TTC Gold Red vs. KTT Semi Mute

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red and the KTT Semi Mute are two popular options that offer unique features and benefits. The Gold Red linear switches are known for their buttery smooth typing experience and 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 Semi Mute switches, despite their completely silent operation, are tailor-made for those who value a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions. With a linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, these switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Red Linear

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the KTT Semi Mute, specifically the polycarbonate top housing, share similar characteristics. Both materials create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to their relative stiffness. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, users of both switches can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and visual appeal when it comes to the top housing material.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Gold Red utilizes nylon while the Semi Mute uses polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, leads to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. In this aspect, the Gold Red and the Semi Mute will provide distinctly different experiences.

It is important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. While the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite sharing some similarities due to the polycarbonate top housing, the overall sound experience of the TTC Gold Red and the KTT Semi Mute will differ due to their respective bottom housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, both switches require 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, resulting in a similar light touch experience. However, when it comes to bottoming out, there is a contrast between the two switches. The Gold Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which remains on the lighter side, providing a consistent typing experience without much resistance. On the other hand, the Semi Mute has a higher bottom out force of 58 grams, giving a slightly more substantial typing feel. This additional resistance may be preferred by users who desire a stronger push when typing. Overall, if weight is a consideration, both switches offer comparable actuation forces. However, for those seeking a bit more heft and a heavier typing sensation, the KTT Semi Mute would be the suitable choice with its higher bottom out force.

Travel distance

Both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar distance of travel from the top to the bottom. The travel distance plays a crucial role in determining the tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable travel distance, allowing for smooth keystrokes. Whether you opt for the TTC Gold Red or the KTT Semi Mute switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch has a thocky sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. It also has a low-pitched tone, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow sound compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound of the Gold Red can be described as neutral, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various uses.

On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is designed to provide a noise-free environment. Despite its completely silent operation, the switch is described as producing a muted sound compared to regular or clacky switches. It minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Like the Gold Red, the Semi Mute switch also falls under the category of neutral switches, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile.

When it comes to feel, the Gold Red switch offers a mild and gentle typing experience. It is designed to provide a safe, middle-ground zone for users, with its qualities standing in a balanced range. The switch is also described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. With its subtle nature, the Gold Red switch offers a light typing feel suitable for shared spaces. It also has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience.

In comparison, the KTT Semi Mute switch is described as buttery, indicating a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Similar to the Gold Red, the Semi Mute switch falls under the category of mild mechanical keyboard switches, providing a more gentle typing experience. Its sound and feel are approachable to most users, maintaining a safe middle-ground zone.

In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Red provides a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, the Semi Mute focuses on producing a muted sound to maintain a noise-free environment. In terms of feel, the Gold Red offers a mild and silky typing experience with a polished finish, while the Semi Mute provides a buttery and mild typing sensation. Both switches fall under the category of neutral switches, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. Depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, either switch can provide a gratifying typing experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when considering the TTC Gold Red linear switch, you should opt for it if you prefer a light-medium level of resistance and a smooth typing experience. These switches offer a buttery feel and a snappy sound profile, adding a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. Additionally, if you value a noise-free environment and undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is an excellent choice. Despite their silent operation, the Semi Mute switches provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel with their linear actuation and advanced dampening technology. This makes them ideal for those who want a quiet keyboard experience. Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Gold Red and KTT Semi Mute switches depends on your preference for resistance, sound profile, and typing environment.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Red Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more