TTC Gold Red vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Red and the TTC Speed Silver, both of which are linear switches. The Gold Red is known for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance. It offers a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard. On the other hand, the Speed Silver is ideal for those who prioritize a fast and precise typing experience. These tactile switches also have a light-medium level of resistance but boast a pristine sound profile. With a reduced travel distance, they allow for quick and effortless actuation. However, let's now dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 TTC Speed Silver share similar housing materials, with both switches featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for the vibrant colors to shine through. Therefore, whether you opt for the Gold Red or the Speed Silver, you can expect a similar sound experience and visual aesthetic when it comes to the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the two switches differ. The TTC Gold Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the TTC Speed Silver also features a nylon bottom housing. The use of nylon in switch housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the material's softness and its ability to absorb more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switches. So, if you prioritize a more robust and resonant sound experience, both switches will deliver similar results due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material are distinct and contribute differently to the overall sound and feel of the switches. When pressing down on either the Gold Red or the Speed Silver, you'll feel the impact and qualities of the bottom housing, which affect the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when you release a key. So, while both switches may offer similar experiences in terms of their top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials will affect how they feel and sound when using the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that they have slight differences. The Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Speed Silver's 45 grams. Similarly, the Gold Red also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Speed Silver's 55 grams. While the differences may seem negligible, they can still have an impact on the typing experience for different individuals. For those who prefer a lighter feel and want to type for extended periods, the Gold Red would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience and preferring a stronger push feel might opt for the Speed Silver. However, it is important to note that the differences between these forces are minimal, and individuals seeking similar results can expect comparable experiences from both switches.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red and the TTC Speed Silver linear switches, it is clear that the Gold Red has a longer travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Speed Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Gold Red is considered more traditional, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 3.4mm travel distance of the Speed Silver is more shallow, which is preferred by gamers who value faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Speed Silver would be ideal for you. However, for those who prefer a more substantial depth when using the keys, the Gold Red with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on personal preferences, ensuring that regardless of your choice, you will achieve the desired results.
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 TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 switches are best described as thocky and low-pitched. Thocky switches produce a deep and satisfying sound, giving a sense of weight when typing. The Gold Red switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, creating a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, and regardless of whether you're using the switches at home or in a work setting. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switches also have a neutral sound profile, making them versatile for different user preferences and environments. However, further specifics about the sound characteristics of the Speed Silver switches are unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, if you prefer a deep and mellow sound, the Gold Red switches would be a good choice, while the Speed Silver switches offer a more general neutral sound profile.
In terms of feel, both the Gold Red and Speed Silver switches provide a gentle typing experience. The Gold Red switches are described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished. This means that they offer a smooth typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing the keys. The Gold Red switches provide a safe and approachable typing experience due to their middle-ground qualities. Similarly, the Speed Silver switches are also described as mild and polished, indicating a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. These switches are designed to offer reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches fall within a similar range of tactile qualities, providing a comfortable typing experience that should suit most users.
In conclusion, comparing the subjective qualities of the TTC Gold Red and TTC Speed Silver switches, we can see that they have similar characteristics when it comes to sound and feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile, which means they produce a moderate sound suitable for various environments. Furthermore, they both offer a gentle typing experience with a mild and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable typing experience. If you are looking for a switch with a deeper and mellow sound, the Gold Red would be a great choice. However, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience, the Speed Silver switches with reduced travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, to sum up the comparison between TTC Gold Red linear switches and TTC Speed Silver linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. The Gold Red switches offer a light-medium level of resistance with a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a buttery smooth typing experience. These switches have a snappy sound profile, adding a modest touch of personality without being too ostentatious. The Gold Red switches are described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral in terms of sound, and they are also characterized as mild, silky, subtle, and polished in terms of feel. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switches have a slightly higher bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a medium-light level of resistance. These switches are known for their fast and precise typing experience, with a reduced travel distance that allows for quick and effortless actuation. The Speed Silver switches are neutral in terms of both sound and feel, and they are also described as mild and polished. Overall, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a touch of personality, the Gold Red switches would be a great choice for you. If you value a fast and precise typing experience, the Speed Silver switches would be more suitable. It's important to consider both sound and feel preferences when making your decision.
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