TTC Gold Red vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Green. The Gold Red is a linear switch known for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium resistance. It offers a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being too loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Green is a clicky switch that provides a more tactile and audible typing experience. While the Gold Red is categorized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Silky', 'Subtle', and 'Polished', the Green does not have any specific categorizations. If you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience, the Gold Red may be the better choice for you. If you enjoy the tactile feedback and audible click of a switch, the Outemu Green might be more suited to your preference. 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
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Green, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, making them ideal for users looking for a more distinct typing experience. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it perfect for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind, adding a visual element to the overall typing experience. While the top housing material is the same for both switches, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials.
The Gold Red features a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper profile provided by polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Outemu Green also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a similar typing experience with a focus on deeper and fuller sounds. Despite the differences in their top housings, the shared bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver a consistent typing feel and sound profile.
When considering the impact of housing materials on switch performance, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing material has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing material affects the sound when a key is released. This means that the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with both the Gold Red and the Outemu Green offering unique sound profiles and tactile responses to cater to different user preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Red switch has a light actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In comparison, the Green switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a stronger push. When considering weight, lighter switches are favored for longer typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches are preferred for a more robust typing experience. The Gold Red switch offers a lighter touch, while the Green switch provides a heavier and more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent travel distance, ensuring a similar typing experience regardless of which switch you choose. Whether you prefer the linear feel of the Gold Red or the clicky feedback of the Green, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance with either switch.
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 Green 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
The TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, making each keypress satisfyingly deep and mellow. This sound signature, paired with a smooth and silky typing experience, creates a pleasant and polished feel when typing on these switches. In contrast, the Outemu Green clicky switch does not have specific sound or feel descriptors provided. However, based on the known qualities of clicky switches, it can be assumed that the Green switch will provide a more tactile and audible typing experience with a sharp click sound upon actuation.
Overall, if you are looking for a smoother and quieter typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and audible feedback while typing, the Outemu Green clicky switch may be more appropriate. Both switches offer their own unique qualities, so choosing between them would depend on your personal preference for sound and feel. Regardless of your choice, both switches will provide a reliable and enjoyable typing experience, ensuring that your keyboard suits your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Green clicky switch, consider the kind of typing experience you prefer. If you value a buttery smooth and relatively quiet typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the Gold Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile and clicky typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, the Outemu Green clicky switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Happy typing!
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