TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Ink Black V2 both offer their unique advantages. The Gold Red Pro is praised for its versatility and ease of press, providing a seamless typing experience suitable for various preferences. With a neutral sound signature, it can adapt well to any auditory environment, making it a great choice for gaming, office work, or casual typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, making it a long-time favorite among the community. While both switches share some similarities in their mild and polished characteristics, the Ink Black V2 stands out for its bassy and chirpy sound profile. 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
43g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Ink Black V2, it is clear that they both prioritize sound quality in their design. The Gold Red Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Black V2 features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. While the two switches differ in their top housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying sound experience to users.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Gold Red Pro uses a nylon material that enhances the sound profile by creating a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's ability to absorb more sound due to its softness results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, complementing the top housing material for a cohesive typing experience. Despite differences in their bottom housing materials, both switches focus on creating a unique sound profile that sets them apart from other switches on the market.
Overall, the Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Ink Black V2 showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile of mechanical switches. While the Gold Red Pro emphasizes the use of polycarbonate and nylon for a sharp and clear sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 relies on its proprietary INK blend for a satisfying clacky sound. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize sound quality in their design, providing users with a unique typing experience that caters to their preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force compared to the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, with 43 grams versus 60 grams, respectively. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Red Pro is unknown, while the bottom out force of the Ink Black V2 is 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red Pro may be the better option, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 provides a more substantial typing feel with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gold Red Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Black V2. The Gold Red Pro's 3.8 mm travel distance would provide a slightly quicker response time compared to the Ink Black V2's 4 mm travel distance. Gamers and typists who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster key presses may lean towards the Gold Red Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial key press with a bit more depth may prefer the Ink Black V2. In terms of overall travel distance, the difference between 3.8 mm and 4 mm may not be significant, but it could be noticeable based on personal preference and typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the slight variation in travel distance may cater to different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 Red Pro linear switch is renowned for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, providing a deep and rich sound profile that is satisfying to the ears. With a neutral sound signature, it offers a harmonious auditory experience suitable for a variety of settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is known for its low-pitched and bassy sound, which delivers a rich and deep tone during key presses. Additionally, it has a unique chirpy quality that sets it apart from other switches in terms of sound. Whether you prefer the thocky richness of the Gold Red Pro or the deeper tones of the Ink Black V2, both switches offer a pleasing auditory experience that caters to different preferences.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance. This results in a comfortable and approachable feel that is suitable for shared spaces. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch provides a mild typing experience with a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches fall within the mild category, providing a gentle typing feel that is comfortable for extended typing sessions. Whether you prefer the subtle nuances of the Gold Red Pro or the refined smoothness of the Ink Black V2, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience that caters to different preferences.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Red Pro leans towards a thocky and low-pitched sound with polished and silky feel characteristics, the Ink Black V2 provides a bassy and chirpy sound with a mild and polished typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, both switches offer versatility and adaptability that make them suitable for various typing environments, whether it be for gaming, office work, or casual typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you're looking for a versatile switch that offers a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Gold Red Pro may be the perfect fit for you. Its adaptability makes it suitable for a range of activities, from gaming to office work. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth downstroke with a rich "clack" sound, the Ink Black V2 might be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics, so consider your typing preferences and environment when making your decision.
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