TTC Gold Red vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red and Outemu Black are both linear switches that offer a different typing experience. The Gold Red is praised for its buttery smooth feel and light-medium resistance, providing a satisfying typing experience with a subtle sound profile that adds personality to your keyboard. On the other hand, the Outemu Black is known for its silence, lacking any distinct characteristics according to the given information. If you prefer a more polished and slightly tactile typing experience, the Gold Red may be the switch for you. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Black, both switches use polycarbonate for their top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches offer a similar sound profile and visual appeal with their polycarbonate top housing.
In contrast, the Gold Red and the Outemu Black use nylon for their bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. This is because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches showcase these characteristics in their bottom housing, providing a different tactile experience and acoustic feedback compared to their top housing material.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Gold Red and Outemu Black switches creates a balanced sound profile with distinct qualities attributed to each material. While the top housing affects the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with a combination of sharp, clear sounds from polycarbonate and deeper, fuller tones from nylon.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Red is lighter in both aspects compared to the Black. The Gold Red has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Black has an actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams. This means that the Gold Red provides a lighter typing experience overall, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Black switch offers a heavier push feel, which may be preferable for individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Gold Red offering a lighter typing experience and the Black providing a heavier touch.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Black linear switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it can be noted that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from top to bottom. This means that whether you opt for the TTC Gold Red or the Outemu Black linear switch, you can expect the same level of key travel when typing. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience without the need to adjust to varying travel distances.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 sound profile that is neutral, providing a satisfying and mellow typing experience. On the other hand, information about the sound profile of the Outemu Black linear switch is unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving to the feel of the switches, the Gold Red linear switch is characterized by a mild and silky typing experience that is subtle and polished. The switches offer a gentle resistance with smooth key travel, making typing effortless and enjoyable. Unfortunately, there is no available information about the feel of the Outemu Black linear switch.
Overall, the TTC Gold Red linear switch stands out for its smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, snappy sound profile, and buttery feel. While information about the Outemu Black linear switch is limited, it's important to consider personal preferences and usage when choosing between the two switches. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results in terms of sound and feel, but trying out different switches on various keyboards can help determine which one suits your typing style the best.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smoother typing experience with a more unique sound profile, the Gold Red switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier switch with a more traditional feel, the Outemu Black switch with its higher bottom out force may be more suitable. Consider your typing habits, preferences, and the overall typing experience you are looking for when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths and it's important to choose the one that best fits your needs.
Mentioned in this article
