TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red 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 Cherry MX Silent Red both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, providing a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that suits various environments. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red maintains the classic characteristics of the MX Red but stands out for its silent operation, making it perfect for noise-sensitive settings. While both switches excel in their own right, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red, we see that they both feature a nylon bottom housing. This means that when typing on switches from either of these keyboards, users can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material is softer and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Despite this similarity, the top housing of the Gold Red Pro is made of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the MX Silent Red features a nylon top housing, which also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing.
Although both the Gold Red Pro and the MX Silent Red utilize a nylon bottom housing, they differ in their choice of top housing material. The Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a more clear and resonant sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is also more translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Despite this difference, both keyboards provide a unique typing experience with their choice of housing materials. While the Gold Red Pro offers a crisper sound, the MX Silent Red provides a deeper and fuller sound when typing.
Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Cherry MX Silent Red play a significant role in the sound profile of each keyboard. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Red Pro creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red produces a deeper and fuller sound. Both keyboards share a nylon bottom housing, ensuring a consistent typing experience with a duller and rounder sound profile. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the Gold Red Pro or a deeper sound with the MX Silent Red, the housing materials of these switches contribute to their unique acoustic characteristics.
Weight
The actuation force of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is slightly lighter at 43 grams compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch's 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, which means it's hard to determine which one requires more force to fully depress the key. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as lighter switches are preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. Conversely, some users prefer heavier switches for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the actuation force of the Gold Red Pro is slightly lighter, the difference is minimal, and users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the MX Silent Red for faster response times, while those who prefer a more hearty keystroke may lean towards the Gold Red Pro with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar typing experience with minimal differences in travel distance, so you can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and feel.
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 Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 provides a neutral and low-pitched sound profile that is neither too loud nor too soft, making it a versatile option for various environments. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch produces a muted and low-pitched sound that is significantly quieter than traditional mechanical switches, making it ideal for noise-sensitive settings. Both switches offer a thocky sound characteristic, with the Gold Red Pro having a slightly more pronounced typing experience.
Moving on to the feel, the Gold Red Pro switch is known for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience, providing a smooth and refined feel with gentle resistance. This makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may introduce a level of friction that some users prefer for tactile feedback. While the MX Silent Red offers a unique texture, the Gold Red Pro excels in providing a smooth and consistent keypress sensation.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch both offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red Pro provides a neutral and low-pitched sound with a polished and silky typing feel, catering to a wide range of preferences. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red offers a muted sound and a textured feel, making it a standout choice for those seeking a quieter typing experience with tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel, but rest assured that both options will deliver satisfactory results based on the desired qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your environment and personal preferences. If you prioritize versatility and adaptability, along with a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a satisfying typing experience with a significantly quieter sound profile, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments, the MX Silent Red could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs, so it's important to assess what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
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