TTC Gold Red vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch for your mechanical keyboard, you'll find that each has its own unique advantages. The Gold Red offers a smooth and light typing experience with a subtle sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a more understated feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic brings back the classic clicky switch feel with a modern twist, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with smoothness. Both switches have their own charm and appeal, catering to different preferences in terms of typing feel and sound. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The primary difference between the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Melodic switches lies in their top housing material. Both switches use polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This makes it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better light diffusion. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, users can expect a similar experience from both switches when it comes to the top housing material.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing of the TTC Gold Red provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gateron Melodic's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to a slightly different typing experience between the two switches, with the Gold Red likely providing a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel due to its nylon bottom housing.
Overall, while both the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Melodic switches share the same top housing material made of polycarbonate, the difference in their bottom housing material may lead to variations in their sound profiles and typing experience. The Gold Red's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, favoring a more impactful typing experience, while the Melodic's nylon bottom housing may provide a slightly duller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch have differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Melodic, whose actuation force is unknown. However, the Gold Red has a heavier bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Melodic has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Red may be preferred by those who need to type for extended periods, while the heavier bottom out force of the Melodic may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the Gold Red provides a lighter typing experience, while the Melodic offers a medium to heavy feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback and overall typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Users can expect consistent performance in terms of key actuation and responsiveness with either switch. Overall, the travel distance of both switches is identical, making them equally suitable choices for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a smooth typing experience.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 typing experience, giving off a deep and rich sound without being too high-pitched or overwhelming. This sound profile is described as neutral, making it suitable for various settings and users. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound, with a higher-pitched and sharp tone that mimics the sound of stepping on autumn leaves. This switch is more immersive and attention-grabbing in terms of sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red switch provides a mild and silky typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth keystroke that is approachable to most users. The switch has a subtle and polished feel, with a refined finish that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, giving off a smooth and fluid keystroke with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. This switch offers a more reactive and immersive typing sensation compared to the Gold Red.
Overall, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is best suited for users looking for a smooth and gentle typing experience with a neutral sound profile that is not too overwhelming. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is more suitable for those who enjoy a more immersive and attention-grabbing typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile. Depending on personal preferences in sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, then the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. The Gold Red switch provides a subtle and polished typing feel with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a more invigorating and immersive typing experience with a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback, then the Gateron Melodic clicky switch would be the way to go. The Melodic switch offers a crunchy and resonant sound profile, coupled with a buttery feel that provides a smooth and uniform typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice between the Gold Red and Melodic switches will depend on your preference for typing feel, sound profile, and resistance level.
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