TTC Gold Pink vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Pink and Gateron Silent Ink Black each offer their own unique advantages. The Gold Pink switch is renowned for its lightweight design, boasting a 37g actuation force that makes it one of the lightest switches available. This attribute makes it ideal for those seeking a fast and effortless typing experience, perfect for both rapid typing and gaming. Additionally, the Gold Pinks provide a satisfying level of feedback, thanks to their clacky sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is the silenced version of the popular Ink Black switch, making it a fantastic choice for environments that require quieter typing. With its cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, the Silent Ink Black promises a more subtle and muted typing experience. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your individual preferences and requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer distinct sound profiles. The Gold Pink's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is characterized as being clacky. While both materials produce different sound profiles, they both contribute to an enjoyable typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gold Pink utilizes a nylon material. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound and therefore creates a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing. This blend provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, similar to the top housing. The INK blend also contributes to a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. Both housing materials enhance the overall typing experience, albeit in slightly different ways.
It is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be split between the two. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction allows for a more nuanced and customizable typing experience, as users can choose the switches that align with their preferences. In summary, while the housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Silent Ink Black may differ, they both contribute to a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Pink has a lighter actuation force, requiring only 37 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent Ink Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Gold Pink is lighter at 45 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black, which requires 70 grams to fully press down. This means that the Gold Pink provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it suitable for those who prefer a more effortless and prolonged typing session. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a more substantial and pronounced push feel, ideal for individuals who desire a heavier and more tactile keystroke. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience, both switches offer distinct options to accommodate personal preferences.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the results of using these switches in terms of travel distance will be similar. Neither switch is shorter or longer in terms of travel distance as they both have the same measurement of 4 mm.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 switch is known for its clacky sound, giving a satisfying level of feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. This makes it ideal for environments that require quieter typing. 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.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Pink switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. It is also considered mild, with its qualities falling into a safe, middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Gold Pink switch is feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and reduces finger fatigue. It provides a comfortable typing experience for extended sessions such as gaming or work. The Gold Pink switch is also subtle, offering a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Lastly, it is polished, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. It enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similar to the Gold Pink switch, it is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provide different subjective qualities. The Gold Pink switch offers a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound, whereas the Silent Ink Black switch provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a lighter and more lively typing experience with feedback, the Gold Pink switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a cushion-like feel, the Silent Ink Black switch would be a better option. Remember that the resultant experience will also depend on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Conclusion
To conclude, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you value a fast and effortless typing experience, then the Gold Pink switch with its light bottom out force of 45 grams may be the ideal choice for you. These switches are perfect for rapid typing or gaming, offering a satisfying level of feedback and a clacky sound. They provide a light and lively typing experience, making them suitable for those who prefer a more dynamic and responsive feel.
On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is a great option. With a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer a cushy and pillow-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. They are perfect for environments that necessitate quieter typing, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. These switches provide a muted typing experience, suitable for shared spaces or situations where you don't want to disturb others.
In terms of sound, the Gold Pink switch has a clacky sound, while the Silent Ink Black switch offers a softer and quieter sound profile. In terms of feel, the Gold Pink switch is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a light typing feel. The Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the choice between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch ultimately comes down to your preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and the level of noise you require in your environment. Consider your priorities and make a decision based on what best suits your needs.
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