TTC Gold Red vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch. The Gold Red switch is celebrated for its buttery smooth typing experience, providing a light to medium level of resistance that allows for swift keystrokes and an overall fluid feel. Its snappy sound profile contributes a subtle, polished character to your keyboard without overwhelming the users around you. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a distinct tactile experience, featuring a short yet noticeable bump that provides feedback with each press. This medium-strength resistance attracts those who enjoy a bit of physical acknowledgment with every keystroke, making it particularly appealing for users who type or game extensively. Whether your preference leans towards the smoothness of linear feedback or the tactile satisfaction of a bump, both switches bring unique qualities to the table. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red switches and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, a clear distinction emerges in their top housings. The Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant acoustic quality, ideal for players or typists looking for a pronounced feedback experience. Its translucency also enhances the effect of RGB lighting, creating a visually striking setup that emphasizes vibrant colors beneath the switch's surface. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing. Nylon is typically associated with a warmer, deeper sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound waves and dampens them. This results in a rounded audio profile that may appeal to users preferring a more subdued typing experience, diminishing the brightness that polycarbonate typically offers.
Both switches, however, share the same nylon material for their bottom housings. This consistency in materials means that both the TTC Gold Red and the Cherry MX Purple RGB can deliver a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. The influence of the bottom housing on the overall sound profile is significant, as it shapes the bottom-out feel when a key is depressed. In both cases, the sound realized during engagement will possess a degree of warmth and depth thanks to the nylon component. Thus, while the top housings provide distinctive sound qualities—sharp and bright for polycarbonate versus the softer timbre of nylon—both switches achieve similar acoustic characteristics upon key depression due to their shared bottom housing material.
In essence, although the TTC Gold Red and the Cherry MX Purple RGB differ in their top housing materials, they align in their bottom housing composition, which creates common ground in the auditory experience. This combination of contrasting top housing materials and matching bottom materials produces a unique and balanced experience for users. The polycarbonate top of the Gold Red generates a more resonant sound during the release of the key, whereas the nylon top of the Cherry MX Purple RGB promotes a deeper sound profile throughout the entire keystroke. Therefore, while the top housings provide distinct experiences, the nylon-based bottom housing ensures that both switches can offer a satisfying and rich sound signature when typing or gaming.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The TTC Gold Red features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option overall. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, though its bottom out force is currently unavailable. This means that while the Gold Red is easier to press down and bottom out, the Cherry MX may offer a stronger push feel at actuation. For users who prefer a lighter switch, perhaps for long typing sessions, the Gold Red is the better choice. On the other hand, those who appreciate a heftier feel might lean towards the Cherry MX, assuming a bottom out force is disclosed later that reinforces this preference. Overall, users seeking a lighter typing experience would benefit from the TTC Gold Red switch.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this regard. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect a similar tactile feedback and key travel experience when pressing down on the keys. The equal travel distance suggests that both switches will deliver comparable performance in terms of response time and activation depth, making them suitable for users seeking a similar feel while typing or gaming.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 switches present a thocky and low-pitched profile that delivers a satisfying "thud" or soft "knock" each time a key is pressed and released. This richer, deeper sound resonates with users who appreciate a more bass-heavy auditory experience while typing. Additionally, the Gold Red's neutral sound aspect ensures that the sound is moderate, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in a shared workspace. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches are not explicitly detailed, leaving their auditory profile unknown. However, it’s worth noting that sound can largely vary based on keycaps and the keyboard build, which can affect the overall experience of both switch types.
Regarding feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch excels with a buttery smooth typing experience marked by mild resistance. Users will find the typing action to be silky and polished, ensuring a refined touch with minimal friction throughout key travel. This gentle resistance makes them approachable for typists of all skill levels, allowing for comfortable extended typing sessions. Conversely, the feel of the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is not specifically described, making it difficult to directly compare their tactile qualities. However, given that the Purple switches are designed with a tactile bump, they may provide a more distinct feedback experience when compared to the extremely smooth Gold Red.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes a smooth, auditory experience, the TTC Gold Red would be an excellent choice with its thocky sound and silky feel, appealing to a broad demographic of users. While the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches offer a more tactile experience, the absence of detailed sound and feel characteristics means that potential users may need to test them out personally to assess their preferences fully. Ultimately, if you're sensitive to the auditory impact and tactile feedback of switches, subjective preferences will guide you toward which switch pairs best with your typing style—while both options can provide enjoyable experiences in their respective domains.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Gold Red linear switches and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches will hinge on both your typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use them. If you favor a smooth and lightweight typing experience, particularly for gaming or quick typing sessions, the Gold Red switches are an excellent option. Their thocky sound and silky feel make them well-suited for both home and shared environments, providing the satisfaction of tactile feedback without being overly noisy. Conversely, if you prioritize a tactile response and enjoy a more engaged typing experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches may be the better choice. Developed through collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts, they provide a refined tactile bump that is ideal for those who appreciate the feeling of each keypress. While sound characteristics for the MX Purple RGB are not detailed, they are generally appreciated for their tactile feedback without excessive noise, making them appropriate for both work and leisure. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you seek the fluidity of linear switches or the tactile satisfaction offered by tactiles when you sit down at your keyboard.
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