TTC Gold Red vs. Gateron Ink Black V2

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Ink Black V2, both of which are linear switches. The Gold Red is known for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance. With its snappy sound profile, these switches add a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is a long-time community favorite, offering a smooth downstroke and a rich clack. While both switches share some common characteristics, such as being low-pitched and having a mild feel, they do differ in terms of sound profile and typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Red Linear

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Ink Black V2 exhibit distinct differences. The Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes it ideal for those seeking a clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing's translucency allows for the effective use of RGB lighting, enhancing the switch's aesthetic appeal. Conversely, the Ink Black V2 employs Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which generates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. While it shares some similarities in terms of pitch with the Gold Red, it offers a slightly different tonal quality.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Gold Red incorporates a nylon material, which is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softness, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This can be particularly appealing for users seeking a more subdued auditory experience. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 utilizes Gateron's INK blend bottom housing, which mirrors the pointed and high-pitched sound characteristics of its top housing. This consistency in sound profile across both top and bottom housings creates a cohesive and satisfying clacky sound.

Despite these variations, it is important to note that while the top and bottom housings differ between the Gold Red and Ink Black V2, they both share some similar qualities. Both switches deliver a relatively high-pitched sound profile, although the specifics of the sound may differ slightly. Additionally, both switches prioritize clear and distinct sound output, albeit through contrasting materials and design choices. Therefore, those seeking a similar auditory experience can expect comparable results from either switch, with slight variations in pitch and tonal quality.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is clear that there are notable differences between the two. The Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for users who value a stronger typing experience. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Gold Red is 50 grams, while the Ink Black V2 requires 70 grams to fully bottom out. This indicates that the Ink Black V2 is the heavier option overall.

For those who enjoy a lightweight typing experience, the Gold Red would be the preferable choice due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. However, if a stronger push and a more substantial feel are desired, the Ink Black V2 would suit those needs better. It is important to consider these factors, as weight can greatly impact one's typing comfort and endurance. Ultimately, by selecting the appropriate switch based on the desired force, users can achieve similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring a satisfying typing or gaming experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch is 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. Consequently, both switches offer the same travel distance, providing a consistent tactile experience when pressing down on a key. Therefore, whether using the TTC Gold Red or the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, users can expect comparable results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. When pressed and released, these switches produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound, resembling a soft "knock" or a deep "thud". The low-pitched tone of the Gold Red switch adds a bass-heavy and mellow quality, creating a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch delivers a low-pitched and bassy sound. The key presses are accompanied by a deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 switch offers a unique chirpy quality, which sets it apart from other switches. It produces a minor squeak during key presses, adding an interesting acoustic signature.

Regarding feel, both switches provide a mild and comfortable typing experience. The Gold Red linear switch offers a lighter-medium level of resistance, allowing for a smoother and easier keystroke. It falls into the category of a mild switch, which offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Gold Red switch also features a silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Moreover, it offers a subtle typing feel and a polished finish, meaning the resistance is gentle, and the sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch provides a mild typing experience with a polished finish. It offers a smooth and refined feel, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Overall, both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch offer subjective qualities that appeal to different preferences. In terms of sound, the Gold Red switch has a thocky and low-pitched profile, while the Ink Black V2 switch provides a low-pitched, bassy sound with a unique chirp. As for feel, both switches offer a mild and comfortable typing experience, with the Gold Red switch featuring a silky and subtle feel, while the Ink Black V2 switch offers a polished and smooth typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, one can achieve similar results with either switch, as both provide a pleasant and approachable typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. The Gold Red offers a light-medium level of resistance with a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a buttery smooth typing experience. The snappy sound profile adds a modest touch of personality without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it slightly heavier. It is known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, which has made it a long-time community favorite.

In terms of sound, the Gold Red produces a thocky and low-pitched sound, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying tone. This switch has a neutral sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various settings. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 also has a low-pitched sound, but it is described as bassy and chirpy, providing a deeper and richer tone with a unique acoustic signature.

When it comes to feel, the Gold Red is characterized as mild, silky, subtle, and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience with a light-medium resistance. The sound signature is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Meanwhile, the Ink Black V2 shares the mild and polished characteristics, providing a more gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a light-medium resistance, buttery smooth typing experience, and a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a rich clack sound and a unique acoustic signature, the Ink Black V2 could be the switch of choice. Consider your typing style, environment, and desired sound and feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Red Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more