TTC Gold Pink vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Smoothie. The Gold Pink is a linear switch with a 37g actuation force, making it incredibly light and ideal for those who value a fast and effortless typing experience. It offers a clacky sound and is perfect for rapid typing or gaming, providing a satisfying level of feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is also a linear switch but is known for its all-POM construction, offering a thocky sound signature and remarkable smoothness. It provides a lightweight touch and is budget-friendly without compromising on quality. Both switches offer a 'Buttery' feel, but the Gold Pink is more 'Mild' and 'Feathery' while the Smoothie is described as 'Thocky' and 'Low-pitched'. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style; 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Smoothie differ significantly in terms of the materials used. The Gold Pink utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a clearer and more resonant sound. In contrast, the Smoothie features a POM top housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials offer unique sound characteristics, the Gold Pink's polycarbonate is better suited for those who prefer a sharper and clearer typing experience, while the Smoothie's POM provides a deeper and softer sound.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Gold Pink uses nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Smoothie also incorporates a POM bottom housing, contributing to a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Both the nylon and POM materials offer a different typing experience, with nylon providing a fuller sound and POM offering a more muted and deeper sound quality.
Overall, while the top and bottom housings of the Gold Pink and the Smoothie differ in material composition, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Gold Pink's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and clearer sound, paired with a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller typing experience. In comparison, the Smoothie's POM top and bottom housings create a deeper and more muted sound profile ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches offer a unique and pleasing typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, but the Gold Pink has a bottom out force of 45 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Pink switch may make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Gateron Smoothie switch may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Gold Pink offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more traditional typing experience to some users. On the other hand, the Smoothie has a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those seeking quicker response times, such as gamers. The choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference - if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Smoothie may be the better option, but if you enjoy a more deliberate key press, the Gold Pink could be preferable. Both switches offer unique advantages, so selecting the one that fits your typing style best will result in a satisfying typing experience.
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 Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 when pressed, providing a satisfying level of feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is described as producing a thocky sound, which is deep, rich, and satisfying. The Smoothie also features a low-pitched and subdued sound signature. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches may come down to personal preference and how it complements your typing style and environment.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Pink linear switch offers a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. These qualities combine to provide a light and lively typing sensation that reduces finger fatigue and offers a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie linear switch is described as buttery, creamy, and silky, emphasizing smoothness and ease of typing. Both switches aim to provide a seamless and uniform typing experience that enhances overall typing comfort.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Pink provides a clacky sound and a light, lively typing experience, the Gateron Smoothie offers a thocky sound and a smooth, buttery typing feel. Depending on whether you prioritize feedback, smoothness, or typing comfort, you can achieve similar results with either switch by considering your specific typing needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a light actuation force and a fast, effortless typing experience for rapid typing or gaming, the Gold Pink with its 37g actuation force is the ideal choice. The Gold Pink also offers a satisfying level of feedback with its clacky sound. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch with a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch without compromising on quality, the Gateron Smoothie is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a light and lively typing experience (Gold Pink) or a smooth and high-quality typing experience (Smoothie). Choose the switch that best aligns with your typing preferences and needs.
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