housing material is divided between the bottom-out sound and feel, and the sound upon key release. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be felt, influencing the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing will shape the sound produced when releasing a key. While both switches share similar characteristics due to their respective housing materials, users may notice slight differences in the sound and feel between bottom-out and key release, depending on their personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are notable differences in both their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Pink switch has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, which means it requires a gentle push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Pink switch is 45 grams, indicating that it requires a slightly heavier press to fully depress the key. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer durations may find the Gold Pink switch more suitable. Its relatively low actuation and bottom out forces enable comfortable typing for extended periods, making it ideal for work or lengthy gaming sessions. However, individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Semi-Silent Linear switch. Its higher bottom out force, though unclear actuation force, offers a greater sense of feedback and solidity while typing. Overall, the Gold Pink switch is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch appears to be heavier, albeit with an unknown actuation force, resulting in varied experiences for different preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have different travel distances. The Gold Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Gold Pink has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Semi-Silent Linear. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Gold Pink switch, you will feel a slightly greater distance of travel compared to the Semi-Silent Linear.
In terms of preferences, the Gold Pink with its longer travel distance may be more suitable for those who prefer a deeper and more tactile typing experience. The additional travel distance allows for a more pronounced feedback when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear with its slightly shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers or those who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, which can be advantageous in gaming scenarios where quick reflexes are necessary.
In conclusion, the Gold Pink switch and the Semi-Silent Linear switch have different travel distances, with the Gold Pink having a longer distance. Personal preference and the intended use of the keyboard should be considered when deciding between the two switches. Both options offer their own advantages, and selecting the appropriate switch will ultimately depend on individual preferences and needs.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch is best described as clacky. It offers a satisfying level of feedback, delivering a light and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch is described as subdued. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. It has a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound. However, it should be noted that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Pink switch can be described as buttery, mild, feathery, and subtle. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. With its light actuation force, it reduces finger fatigue and is comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience and is approachable to most users. The snappy characteristic makes it super responsive, adding a liveliness to the typing experience.
Taking into account all the available information, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch have some similarities in terms of feel. They both offer a mild typing experience, with the Gold Pink switch being described as feathery and the Semi-Silent Linear switch being described as snappy. Additionally, they both have a buttery feel, providing a smooth and fluid typing sensation. The Gold Pink switch stands out for its light and lively typing experience, clacky sound, and reduced finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear switch is innovative with its whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities and can provide a satisfying typing experience, depending on the individual's preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a fast and effortless typing experience, particularly for rapid typing or gaming, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches are light and deliver a light and lively typing experience. They offer a satisfying level of feedback and a clacky sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and gentle typing experience, while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch would be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. They are silky smooth and offer a more subtle sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and the type of typing experience you prefer.
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