TTC Gold Red vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red and TTC Iron both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red linear switches are praised for their buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium resistance, making them ideal for those who prefer a subtle, polished feel while typing. On the other hand, the Iron linear switches stand out for their pronounced clacky sound signature and remarkably light actuation, appealing to users who seek a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the TTC Iron, one noticeable difference is in the top housing material. The Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Iron boasts a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Gold Red's top housing allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Iron provides a unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, both the Gold Red and the Iron showcase a different approach. The Gold Red incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic properties. This results in a duller and rounder sound that appeals to many users. In contrast, the Iron opts for a POM bottom housing, which also produces a deep and muted sound similar to its top housing material. Despite having different bottom housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Red and the TTC Iron may have different housing materials, they each bring their own benefits to the typing experience. The Gold Red with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a deeper and fuller bottom-out feel. On the other hand, the Iron featuring POM top and bottom housings delivers a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. Both switches offer a variety of sound profiles that cater to different preferences, making them suitable choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking distinct typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch to the TTC Iron linear switch, it is clear that both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams, slightly heavier than the Iron's 41 grams, but both switches share a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of feel and force required. For those who prefer a lighter touch, either switch would be suitable for long typing or gaming sessions. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, they may lean towards options with heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for lighter or heavier actuation forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Iron linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Gold Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Iron switch. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Gold Red switch, you will experience a slightly deeper travel distance before actuation compared to the Iron switch. Gamers who prefer faster response times may opt for the Iron switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Gold Red switch. Overall, both switches provide a different tactile experience due to their slight difference in travel distance.
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 Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 Gold Red linear switch provides a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying sound that is suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch is characterized by a clacky and neutral sound, which is sharp, bright, and percussive. Both switches fall under the neutral sound category, making them versatile choices for different preferences and settings. The choice between the two would come down to personal preference for a deeper thocky sound or a crisper clacky sound.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Red linear switch offers a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and refined feel with minimal resistance. In contrast, the TTC Iron linear switch is easy-to-press and mild, offering a gentle typing experience with minimal force required for activation. Both switches cater to users seeking a comfortable and effortless typing feel, with the Gold Red emphasizing smoothness and the Iron focusing on light actuation force. The decision between the two would depend on whether a user prefers a smoother, refined feel or a light and easy-to-press typing experience.
Overall, the Gold Red linear switch excels in providing a buttery smooth typing experience with a modest sound profile, making it a versatile choice for various users. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch stands out for its distinctive clacky sound signature and swift actuation, appealing to enthusiasts and daily users seeking precision and pleasure in typing. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can achieve a satisfying typing experience based on their sound and feel preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the Gold Red and Iron linear switches will depend on whether a user values a deeper, thocky sound and smooth feel or a crisper, clacky sound and light actuation.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red linear switch or the TTC Iron linear switch, you should assess your preferences in typing experience. If you value a buttery smooth and light-medium resistance typing feel with a snappy sound profile, the Gold Red would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced clacky sound signature with swift actuation and buttery smooth travel, the Iron switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing preferences and style. Choose the switch that aligns best with your desired typing experience, whether it be the smooth and light Gold Red or the clacky and swift Iron.
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