TTC Gold Red vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Choosing a mechanical keyboard switch can greatly impact your overall typing experience. Two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Ink Box Black, both of which are linear switches. The Gold Red is praised for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance. The snappy sound profile of these switches adds a subtle touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black offers an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience, with a sound signature that reminds us of a spray paint can being shaken. While these general pointers can help guide your decision, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best determine the switch that suits your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches have distinct differences. The Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also allows for better RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. While both materials contribute to an enhanced sound experience, the Gold Red's polycarbonate creates a more resonant and clear sound, while the Ink Box Black's INK blend emphasizes a specific clacky sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gold Red employs a nylon material. Nylon has long been favored in switch housings for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer nature allows for more sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing as well. The INK blend adds to the switch's overall sound profile, offering a thin, higher-pitched, and satisfying clacky sound. Therefore, both switches utilize different materials for their bottom housings, with the Gold Red focusing on a softer and more muted sound experience through nylon, while the Ink Box Black maintains its clacky and higher-pitched sound through the INK blend.
When considering the impact each housing material has on the switch's sound and feel, it is important to note that the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the characteristics of the nylon housing in the Gold Red will be more prominent when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, the qualities of the polycarbonate top housing in the Gold Red and the INK blend top housing in the Ink Box Black will be more noticeable when lifting the finger off the key. Despite these differences, both switches aim to deliver an optimal typing experience by leveraging the distinct attributes of their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it is clear that there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red is noticeably lighter in this aspect, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black exhibits a medium-heavy sensation, as it requires an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. This makes the Gold Red switch ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to comfortably type for longer periods without straining their fingers. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Black switch caters to those who desire a stronger push feel, resulting in a more substantial and satisfying typing experience. It is worth noting that both switches offer noticeable differences in weight, accommodating different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it is clear that there is a slight difference. The Gold Red has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Ink Box Black has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6mm. Both of these distances fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0mm being more on the traditional end and 3.0mm being the most shallow. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. In this case, the Ink Box Black with its 3.6mm travel distance would be the preferred choice. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial and deeper keystroke, the Gold Red with its 4.0mm travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched profile. This means that when you press and release the key, you can expect a deep, rich, and satisfying sound similar to a soft knock or thud. The Gold Red switch has a neutral sound profile, so it is suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch has a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. The Ink Box Black switch is also high-pitched, adding a sharper and crisper tone to the typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, both switches offer a silky typing experience. Silky switches are highly smooth and enhance the overall smoothness of typing, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Gold Red switch is also described as mild, meaning it provides a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Its subtle nature maintains a light typing feel with a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. Additionally, the Gold Red switch is polished, contributing to a refined finish and resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Ink Box Black switch is also silky and polished, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing feel with reduced resistance and enhanced smoothness.
Considering all the available information, the Gold Red and Ink Box Black switches offer similar qualities in terms of feel as both provide a silky and polished typing experience. While their sound profiles differ, with the Gold Red being thocky and low-pitched while the Ink Box Black is clacky and high-pitched, both switches offer a smooth and pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences, where the Gold Red switch may suit those who prefer a deeper and mellow sound, while the Ink Box Black switch may appeal to those who enjoy a sharper and crisper sound when typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light-medium resistance switch with a buttery smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be a great choice. These switches offer a thocky sound profile, which produces a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. They also have a mild and subtle feel, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Gold Red switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy resistance switch with an incredibly smooth and creamy feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be a suitable option. These switches have a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. They offer a silky typing experience, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similar to the Gold Red, the Ink Box Black switches feature a polished finish, ensuring a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Red and Gateron Ink Box Black switches depends on your personal preferences for resistance, sound, and feel. Consider whether you prefer a lighter or medium-heavy resistance, as well as the specific sound and typing experience you are seeking. With this information, you can make an informed decision on which switch will best suit your needs and enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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