TTC Gold Red Pro vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the TTC Yunhai both present unique benefits tailored to different user preferences. The Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, offering a seamless typing experience that caters to a wide range of activities, from gaming to professional work. With a neutral sound signature, it strikes a balance that fits comfortably in any environment, making it an ideal choice for users who value adaptability and want a switch that feels equally at home on the battlefield or in the office. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai distinguishes itself with a deep, rounded sound profile and an incredibly light actuation force, appealing to typists who prefer a feather-light touch and a more pronounced auditory feedback. This can create a delightful experience for those who appreciate a gentle, almost effortless typing feel. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the TTC Yunhai switches present a notable contrast, particularly in their top housings. The Gold Red Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which allows for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This characteristic makes the switch produce clearer and more resonant sounds, especially suited to RGB setups where the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the visual effect of lighting. In stark contrast, the Yunhai employs a nylon top housing, which is a classic choice in the industry. The nylon material's softer composition absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and rounder sound profile that deviates from the sharper tones of polycarbonate. Consequently, the sound quality one would expect from these two switches will significantly differ depending on the housing material used at the top.
In examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find that both the Gold Red Pro and the Yunhai utilize nylon. This shared use of nylon brings a consistent characteristic to the sound profile when one presses down on the keys. The nylon material is known to absorb more sound due to its softer composition, contributing to a fuller, more profound sound during activations. Therefore, while the two switches may differ significantly in their top housings, they converge in their bottom housing properties, producing a similar bottom-out sound across both models. As a result, both switches may offer an overall rich auditory experience, albeit through different nuances in the sound they produce.
When taken together, the blend of materials in the Gold Red Pro and Yunhai switches creates a unique sound profile for each model. The distinct sound characteristics of the top housings play a significant role in how each switch sounds when a key is released, while their common nylon bottom housings ensure a cohesive experience during the actuation. Users can expect the Gold Red Pro to offer more brightness due to its polycarbonate top, while the Yunhai provides a more muted experience because of its nylon top. Thus, even though they will elicit different auditory sensations, the use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches provides a level of consistency that key typists and gamers alike may appreciate.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we see distinct differences in their actuation forces and unique characteristics regarding their bottom out forces. The Gold Red Pro has an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Yunhai is slightly lighter at 42 grams. This means that for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, the Yunhai may be more suitable as it requires less force to actuate a keystroke. However, the Gold Red Pro has an unknown bottom out force, while the Yunhai provides a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a firmer end to each keystroke. Consequently, the Yunhai might cater to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when bottoming out. Overall, the Yunhai can be characterized as the lighter option due to its lower actuation force, whereas the Gold Red Pro remains ambiguous regarding its bottom out force, with potential implications for typing comfort and experience based on individual preference for switch weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Gold Red Pro features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Yunhai measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Yunhai the shorter option, providing slightly quicker response times that can be beneficial for gamers seeking a more immediate tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, allowing for a more deliberate keypress. Both switches provide a relatively modern experience in terms of travel distance, but the choice between them ultimately hinges on the user's preference for depth versus responsiveness.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 linear switch presents a versatile audio profile characterized by a thocky, low-pitched tone. This deep, rich sound generates a satisfying auditory feedback while typing, making it suitable for various environments without being overly intrusive. Its neutral sound signature ensures it won’t disrupt a shared workspace, blending harmoniously into both gaming and office settings. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch doesn’t have a specific sound description provided, leaving its acoustic characteristics unknown. Given the Gold Red Pro’s defined audio profile, it stands out as the go-to option for those seeking a predictable soundscape in their typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red Pro is smooth and refined, boasting a polished quality that allows for a seamless typing experience. Its mild and subtle characteristics indicate a balance between gentle resistance and ease of actuation, making it friendly for all types of users—from novices to experts. It provides a calm and approachable typing sensation. In contrast, the Yunhai switch is touted as feathery, prioritizing an incredibly light actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue. This feature is beneficial for prolonged use, allowing users to type effortlessly without experiencing discomfort. While both switches aim for comfort, their approaches differ, with the Gold Red Pro focusing on smoothness and the Yunhai on lightness.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the TTC Yunhai linear switches appeal to different preferences in sound and feel. The Gold Red Pro excels with its thocky sound and polished typing experience, making it highly adaptable for various environments. In contrast, while the sound qualities of the Yunhai remain unspecified, its feathery lightness makes it a compelling choice for users seeking minimal effort while typing. Ultimately, your choice between the two will hinge on whether you prioritize a pronounced acoustic experience or an easy, fatigue-free typing session.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the TTC Yunhai linear switches can significantly impact your typing experience, depending on your specific needs and preferences. If you value versatility and a balanced feel, the Gold Red Pro is an excellent option. Its neutral sound profile and polished touch create a seamless experience suitable for both gaming and professional settings, ensuring that you won't disturb others while you type. Its mild resistance makes it approachable for a wide range of users, making it a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable, adaptable switch without any harshness. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and almost effortless typing experience, the Yunhai switches shine in their feathery feel and deeper sound profile. This makes them ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is paramount, such as for students or avid typists. Their light actuation force minimizes finger fatigue, allowing you to type for longer without discomfort. Ultimately, choose the Gold Red Pro for a well-rounded, multi-purpose option, and consider the Yunhai if you seek a light and comfortable experience geared toward extended use.
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