TTC Gold Red vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red and TTC Gold Red Pro linear switches stand out as top contenders. The Gold Red offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, adding a modest touch of personality with its snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro showcases versatility with its seamless typing experience and neutral sound signature, making it a harmonious choice for any environment. While the Gold Red is known for its subtle and polished characteristics, the Gold Red Pro shines with its adaptability and ease of press. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
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
Stainless steel
Spring
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and the TTC Gold Red Pro both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Similarly, both switches have a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. The nylon material creates a rounder and duller sound that enhances the overall typing experience.
While both switches share the same housing materials for the top and bottom, the way they are utilized can impact the typing experience differently. The bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Gold Red and Gold Red Pro ensures a balanced sound profile that enhances the overall typing experience. Both switches benefit from the unique qualities of each housing material to deliver a satisfying and consistent performance.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red and the TTC Gold Red Pro offer consistency in their housing materials, with polycarbonate top housing delivering a sharp and clear sound profile, while nylon bottom housing enhances the typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound. The utilization of these materials in different parts of the switch allows for a balanced sound profile that caters to both key press and key release. Overall, whether using the Gold Red or Gold Red Pro, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and typing experience due to the shared housing materials.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch both have an actuation force of 43 grams, making them equal in this aspect. However, the TTC Gold Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the TTC Gold Red Pro has an unknown bottom out force. The Gold Red is on the lighter side in terms of force, which is preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro's force remains unknown, so it is unclear if it is lighter, heavier, or equal to the Gold Red. When considering the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches, it is important to take into consideration personal preference for typing experience, whether one prefers a lighter feel or a more substantial push.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Gold Red Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Red, making it a better option for those who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. The 0.2 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can make a noticeable impact on the overall feel of the switch. However, for those who prefer a more traditional travel distance, the Gold Red with its 4 mm travel distance may be the better option. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the slight difference in travel distance may be the deciding factor for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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.
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, both the TTC Gold Red and Gold Red Pro switches offer a thocky and low-pitched profile with a neutral tone, providing a satisfying auditory experience for most users. The sound produced by these switches is neither too loud nor too quiet, making them suitable for various environments without causing disturbance. Whether you opt for the Gold Red or Gold Red Pro, you can expect a harmonious typing sound that enhances your overall typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Red switch is lauded for its mild and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and gentle feel that is approachable to many users. With a subtle resistance and polished finish, typing on the Gold Red switch is polished and refined, providing a sleek experience that minimizes friction and maximizes comfort. Similarly, the Gold Red Pro switch boasts a polished and silky feel, with a mild and subtle typing experience that caters to a wide range of preferences. Both switches offer a premium feel that enhances the typing experience and minimizes fatigue during extended use.
In conclusion, whether you opt for the TTC Gold Red linear switch or the Gold Red Pro linear switch, you can expect a top-tier typing experience that combines smoothness, versatility, and adaptability. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and a refined feel, making them suitable for a variety of applications, from gaming to office work. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to your personal preferences and desired typing experience, but rest assured that you'll achieve similar high-quality results with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium resistance level and a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you value versatility and ease of press, along with a neutral sound signature suitable for various settings, the Gold Red Pro would be more fitting. Ultimately, the Gold Red offers a more distinct typing experience, while the Gold Red Pro caters to a wider range of users and usage scenarios. It's all about finding the switch that aligns best with your personal preferences and needs.
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