TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness emerge as two noteworthy options, each catering to different typing experiences. The TTC Gold Red Pro, a linear switch, is celebrated for its versatility and ease of press, providing a seamless and smooth typing experience that appeals to users ranging from gamers to office workers. With a neutral sound signature, it strikes the right balance for various environments, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an unobtrusive auditory experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness, a tactile switch, offers a subtle to moderate tactile feedback that enhances typing precision, making each keystroke feel more deliberate without being overly pronounced. This makes it ideal for users who enjoy a sensory confirmatory bump while typing. Both switches embody unique traits that cater to specific preferences in tactile feedback and sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness, a key distinction lies in their top housings. The Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality makes it particularly effective for RGB lighting setups, as its translucency allows light to shine through more vividly. In contrast, the Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and results in a deeper, fuller sound profile due to sound absorption. Consequently, while both switches can deliver unique auditory experiences, the Gold Red Pro is tailored for sharper acoustic feedback and aesthetic appeal, particularly in illuminated settings, while the Gateron Weightlessness provides a more subdued, rounded auditory response.
Both switches sport nylon bottom housings, which contribute similarly to the overall sound profile. The Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing, like that of the Weightlessness, absorbs sound due to nylon's softer material properties, creating a duller and rounder sound upon actuation. This shared characteristic indicates that, despite the different top housings, the bottom housing's influence results in a consistent auditory experience across both switches. As such, when keys are bottomed out, both switches provide a deeper sound that is accentuated by the nylon material while ensuring a level of consistency in tactile response.
Ultimately, the differing top housing compositions of the Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Weightlessness yield contrasting acoustic profiles during key presses, yet they converge on the sound quality derived from their common nylon bottom housings. Gamers and typists may prefer the sharper response of the Gold Red Pro when utilizing RGB lighting, while those seeking a fuller, rounded sound may gravitate toward the Gateron Weightlessness. However, in terms of the bottoming-out experience, users can expect a similar sound quality due to the shared material in the bottom housings, ensuring a satisfying tactile feedback regardless of the choice between these two switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Gold Red Pro has an actuation force of 43 grams, making it the lighter option, which can be advantageous for those who prefer a keyboard that allows for longer typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial push feel and a robust typing experience. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, so a direct comparison in that regard isn't possible. However, since the actuation force of the Gold Red Pro is lighter, users seeking a gentler keystroke experience may find it more suitable than the slightly heavier Gateron Weightlessness.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the differences are notable. The Gold Red Pro boasts a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Weightlessness has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Gold Red Pro provides a more substantial key press, which some users might prefer for a deeper and more satisfying feel. On the other hand, the Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, may offer quicker response times, making it more suitable for gamers who favor rapid actions. Ultimately, if you lean towards a more responsive experience, the Gateron Weightlessness is the better choice, whereas the Gold Red Pro may be preferable for those who enjoy a more pronounced key press.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 has a sound profile that is characterized as thocky and low-pitched, producing a deep, rich sound that resonates satisfyingly when pressed, akin to a soft "thud" or knock. This neutral tone makes it an excellent choice for a variety of environments, whether you're gaming, working in an office, or enjoying casual typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch does not have a detailed sound profile provided, so it’s difficult to compare its auditory qualities directly. However, it is noted that the Weightlessness offers a balanced sound profile that complements its tactile characteristics, suggesting that while it may differ in sound depth and richness from the Gold Red Pro, it is likely to provide a pleasant auditory experience as well.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red Pro excels with its polished and smooth typing experience, reducing friction for a seamless key travel. Its mild characteristics ensure that users experience a gentle resistance, making the switch approachable for a wide range of typing preferences. The subtle nature of the Gold Red Pro contributes to its versatility, ensuring it is user-friendly for newcomers and seasoned typists alike. The specifics of the Weightlessness tactile switch's feel are not provided, leaving the comparison somewhat open-ended. However, the subtle feedback implied by its tactile nature likely offers a distinct experience, albeit without detailed descriptors to clarify its resistance or smoothness relative to the Gold Red Pro.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a richly satisfying sound and a polished, smooth feel that caters to a diverse set of users and typing scenarios. While the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch provides an appealing tactile quality and a balanced sound profile, the lack of specific detail about its auditory and tactile characteristics leaves room for speculation. Ultimately, both switches are designed to create a superior typing experience, catering to different preferences, and are likely to deliver enjoyable results, whether you opt for the engaging depth of the Gold Red Pro or the tactile nature of the Weightlessness.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use. If you favor a fluid and seamless typing experience, the Gold Red Pro’s smooth, polished feel and neutral sound signature make it an excellent choice for versatile applications like gaming, office work, or casual typing sessions. Its mild characteristics provide a gentle touch that is accessible to all users, ensuring a satisfying experience in any setting. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile sensation and an audible click without being overly pronounced, the Weightlessness switch may suit you better. It offers a subtle tactile feedback that strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it ideal for those who enjoy a slightly more engaging typing experience. In essence, choose the Gold Red Pro for versatility and smoothness, while the Gateron Weightlessness is your go-to for a tactile touch that enhances the typing experience without becoming distracting.
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