TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° are two popular options worth comparing. The Gold Red Pro is praised for its versatility and ease of use, providing a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that can adapt to any environment. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° by Gateron stands out for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, ensuring smoothness, stability, and a quieter typing experience. While both switches offer unique benefits, such as the Gold Red Pro's adaptable nature and the Zero Degree 0°'s noise-reducing features, it's essential to delve deeper into their specific characteristics to determine the best fit for your needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
Both the Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° share similar housing materials when it comes to the polycarbonate top housing. They both offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal material for switches designed to have RGB lighting. However, despite these similarities, the specific design and construction of each switch may still result in slight differences in sound and aesthetics.
On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° differ in terms of their bottom housing material. The Gold Red Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which typically produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to the polycarbonate top housing. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° also features a nylon bottom housing, meaning that both switches share this characteristic in their bottom housing material, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile.
Overall, while both the Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° feature polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a clearer and more resonant sound profile, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The nylon bottom housing of both switches provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, with the ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch have very similar actuation forces, with the Gold Red Pro requiring 43 grams of force and the Zero Degree 0° requiring 45 grams. While both switches have an unknown bottom out force, it can be assumed that they may provide a similar typing experience when it comes to the force needed to bottom out. Both switches offer a light actuation force, making them ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue can be a factor. However, those who prefer a bit more resistance may lean towards the Zero Degree 0° switch, as it has a slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, we see that the Gold Red Pro has a travel distance of 3.8mm, while the Zero Degree 0° has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking quicker response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper press, the Gold Red Pro may provide a more satisfying feel. In contrast, those looking for a quicker and more responsive key press may lean towards the Gateron Zero Degree 0°. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming 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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched typing experience with a neutral sound profile, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound that is not too overwhelming. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch boasts innovative self-padding design and a dual-rail structure that absorbs sound and reduces noise, promising a silent typing experience without sacrificing smoothness and stability. While both switches excel in delivering a pleasant typing sound, the Gold Red Pro leans towards a more traditional tactile feel, whereas the Zero Degree 0° focuses on reducing sound to a minimum for quieter environments.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red Pro presents a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience with reduced friction, smooth key travel, gentle resistance, and a gentle sound signature, making it approachable and suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° is not explicitly described in terms of feel, but based on its design focusing on smoothness and stability, it's safe to assume it offers a similarly pleasant typing experience with a focus on noise reduction and stability.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch excel in providing high-quality typing experiences tailored to different preferences and needs. While the Gold Red Pro offers a versatile and neutral sound profile with a polished and gentle feel, the Zero Degree 0° prioritizes silent typing with innovative noise-reduction features. Depending on whether you prefer a more traditional tactile experience or a silent typing environment, either switch would be a great choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switches, you should consider the level of versatility and adaptability you need. If you are looking for a switch that offers a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound profile suitable for various settings, the Gold Red Pro would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize silent typing with innovative design features like self-padding and dual-rail structure for smoothness and stability, the Zero Degree 0° could be more aligned with your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences when it comes to sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
