TTC Gold Red vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two switches worth considering are the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The Gold Red switches are renowned for their buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance. With a snappy sound profile, these switches add a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switches are praised for their beautiful translucent design and lighter typing feel. They offer a higher-pitched clack, which can be satisfying for those seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, it's clear that both switches offer unique sound profiles. The Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for a clear and resonant sound profile. Similarly, the Ink Box Pink boasts a proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and high-pitched sound. While not overly sharp, this thin and clacky sound is satisfying to many users. Therefore, when it comes to sound, both switches provide distinct but enjoyable auditory experiences.
In terms of aesthetics, the TTC Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing has the advantage of being translucent, making it ideal for those using RGB lighting. It allows for a visually pleasing display of colorful lights, enhancing the overall look of the keyboard. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink's top housing does not have this translucency feature. However, its unique sound profile more than makes up for it, giving users a different sensory experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the TTC Gold Red employs a nylon material, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing contributes to its distinct sound. With a pointed and high-pitched yet not overly sharp quality, the Ink Box Pink offers a satisfying clacky sound. Therefore, sound-wise, both switches have their own charm, with the Gold Red offering a deeper and fuller tone, while the Ink Box Pink provides a unique clacky sound.
In summary, while the TTC Gold Red and Gateron Ink Box Pink differ in their housing materials, they both deliver unique and enjoyable sound profiles. The Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, perfect for those who prefer clarity. Additionally, its nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller tone. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing result in a pointed and high-pitched, yet not overly sharp, sound. Whether one prefers the translucent aesthetic of the Gold Red or the satisfying clackiness of the Ink Box Pink, both switches offer their own unique auditory experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Gold Red switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Ink Box Pink's 50 grams. This means that the Gold Red requires a slightly lighter touch to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gold Red requires 50 grams, while the Ink Box Pink requires 60 grams, making the Ink Box Pink slightly heavier in this aspect.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Red switch would be a suitable choice as it requires less force to actuate. This can be advantageous for individuals who type for extended periods, as it allows for smoother and potentially faster typing. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. This can be preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel when typing.
In terms of similarities, both switches require a force to actuate and bottom out, providing a tactile feedback for the user. Although the forces differ between the two switches, individuals who prefer a similar typing experience can choose to use dampeners or o-rings with either switch to adjust the feel and achieve similar results. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Ink Box Pink will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, we can see that the Gold Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Gold Red offers a more traditional travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ink Box Pink provides a slightly shorter distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prefer a more traditional feel and depth when pressing down on a key, the Gold Red would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prioritize a faster response time and prefer a shorter travel distance, then the Ink Box Pink would be more suitable for you. It's important to note that shorter travel distances have become more prevalent, especially among gamers seeking quicker reactions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness and depth.
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 Pink 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 Pink 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a deep and rich "thud" or a soft "knock" sound, providing a satisfying auditory experience. The neutral sound profile of the Gold Red switch ensures it is suitable for a wide range of users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and whether they are using the keyboard at home or in a work environment. The Ink Box Pink linear switch, on the other hand, is described as clacky and high-pitched. Pressing these switches results in a sharp and crisp sound, adding a bright and percussive element to the typing experience. If you prefer a keyboard switch with a more rich and bassy sound, the Ink Box Pink's higher-pitched characteristics make it a suitable choice.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, both the Gold Red and Ink Box Pink offer a silky and polished typing experience. Silky switches refer to those that provide an exceptionally smooth feel when typing, minimizing resistance during key presses and releases. The polished characteristic indicates that these switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Gold Red switch is also described as mild and subtle, offering a gentle typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Its qualities fall in a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. The Ink Box Pink switch, however, does not have any additional descriptors for feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is best known for its buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. It produces a thocky and low-pitched sound when pressed, adding a touch of personality to the keyboard. The Gold Red switch offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch provides a smooth and light typing feel. It produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, giving a crisp and bright auditory feedback. Its feel is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced resistance.
For those seeking similar results, the Ink Box Pink switch can provide a comparable experience to the Gold Red switch due to their shared characteristics of silky feel and polished finish. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch may also depend on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Considering these subjective qualities and personal preferences, it is recommended to try out both switches or consult with other mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to find the one that suits your needs and preferences the best.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a lighter typing experience with a buttery smooth feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is the way to go. These switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, making them light and easy to press. The Gold Red switches offer a modest touch of personality to your keyboard with their snappy sound profile, described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral. They provide a moderate actuation force requirement and a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you prefer a translucent switch with a lighter typing feel, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches provide a medium level of resistance. They have a beautiful translucent design and offer a smooth and silky typing experience. The Ink Box Pink switches produce a higher-pitched clack sound when pressed, described as clacky and high-pitched.
Ultimately, your decision between the TTC Gold Red and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches will depend on your preference for typing feel and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter feel with a deeper, more neutral sound, go for the Gold Red switches. If you prefer a lighter feel with a higher-pitched, clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink switches are a great choice. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience and are suitable for various keyboard applications.
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