TTC Gold Red vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Phoenix. On one hand, the Gold Red switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience along with a light-medium level of resistance. These linear switches offer a modest touch of personality to your keyboard with their snappy sound profile, without being too ostentatious. Meanwhile, the Phoenix switches offer a truly unique clicky experience due to their under-skirt click mechanism. They provide a crystalline and sparkling type feel and sound profile, adding a bit of crunch to your typing experience. Both switches have their own distinctive qualities, offering different options for keyboard enthusiasts. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Phoenix switches show some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Furthermore, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate top housing makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch with a distinct and vibrant sound, as well as the ability to customize your lighting, both the Gold Red and Phoenix switches would provide similar results in this regard.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a notable difference between the two switches. The Gold Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Phoenix switch features a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with its top housing material. This means that the sharper and crisper sound profile associated with polycarbonate will also be present in the bottom-out sound and feel of this switch.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Red and the Outemu Phoenix switches share a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharp and clear sound. However, their bottom housings differ, with the Gold Red using nylon for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Phoenix sticks with polycarbonate for a consistent sound profile. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you may find one switch more appealing than the other. Nonetheless, if you prioritize distinctive sound and the ability to showcase RGB lighting, both switches will deliver satisfactory results.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, we can see notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Red switch has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, meaning it requires a gentle push to register a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Phoenix switch is unknown, but it is safe to assume that it could be lighter, similar, or even heavier than the Gold Red.
Moving on to the bottom out force, which measures the force required to fully press a key, we find that the Gold Red switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This suggests a slightly heavier feel when fully pressing down on the keys compared to its actuation force. On the other hand, the Phoenix switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a medium level of resistance.
Considering weight as an important factor, it becomes clear that the Gold Red switch is lighter overall, making it suitable for those who prefer a keyboard with a lighter touch. This lighter weight can be advantageous for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. However, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel may opt for options with heavier forces like the Outemu Phoenix switch.
In summary, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a light actuation force and bottom out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. The specific actuation force of the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch is unknown, but it likely varies between lighter, similar, or heavier than the Gold Red. However, the Phoenix switch does have a higher bottom out force, providing a medium level of resistance for users seeking a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, the Gold Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Phoenix has a slightly shorter 3.3 mm travel distance. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0mm is considered the norm, while 3.0mm is seen as more shallow. However, nowadays shorter travel distances are becoming more prevalent, especially among gamers who seek faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Phoenix with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances too abrupt, in which case the Gold Red with its longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying depth to keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for travel distance and desired 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 Outemu Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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 Gold Red linear switch is best known for its buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. It produces a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, which gives a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. The sound is not too ostentatious, adding just the right amount of personality to your keyboard. In terms of feel, the Gold Red switch offers a mild and subtle typing experience, with a silky and polished finish. Its gentle resistance and smooth key travel make it suitable for shared spaces and provide an overall sleek typing feel.
In contrast, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch stands out with its unique under-skirt click mechanism. This mechanism creates a crystalline and sparkling sound and feel. The clicky sound produced by the Phoenix switch has been described as reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Unfortunately, the available information does not mention specific descriptors for the feel of the Phoenix switch.
To summarize, the Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, along with a mild and subtle typing experience. Its silky and polished finish contributes to a smooth and refined typing feel. On the other hand, the Phoenix clicky switch provides a distinctive sound and feel due to its under-skirt click mechanism, but specific details about its feel are unknown. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, whether you prefer a smooth and refined feel with a modest touch of personality or a clicky switch with a sparkling sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are seeking a smooth and light typing experience with a touch of personality, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer a buttery smooth feel and a modest, thocky sound profile that is deep and satisfying. The Gold Red is also described as having a low-pitched and neutral sound, making it suitable for various environments and purposes.
On the other hand, if you desire a unique and clicky typing experience, the Outemu Phoenix switch is the perfect choice. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches provide a medium level of resistance. The under-skirt click mechanism of the Phoenix switches offers a crystalline and sparkling sound profile reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. These switches are also described as polished, ensuring a smooth and refined finish for an overall sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Gold Red and Outemu Phoenix switches comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience with a thocky sound, go for the Gold Red. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky and unique typing experience with a crunchy sound, the Phoenix is the way to go. Consider your typing preferences and surroundings to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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