TTC Gold Red vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, there are many factors to consider, including the sound profile, resistance, and overall typing experience. Two options that stand out are the TTC Gold Red and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, both of which are linear switches. The Gold Red offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Its snappy sound profile adds a modest touch of personality without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches have a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, with a rich and bassy tone that makes typing an indulgent experience. These switches have a medium-weight and a distinct gliding feel, thanks to the unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method. While the Gold Red offers a neutral and subtle experience, the Sunset Yellow provides a more bassy and creamy feel. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in their housing materials, specifically in the top housing. The Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its translucency makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow uses a POM top housing, which produces an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate of the Gold Red creates a clearer and resonant sound, while the POM of the Sunset Yellow creates a deeper and softer sound.
In terms of their bottom housing, the Gold Red utilizes a nylon material, which is considered a classic choice for switch housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow employs a POM bottom housing, mirroring its top housing material. POM housings also create a pleasing and unique sound profile, with a deeper and more muted tone similar to the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red. Both materials generate a sound profile that differs from the top housing, enhancing the overall typing experience.
When it comes to the impact on the sound and feel of the switch, the qualities of the bottom and top housing will play a role. The material of the bottom housing, whether nylon or POM, will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is fully pressed down. Conversely, the top housing material, whether polycarbonate or POM, will have a stronger impact on the sound produced when the key is released. While both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, the Gold Red focuses more on clarity and resonance, while the Sunset Yellow leans towards a deeper and more muted sound. Regardless, users can expect a satisfying typing experience from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, both switches have a similar actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the amount of force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Gold Red switch has a lighter force of 50 grams, while the Sunset Yellow switch has a slightly heavier force of 51 grams.
Considering weight, the Gold Red switch offers a lighter typing experience, which can be advantageous for those who need to type for extended periods of time, such as for work or long gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force allows for quicker and easier keystrokes, reducing strain on the fingers.
On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch provides a slightly heavier push feel with its bottom out force of 51 grams. This can result in a more substantial and satisfying typing experience for individuals who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. The extra bit of force required may create a more deliberate and precise keystroke.
Ultimately, both switches offer a similar actuation force and can provide a smooth typing experience. The difference lies in the bottom out force, with the Gold Red being lighter and the Sunset Yellow being slightly heavier. It is important to consider one's personal preference for typing feel, whether they prefer a lighter or heavier force for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Gold Red offers a longer distance to travel compared to the Sunset Yellow. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Gold Red switch, there is a slightly greater distance to be felt. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch has a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers or those who prefer a faster response time. However, it's important to note that preferences can vary, and some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether one prefers a deeper feel or a quicker response time.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. This means that when the key is pressed and released, it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. The sound adds a modest touch of personality to the keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch also offers a thocky sound profile, resembling a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" during key presses. It is described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range. Both switches provide a pleasing auditory experience, with the Gold Red having a more neutral sound and the Sunset Yellow having a bassier and more decadent sound.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red linear switch provides a mild and silky typing experience. It offers a gentle typing feel with a light-medium level of resistance, making it approachable to most users. The switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it is described as subtle, meaning it has a gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. The switch is also polished, resulting in a sleek and refined finish, providing a smooth and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience. It is smooth and buttery, resembling gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. The switch has an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. Similar to the Gold Red, the Sunset Yellow also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience, with the Gold Red having a milder and subtler feel, and the Sunset Yellow providing a creamy and frictionless sensation.
Considering the available information, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is best known for its buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. It offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, adding a modest touch of personality to the keyboard. The switch has a mild and silky feel, with a polished finish for a refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch stands out for its captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. It provides a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, elevating the typing experience. The switch has a unique POM stem, a proprietary factory lube method, and a combination of short travel and long-pole stem, resulting in a distinct gliding feel and a sharper, highly responsive typing experience. It offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience with a polished finish for a smooth and refined feel. While the Gold Red and the Sunset Yellow have their own unique qualities, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel, with the Gold Red offering a more neutral sound and a milder feel, and the Sunset Yellow providing a bassier sound and a creamier, more frictionless feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light-medium level of resistance and a buttery smooth typing experience, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. They are best known for their thocky and low-pitched sound, as well as their mild, silky, subtle, and polished feel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding and a medium-weight switch, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch would be a perfect fit for you. These Creamsicle-colored switches offer a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, making typing an indulgent experience. With their unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method, these switches provide a distinct gliding feel. They are described as having a thocky and bassy sound, and their feel is creamy, frictionless, and polished.
Ultimately, the choice between TTC Gold Red and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a lighter switch with a smooth typing experience and a snappy sound, go for the Gold Red. If you want a switch with a captivating sound profile and a medium-weight feel, the Sunset Yellow is the way to go. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer a great typing experience with their distinct characteristics.
Mentioned in this article
