TTC Gold Red vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of different options, and two popular choices that stand out are the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch. The Gold Red switches are celebrated for their buttery smooth typing experience, featuring a light to medium level of resistance that provides a seamless flow with each keystroke. Their snappy sound profile, characterized by subdued yet personality-filled auditory feedback, makes them an excellent choice for those who appreciate a polished and subtle experience while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness switches cater to users who prefer a tactile feel, offering a subtle to moderate bump that enhances the typing experience without overwhelming the user. With a balanced sound profile that complements their tactile nature, these switches are ideal for those who enjoy tactile feedback while maintaining an overall satisfying auditory response. Each switch serves distinct preferences, with the Gold Red promoting speed and fluidity, while the Weightlessness emphasizes tactile engagement. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials used in the TTC Gold Red and the Gateron Weightlessness, a notable distinction arises in the choice of materials for their respective top housings. The Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency, leading to a sharper, crisper sound profile. This quality allows light to pass through more effectively, enhancing the aesthetics of RGB lighting setups. In contrast, the Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer, sound-absorbing qualities. This difference suggests that while the Gold Red will produce a brighter sound when keys are released, the Weightlessness offers a more muted, rounded auditory experience, highlighting how material choice plays a significant role in the resultant sound.
However, when examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, which results in a similar impact on the sound and feel of the switch when bottomed out. The properties of nylon contribute to a deeper sound profile that both the Gold Red and Weightlessness share, creating a sustained and rich auditory feedback during key presses. This similarity suggests that despite the differences in the top housing materials, users can expect a more consistent depth and fullness in sound from the actuation of both switches, thanks to the common bottom housing material.
Ultimately, the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials influences the overall sound experience of these switches. The Gold Red's polycarbonate top may create a contrasting auditory profile compared to the Weightlessness's nylon top, but with nylon bottoms in both models, the bottoming-out experience will provide a degree of similarity. The polycarbonate top’s clarity combined with the nylon bottom’s depth ensures that the TTC Gold Red delivers a unique sound profile that is both bright and deep, while the Gateron Weightlessness embraces a more rounded auditory quality. Users can appreciate the nuanced sound variations tied to the use of different top housing materials while still enjoying the shared fullness offered by the nylon bottom in both switches.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find some notable differences in their actuation forces. The TTC Gold Red switch features a light actuation force of 43 grams, which makes it more suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial feel with each keystroke, which some users may prefer for a satisfying tactile experience. Additionally, the Gold Red switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, reflecting its consistent force throughout the keypress. However, the Gateron Weightlessness has an unknown bottom out force, leaving uncertainty about the total feedback it provides when pressed all the way down. Overall, while the Gold Red switch is lighter and ideal for those who value ease of typing over resistance, the Weightlessness switch's heavier actuation force caters to users who appreciate a firmer push.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Gold Red provides a more traditional and deeper feel when pressed compared to the Weightlessness, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more abrupt actuation. The longer travel distance of the Gold Red switch allows for a more pronounced keystroke, making it a preferable choice for those who enjoy a hearty depth in their typing experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance, caters to users looking for quick and responsive interactions. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your personal preference for switch depth and 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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 switches present a thocky and low-pitched profile that creates a satisfying auditory experience while typing. This rich sound offers a deep, bass-heavy tone that is reminiscent of a soft knock, adding a nice layer of personality to your keyboard without being overwhelming. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches are not specified, so a direct comparison in this aspect is not possible. However, it's important to note that the overall sound will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard build and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Gold Red switches are designed to offer a mild, silky, and polished typing experience, emphasizing smooth key travel with minimal resistance. Their subtle resistance makes them approachable for all types of users, ensuring a gentle yet effective typing experience. They are crafted to provide a sleek finish that enhances overall performance. On the other hand, the feel of the Weightlessness switches remains unspecified in the given context, making it challenging to draw a comparison in this area.
Considering both switches, the TTC Gold Red linear switches excel in sound and feel, offering a buttery smooth typing experience paired with a pleasing acoustic profile. While the specific characteristics of the Gateron Weightlessness switches are unclear, if you enjoy a balance of tactile and auditory performance, you may find similar results in your typing experience with either switch. However, for a more defined feel and sound profile, the TTC Gold Red linear switches clearly stand out as an excellent choice for a newcomer seeking a smooth and satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a light typing experience that is smooth and consistent, the Gold Red is an excellent option. Its 50-gram bottom-out force provides just enough resistance to avoid accidental key presses, making it particularly suitable for fast typists who appreciate a silent yet engaging sound profile. The Gold Red is perfect for vibrant environments like an office or a shared space due to its muted "thocky" sound, allowing you to type away without disturbing others. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback when you type, the Weightlessness should be your go-to choice. This switch delivers a subtle to moderate tactile bump that can enhance your typing accuracy, making it ideal for tasks that require precision, like coding or writing. Its sound profile is also balanced, which is suitable for quieter settings where you don’t want to draw too much attention. In essence, if you’re looking for a smooth, linear experience, go for the Gold Red, while the Weightlessness will serve you better if tactile feedback is a must for your typing enjoyment.
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