TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Kailh Plum stand out as popular choices among users for different reasons. The Gold Red Pro, a linear switch, is praised for its versatile nature and ease of press, providing a seamless typing experience suitable for various preferences. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch, offers a unique feel with a hefty weight but a subtle tactile bump, deviating from the norm of tactile switches. While the Gold Red Pro boasts a neutral sound signature and adaptability for different settings, the Plum stands out for its unique tactile experience and enjoyable 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18.5mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Kailh Plum, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Gold Red Pro stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic absorbing more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The Plum also features a nylon bottom housing, similar in its sound-enhancing capabilities to the Gold Red Pro.
While both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Kailh Plum share similar top housing materials in polycarbonate, their differing bottom housing materials provide varying sound profiles. The Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing delivers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Plum's nylon bottom housing offers a similar effect. This split in housing materials between top and bottom impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed and released. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This distinction showcases how the choice of housing materials can significantly impact the user experience of mechanical keyboards.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Kailh Plum plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and tactile feedback. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings that create sharp and clear sound profiles, the Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, contrasting with the Plum's nylon bottom housing. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall typing experience can help users make informed decisions when selecting a mechanical keyboard based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, we find that the Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Plum, which has an unknown actuation force. On the other hand, the Plum has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, labeled as medium-heavy, while the bottom out force for the Gold Red Pro is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gold Red Pro due to its lower actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Plum with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique benefits based on individual preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are becoming more popular in the keyboard market, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches would come down to personal preference regarding the feel and depth of key presses. Some users may prefer the slightly longer travel distance of the Gold Red Pro for a more substantial key press, while others may appreciate the quicker response of the Plum tactile switch. Overall, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a modern and speedy typing 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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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, both the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they are not too loud or too quiet, making them suitable for various environments. The Gold Red Pro may have a slightly thocky and low-pitched sound, giving it a deep and satisfying tone when pressed, while the Plum provides a more neutral and enjoyable sound experience. However, the final sound produced also depends on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Red Pro switch is described as offering a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience. This means that it provides a smooth and refined finish with reduced friction, resulting in a gentle and approachable typing feel. On the other hand, the Plum switch is said to offer a mild and stepped tactile experience, where the keystroke has two stages with pre-travel and/or post-travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of tactility and weightiness.
In conclusion, both the Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch have their own unique characteristics that make them stand out in the mechanical keyboard switch realm. The Gold Red Pro excels in its versatility with a seamless typing experience and a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Plum switch offers a unique tactile feel with a mild tactility and a neutral sound profile, providing a different but enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches would depend on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing style. Whether you go for the Gold Red Pro or the Plum, you can expect a satisfying typing experience that meets your individual needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a switch with no bottom out force, versatile sound profile, and a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience, the Gold Red Pro may be the best fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, neutral sound profile, and a mild, stepped typing experience, the Plum tactile switch could be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal typing style, preferences, and intended use for the keyboard. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to determine which one feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing needs.
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