TTC Gold Red Pro vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the KTT Orange 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 KTT Orange both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red Pro is praised for its versatility, offering a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that is suitable for any environment. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches boast a bouncy feel and a frictionless typing experience, with a low-pitched sound profile that adds to its appeal. While both switches have their strengths, such as the Gold Red Pro's adaptability and the Orange's factory-lubed smoothness, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18.5mm spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and KTT Orange switches, it is evident that they both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is useful for switches designed with RGB lighting. However, where they differ is in the bottom housing material. The Gold Red Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the KTT Orange features a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the qualities of its top housing, with a sharper and crisper sound profile.
While the top housings of both the TTC Gold Red Pro and KTT Orange switches are made of polycarbonate, offering similar benefits in sound quality and aesthetics, the distinction lies in their bottom housings. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red Pro contributes to a deeper and more impactful sound when typing, as it absorbs more sound than the polycarbonate bottom housing of the KTT Orange. This results in a duller and rounder sound experience for the Gold Red Pro compared to the sharper and crisper sound of the KTT Orange. The choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience, depending on whether a user prefers a softer or more resonant sound.
Ultimately, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and KTT Orange switches play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches boast polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, the difference in bottom housing material results in variations in sound depth and impact. Whether one prefers the deeper sound of the nylon bottom housing in the Gold Red Pro or the sharper sound of the polycarbonate bottom housing in the KTT Orange will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and overall sound profile. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard enthusiast community.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Red Pro is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Orange is slightly heavier at 46 grams. Additionally, the Gold Red Pro does not have a specified bottom out force, whereas the Orange has a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. The actuation force of the switches directly impacts the force required to trigger a keystroke, whereas the bottom out force reflects the pressure needed to fully press a key. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gold Red Pro for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may opt for the heavier push feel of the Orange for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force resistance.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the KTT Orange switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the TTC Gold Red Pro switch. For those looking for a faster response time and a shallower feel, the KTT Orange switch would be the preferred choice. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press and a longer travel distance may opt for the TTC Gold Red Pro switch. Both switches offer slightly varying travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for keyboard typing and gaming experiences.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch is known for its low-pitched and neutral profile, producing a satisfying thocky sound that is not too loud or too soft. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound signature, adding a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing experience. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience, with the Gold Red Pro being more versatile in different environments due to its neutral sound, while the Orange switch adds a unique low-pitched tone.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red Pro switch offers a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience, with smooth and refined key travel that minimizes friction and maximizes comfort. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch provides a bouncy and frictionless feel, giving a spring-like feedback and effortless key presses. Both switches focus on providing a smooth and seamless typing experience, with the Gold Red Pro emphasizing refinement and smoothness, while the Orange switch focuses on adding a bouncy feedback sensation to each press.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red Pro excels in its versatility, providing a harmonious and neutral sound profile along with a polished and silky feel for a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch stands out with its bouncy and frictionless feel, coupled with a low-pitched sound profile for a distinctive typing sensation. Depending on your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, both switches offer excellent options to enhance your mechanical keyboard setup. Whether you choose the Gold Red Pro or the Orange switch, you can expect a high-quality and satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch or the KTT Orange linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended usage. If you are looking for a versatile switch with a neutral sound profile and polished, silky feel, the Gold Red Pro may be the perfect fit for you, particularly if you value a smooth and refined typing experience across various settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bouncy feel, frictionless typing experience, and a low-pitched sound profile, the Orange switch may better suit your preferences, especially if you enjoy a lively, rebounding key press. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Red Pro and Orange switches will depend on your individual preferences and needs in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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