TTC Gold Red Pro vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and KTT Rose both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The Gold Red Pro is praised for its versatility, providing a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature that is suitable for various tasks, from gaming to office work. On the other hand, the Rose switches are celebrated for their unique use of progressive springs, offering a substantial yet not heavy typing experience with a pleasant low-pitched sound. 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
63.5g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18.5mm spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the KTT Rose are quite similar in terms of the top housing being made of polycarbonate. Both switches offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the difference lies in the bottom housing material, with the Gold Red Pro utilizing a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the KTT Rose also uses a nylon bottom housing but with a slightly rounder and duller sound profile.
While the top housing material of the Gold Red Pro and KTT Rose is the same, the difference in the bottom housing material affects the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the KTT Rose's nylon bottom housing produces a slightly rounder and duller sound. This split of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials results in a unique typing experience for each switch. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the KTT Rose offer a mix of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials to create their distinct sound profiles. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the softer nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller overall typing experience. Despite the similarities in the top housing material, the difference in bottom housing material gives each switch its own unique sound and feel when typing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, it is evident that they have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Rose's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Rose has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, whereas the Gold Red Pro's bottom out force is unavailable. The actuation force of the Gold Red Pro provides a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Rose offers a heavier bottom out force for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether a lighter or heavier force is preferred by the user.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Rose linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Gold Red Pro's slightly shorter travel distance may make it a preferred choice for those seeking quick and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Rose's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the typing experience desired.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01 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
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky sound profile with a low-pitched tone that is neutral and suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the KTT Rose linear switch also provides a low-pitched, neutral sound that is described as reminiscent of bassy raindrops. Both switches offer a pleasant auditory experience that can cater to different user preferences and settings, making them versatile choices.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red Pro switch is known for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle characteristics, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance. Similarly, the KTT Rose switch offers a mild feel with a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches deliver a comfortable typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch offer versatile and pleasant typing experiences with subtle differences in sound and feel. Users can expect a neutral sound profile with low-pitched tones from either switch, while experiencing a smooth and refined typing feel with gentle resistance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the specific sound and feel qualities desired.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you value a versatile switch with an easy press and a neutral sound profile suitable for various settings, the Gold Red Pro may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, progressive springs for a unique typing experience, and a low-pitched sound profile, the Rose switch might be more fitting for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and the specific characteristics that you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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