TTC Gold Red vs. Gateron Ink Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Ink Red. The Gold Red is known for its 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 Ink Red stands out with its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. Its satisfyingly smooth feel, crispy and clacky sound profile, and effortless typing experience set it apart. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Red Linear

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Ink Red switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate produces a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prioritize a higher-pitched sound profile. Similarly, the Ink Red also boasts a high-pitched sound, but its proprietary INK blend top housing creates a relatively less sharp sound that is often described as clacky. Both switches provide a satisfying thin sound, but the Gold Red's polycarbonate housing leans towards a sharper sound, while the Ink Red offers a slightly toned-down version.

In terms of the bottom housing material, the Gold Red incorporates a nylon housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing aligns with its overall sound profile, offering a pointed and high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound. While both switches feature housing materials that contribute to a satisfying typing experience, the Gold Red's nylon housing produces a deeper sound, whereas the Ink Red's INK blend bottom housing enhances the high-pitched characteristics.

Although the housing materials differ for the top and bottom of both switches, the impact on sound and feel is split between the two. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite these variations, both switches offer similar satisfying thin and high-pitched sounds, ensuring a delightful typing experience for users.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of weight. The Gold Red requires an actuation force of 43 grams, while the Ink Red requires slightly more at 45 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light push feel, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Gold Red requires 50 grams of force, while the Ink Red requires 60 grams, making the latter slightly heavier. This means that individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may find the Ink Red switch more to their liking. Nonetheless, both switches offer a comparable result in terms of actuation force, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback with their identical travel distances. Therefore, whether you choose the TTC Gold Red or the Gateron Ink Red, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance traveled by the switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red switches are known for their thocky and low-pitched sound profile. A thocky keyboard switch produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, similar to a soft knock or a deep thud. The low-pitched characteristic gives these switches a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This combination of a thocky and low-pitched sound adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being overly ostentatious. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switches have a neutral sound profile. A neutral switch has a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you'll be using the keyboard at home or work. Additionally, the Ink Reds have a chirpy sound characteristic, which sets them apart with a unique acoustic signature.

In terms of feel, both the TTC Gold Red and Gateron Ink Red switches offer a smooth and silky typing experience. Silky switches enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches fall into the category of mild switches, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience. The qualities of these switches stand in a safe, middle-ground zone, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, both switches have a polished finish, which results in a sleek typing experience. The smooth and refined surface reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel.

Overall, the TTC Gold Red and Gateron Ink Red switches have similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience and have a moderate actuation force requirement. They fall into the category of neutral switches, making them suitable for most users and purposes. While the Gold Red switches have a thocky, low-pitched sound and the Ink Red switches have a chirpy sound, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preferences. If you prefer a deeper and mellower sound, opt for the Gold Reds. If a unique chirpy sound appeals to you, the Ink Reds are a great choice. With either switch, you can expect a pleasant typing experience with smooth and refined key travel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a touch of personality, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience without being too ostentatious. The Gold Reds have a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich sound when pressed. In terms of feel, they are described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished, ensuring a gentle resistance with a smooth and refined finish.

On the other hand, if you have a lighter typing style and enjoy a satisfyingly smooth typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches are effortless to type on and have a crispy and clacky sound profile. The Ink Reds are described as neutral and chirpy, offering a moderate actuation force and a unique acoustic signature. In terms of feel, they are silky, mild, and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction.

Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Red and Gateron Ink Red switches depends on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile. Consider whether you prefer a lighter or medium bottom out force, and whether you enjoy a thocky or crispy sound profile. In terms of feel, both switches offer a smooth and refined experience, but the Gold Reds have a slightly lighter and more subtle feel compared to the Ink Reds. Overall, both switches are excellent options for newcomers or experienced keyboard enthusiasts, delivering a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Red Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more