TTC Gold Pink vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Silent Red. The Gold Pink switch is renowned for its incredibly light 37g actuation force, making it one of the lightest switches available. Ideal for fast and effortless typing or gaming, these switches offer a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch provides a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise. Perfect for office or shared living spaces, these switches have a muted sound profile. They deliver a consistently smooth feel from top to bottom, with the added bonus of a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make the best decision in choosing the switch that suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Silent Red switches share many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the housings also allows for the switches to be translucent, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and aesthetics when using either of these switches.
However, the switches differ in their bottom housing materials. The Gold Pink switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Red switch features a nylon bottom housing as well. Typing on switches that use nylon housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a slightly different sound experience when typing on each of these switches due to the variation in their bottom housing materials.
It is worth noting that when the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, the qualities brought by each housing material will be distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on either the Gold Pink or Silent Red switch will highlight the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, as it has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing will have a larger influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these distinctions, both switches ultimately offer high-quality sound profiles and the choice between the two may come down to personal preference.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are notable differences. The Gold Pink switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, making it lighter compared to the Silent Red switch which has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Gold Pink switch requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch has a higher actuation force, providing a slightly more substantial push feel during typing.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Gold Pink switch requires 45 grams of force to fully press down, while information about the bottom out force of the Silent Red switch is not known. However, given that the actuation force of the Silent Red switch is heavier, it is likely that the bottom out force would also be relatively higher, resulting in a more pronounced typing experience compared to the Gold Pink switch.
Overall, if weight is a consideration, the Gold Pink switch would be the lighter option, making it suitable for extended periods of typing or intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience are desired, the Silent Red switch with its heavier actuation force may be the better choice. Nevertheless, both switches provide similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces within their respective weight categories.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch have a slight difference in their travel distances. The Gold Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm while the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Gold Pink has a slightly longer distance compared to the Silent Red.
The 4.0mm travel distance of the Gold Pink is considered more traditional, providing a sense of familiar depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Silent Red with its 3.7mm travel distance falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times.
If you prefer a more immediate response and quicker typing speed, the Silent Red with its slightly shorter travel distance may be more suitable for you. It allows for rapid keystrokes without having to press the key down fully. However, for those who enjoy a deeper and more satisfying key press, the Gold Pink's longer travel distance may be more appealing. The added depth can give a sense of reassurance when typing or pressing down on keys.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience. Both switches offer their own advantages and it is up to the individual to decide which travel distance aligns with their typing style and comfort.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 linear switch is known for its clacky sound, providing a satisfying level of feedback. The specific sound profile of the Gold Pink switch is not mentioned in the information provided. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is described as having a muted sound profile. This means that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making it suitable for use in office or shared living spaces. Keep in mind that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Silent Red are described with similar qualities. They are both referred to as "buttery," indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, both switches are described as "mild," offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Gold Pink switch is also described as "feathery," meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from the fingers. This reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming. The Silent Red switch is also mentioned to have a subtle resistance, providing a light typing feel. Both switches are described as "polished," indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Silent Red linear switches share similar subjective qualities in terms of feel. They both offer a smooth and effortless typing experience, with a gentle and approachable tactile feedback. However, the Gold Pink switch is specifically mentioned to have a clacky sound, while the Silent Red switch has a muted sound profile suitable for quieter environments. Overall, users can expect a light and lively typing experience with the Gold Pinks and a smooth and seamless typing experience with the Silent Reds.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it ultimately depends on your specific preferences and needs. If you value a fast and effortless typing experience with a light actuation force, the Gold Pink switches are the perfect choice. These switches deliver a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing feel, along with a clacky sound profile. They are ideal for rapid typing or gaming.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise, the Silent Red switches are the way to go. With a higher bottom out force for a medium-heavy feel, these switches provide a muted sound profile that is suitable for office or shared living spaces. The Silent Red switches deliver a buttery, mild, and polished typing feel, ensuring a comfortable and satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique strengths and benefits. Whether you're looking for a light and lively typing experience with the Gold Pink switches or a quiet and smooth typing experience with the Silent Red switches, you can't go wrong with either choice. It's all about finding the switch that best suits your personal preferences and environment.
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