TTC Gold Red vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Red and the KTT Orange. The Gold Red is known for providing a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, while also adding a modest touch of personality with its snappy sound profile. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches offer a bouncy type feel, thanks to their 22mm long spring, and a slick, frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the KTT Orange, we find that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic effects when it comes to the top housing of these switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the materials differ. The Gold Red employs nylon for its bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Orange uses polycarbonate for its bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This contrast in housing materials means that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches will be influenced differently, with the Gold Red offering a deeper and fuller experience compared to the Orange.
Overall, while the top housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the KTT Orange are the same, the bottom housing materials bring about different sound profiles. The choices of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing in the Gold Red create a contrasting auditory experience, with a sharper sound when letting go of a key and a deeper sound when pressing down. In contrast, the Orange's use of polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing results in a consistent, crisp sound profile throughout.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is clear that both switches offer a relatively light typing experience. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams, meaning that it requires a gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, its bottom out force of 50 grams indicates that it is still light when fully pressed. Similarly, the Orange switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, which falls into the medium-light category.
For those who prefer a lightweight typing experience, both switches offer a suitable option. The slightly lower actuation and bottom out forces of the Gold Red may provide a slightly easier and smoother typing experience, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing. However, the Orange switch, although slightly heavier, still provides a relatively light touch and may be ideal for individuals wanting a subtle yet more substantial typing feel.
Overall, both switches offer a satisfyingly light typing experience, with the Gold Red being slightly lighter and the Orange switch being marginally heavier. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on an individual's personal preference for the actuation and bottom out forces, with both options guaranteeing a pleasant typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The Gold Red's 4.0 mm travel distance is more in line with the traditional travel distance, offering a depth that many users are accustomed to. On the other hand, the Orange's 3.5 mm travel distance is considered shallower, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Orange switch allows for quicker actuation, ideal for gaming scenarios. However, it is worth noting that some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, which may be a consideration when choosing between the two switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences, with the Gold Red providing a more traditional and deeper feel, while the Orange offers a shallower and quicker response.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 can be described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral. When pressed, these switches produce a deep, rich, and satisfying sound, akin to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock." The low-pitched sound profile adds a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement, makes these switches suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of the switches is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch can be described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished. These switches offer a gentle typing experience with a safe, middle-ground feel. The silky smoothness enhances the overall typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The subtle switch characteristics provide a light typing feel with a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces. The polished finish, either through materials used or factory lubing, results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, contributing to a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch is described as low-pitched, bouncy, and frictionless. The low-pitched sound profile offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone, similar to the Gold Red switch. The bouncy feedback sensation of these switches provides a spring-like and elastic feel, giving the keys a lively rebound when pressed. Additionally, the frictionless nature of the switches ensures an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The factory-lubing of these switches further contributes to a refined and fluid key travel.
In conclusion, the Gold Red and Orange linear switches provide different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile with a more neutral characteristic. It provides a mild, silky, subtle, and polished feel, emphasizing smoothness, refinement, and a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Orange switch shares the low-pitched sound profile with a bouncy and frictionless feel. It offers a lively feedback sensation, reduced resistance, and effortless typing experience. Based on this information, it is clear that the Gold Red and Orange switches differ in their subjective qualities, providing users with distinct options depending on their preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it ultimately boils down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a subtle resistance, the Gold Red switch with its light-medium bottom out force of 50 grams would be a suitable choice for you. Its buttery smooth and polished feel, accompanied by a thocky low-pitched sound profile, adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bouncy and frictionless typing experience with a slightly higher bottom out force, the KTT Orange switch with its vibrant orange nylon bottom housing and bouncy feel could be the perfect fit. With its long pole POM stem and excellent factory-lubing, you can expect a slick and fluid key travel that minimizes friction. Its low-pitched sound profile adds a mellow tone to your typing. Overall, consider your preferred typing feel, sound preference, and bottom out force when making your decision, as both switches offer their unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience.
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