TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Keygeek Keylin each provide unique advantages that cater to different user preferences. The TTC Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, featuring a seamless typing experience that is accessible for both gamers and professionals alike. Its neutral sound signature ensures that it fits comfortably in any environment, making it an ideal choice for both busy offices and dynamic gaming sessions. In contrast, the Keylin, crafted with new molds from Keygeek, offers a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and a smooth actuation, appealing particularly to those who value auditory feedback and tactile comfort. While the Gold Red Pro shines in its adaptability and ease of use, the Keylin presents itself as a refined option for users seeking a luxurious typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the most suitable switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18.5mm spring
Spring
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Keygeek Keylin, we can observe notable differences in their top housings. The Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a brighter auditory feedback from their switches. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a softer composition. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more efficiently, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Thus, the Gold Red Pro is likely to deliver a more vibrant sound experience, while the Keylin fosters a more muted and rounded acoustic result.
On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, as both the Gold Red Pro and Keygeek Keylin are equipped with a nylon bottom housing. This uniformity in material contributes similarly to the overall auditory experience of the switches. The nylon bottom housing tends to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller typing feel that enhances the bottom-out experience, or the sensation felt when a key is fully pressed down. While the top housings diverge in their sound profiles, the nylon bottom housing serves to anchor the overall auditory characteristics, smoothing out any harsher notes and creating a more balanced acoustic environment.
As a result of these contrasting top housing materials and similar bottom housings, users can expect varied responses when typing. Typing on the Gold Red Pro may yield a responsive, crisp sound upon release due to the polycarbonate top, while the Keygeek Keylin will provide a more subdued experience. However, both switches benefit from their nylon bottom housings, ensuring that the deeper, fuller sound profile remains consistent across both models. Consequently, regardless of the differences in top materials, typing sensations regarding bottom-out sounds will feel quite similar, providing a satisfactory experience for users who appreciate that aspect of switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch with the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red Pro has an actuation force of 43 grams, which is heavier than the Keylin's 38 grams, making the Keylin a lighter option for those who prefer ease of typing over long periods. However, the Gold Red Pro's bottom out force is not specified, leaving an unknown variable in its overall feel. In contrast, the Keylin boasts a bottom out force of 48 grams, which provides a firmer response when fully pressed down. This darker side of the force comparison highlights the Keylin as the heavier switch overall due to its bottom out force, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, those seeking a lighter touch would be inclined towards the Keylin switch, while those preferring a stronger feedback might appreciate the characteristics of the Gold Red Pro, despite missing bottoming out data.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Gold Red Pro has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Keylin measures slightly less at 3.6 mm. This makes the Keylin the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that gamers often seek for faster reaction times. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper keystroke may find the Gold Red Pro's travel distance of 3.8 mm more satisfying, as it provides a more substantial depth during use. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Keylin appealing to those who favor quicker inputs and the Gold Red Pro catering to users who enjoy a traditional, deeper experience.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch produces a neutral sound signature that strikes a balance, making it versatile and adaptable to various environments, whether it be gaming, office work, or casual typing. Its sound profile is characterized as low-pitched and thocky, translating to a deep, satisfying thud without being overly pronounced. This allows for a typing experience that is approachable for newcomers and pleasant for seasoned typists alike. In contrast, the Keylin switch has a reputation for delivering rich acoustics, which suggests a more premium auditory experience, though specific details regarding its sound characteristics are unspecified.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red Pro excels with descriptors such as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, indicating an exceptionally smooth typing experience with gentle resistance. This combination results in a sleek typing journey that minimizes friction thanks to either the materials used or factory lubrication. The qualities of being mild and subtle indicate that these switches cater well to users who prefer a gentle and forgiving typing experience, making them user-friendly for a broad audience. There is no provided information about the tactile feedback or overall feel of the Keylin switch, so a direct comparison in this area remains unknown.
In summary, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a balanced sound profile and an impressively smooth typing feel, making it a great choice for various applications and user preferences. While the Keylin switch promises a premium acoustic experience, further details on its sound and feel remain elusive. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, though the Gold Red Pro provides a clearer picture of its capabilities based on the provided qualities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch ultimately depends on what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you’re looking for a versatile switch that accommodates a variety of activities—be it gaming, office work, or casual typing—the Gold Red Pro is an ideal choice. Its incredibly light feel and polished design ensure a smooth, satisfying typing experience that is both pleasant and efficient, making it suitable for environments where sound might be a concern due to its neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you’re after a switch that offers a premium typing experience with exceptional smoothness and acoustics, you may prefer the Keylin switch. Its heavier bottom-out force of 48 grams might provide you with a more deliberate and satisfying feedback suitable for those who enjoy a bit more resistance while typing. Ultimately, your decision should align with your specific needs—whether it’s the adaptable ease and lightness of the Gold Red Pro or the smooth, rich acoustics of the Keylin switches.
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