TTC Gold Red vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a variety of options to choose from, each offering a different typing experience. Two popular options that stand out are the TTC Gold Red and the Kailh Plum switches. The Gold Red switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Their snappy sound profile adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Plum switches feel quite hefty but don't feature a huge tactile bump, making them incredibly unique. This sets them apart from many other tactile switches where tactility and weightiness are highly correlated. The sound profile of the Plums is neutral and enjoyable. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
The TTC Gold Red and the Kailh Plum both use polycarbonate as their top housing material. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is particularly useful if you plan to use RGB lighting. Both switches offer similar benefits in terms of sound and aesthetics with their polycarbonate top housing, ensuring a satisfying typing experience and vibrant lighting effects.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Gold Red uses nylon, while the Plum also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer nature absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the Gold Red and the Plum will provide a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housing, offering a satisfying depth to the sound and a dampening effect on overall noise.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by the top and bottom housing materials are split between the two parts of the switch. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when you release a key. Therefore, the Gold Red and the Plum may differ in terms of the specific nuances in these aspects, but overall, they both deliver desirable typing experiences with their unique combination of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, their actuation and bottom out forces show noticeable differences. The Gold Red requires a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the actuation force of the Plum switch is unknown, which may present some uncertainty for users seeking specific force requirements. Moving on to bottom out force, the Gold Red has a relatively light 50-gram requirement to press all the way down, further contributing to its overall lightweight feel. On the other hand, the Plum switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. It is important to note that if both switches have the same actuation or bottom out force, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience. Ultimately, the lighter Gold Red switch is suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the heavier Plum switch offers a more robust and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, the Gold Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Plum's 3.6 mm. Both options fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Gold Red being slightly more in line with the average. However, with the increasing popularity of shorter travel distances, the Plum offers a shallower option that may be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may gravitate towards the Gold Red's longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a unique combination of a snappy sound profile and a light-medium level of resistance. This creates a buttery smooth typing experience that is not overly ostentatious. The sound is best described as thocky, with a deep and satisfying tone when pressed and released. It also has a low-pitched sound, which adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable and suitable for most purposes. However, it doesn't have any specific descriptors or qualities mentioned, so its sound can be assumed to be moderate and balanced. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Red switch is known for its mild and silky typing experience. It falls into the category of mild switches, which offer a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. This makes it approachable for most users, as its qualities fall within a safe and middle-ground zone. The switch is also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It offers a subtle resistance, which is not too feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the sound signature of the Gold Red switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces.
Similarly, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is described as mild in terms of feel. It provides a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. Additionally, it is mentioned to be a stepped switch, which means that it has two stages of tactility. This is different from hypertactile switches, which have a more pronounced bump throughout the entire keystroke. With stepped switches, users can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, resulting in a mild tactile experience.
Considering all available information, both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences. They both have a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and user levels. However, the Gold Red switch stands out with its silky and polished feel, providing a refined and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Plum switch offers a mild tactile experience with its stepped design. If you are looking for a switch with similar qualities to the Gold Red, the Plum switch can provide a comparable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on the specific preferences of the user in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a light-medium resistance with a buttery smooth typing experience and a touch of personality to your keyboard, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is an excellent choice. It offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile that is deep, rich, and satisfying. The feel of the Gold Red switch is mild, silky, subtle, and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy resistance with a unique tactile feel, the Kailh Plum switch is the way to go. These switches feel quite hefty without featuring a huge tactile bump, creating a distinct experience. The Plum switch has a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes.
Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. Therefore, they are suitable for beginners and advanced users alike, whether you're using them at home or work. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Red and Kailh Plum switches depends on your personal preference for resistance, sound profile, and tactile feel.
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