TTC Gold Red vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red and TTC Yunhai stand out as two compelling linear options, each with its own distinct character. The Gold Red switches are celebrated for their buttery smooth typing experience, providing a light to medium level of resistance that promotes comfortable and efficient typing. With a snappy sound profile that adds a subtle touch of personality, these switches are ideal for users who appreciate a balanced blend of performance and auditory feedback—characterized by descriptors like ‘Thocky’ and ‘Silky.’ On the other hand, the Yunhai switches are designed for those seeking a more effortless feel, featuring an incredibly light actuation force and a deep, rounded sound profile that enhances the typing experience. This makes them particularly appealing for typists who prefer a gentler touch. Ultimately, while both switches bring their unique advantages to the table, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and typing style. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials in the TTC Gold Red and the TTC Yunhai switches exhibit distinct characteristics that influence their overall sound profiles and aesthetics. The Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This rigidity allows for a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhancing the clarity and resonance of each keystroke. Moreover, the clear nature of polycarbonate not only serves a functional purpose by allowing RGB lighting to shine through vividly, but it also contributes to the switch's modern and sleek aesthetic. In contrast, the Yunhai opts for a nylon top housing, a material that imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This softness absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller, rounder audio experience that tends to be well-suited for typing, making the Yunhai an appealing choice for users seeking a warmer tonal quality.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a striking similarity between the two switches, as both the Gold Red and Yunhai incorporate nylon materials for their lower housings. This shared characteristic means that when pressed, both switches will deliver a similar impact regarding bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. The nylon material, being soft, absorbs the sound generated during key presses, ensuring that the bottom-out experience for both switches is characterized by a deeper and fuller resonance. Consequently, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, users can expect consistent acoustics from the bottom housing, thereby reinforcing the rounded sound quality produced in both models and enhancing the overall typing experience.
In essence, while the TTC Gold Red and TTC Yunhai exhibit contrasting top housing materials that define their key release sound profiles—sharp and clear versus deeper and rounder—there is a valuable consistency in their bottom housings due to their shared nylon composition. This combination results in a unique interplay where the Gold Red's polycarbonate top brings clarity to the release sound while the Yunhai's nylon top envelops the user in a warmer auditory signature. The end result highlights how the variation in materials affects each switch's performance, yet also illustrates how similar bottom housing materials can lead to comparable outcomes in the overall typing sound and feel, creating diverse yet harmonious options for mechanical keyboard aficionados.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, both exhibit similar characteristics but with slight differences in their actuation forces. The Gold Red switch boasts an actuation force of 43 grams, whereas the Yunhai is slightly lighter at 42 grams. Both switches have identical bottom out forces of 50 grams, indicating that while the feel upon bottoming out is consistent, the Gold Red requires a marginally higher force to actuate. For those who favor a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Yunhai may be the preferable option, providing a slightly lighter touch. Conversely, the Gold Red's marginally heavier actuation force offers just a bit more resistance, which may appeal to users looking for a more substantial typing experience without sacrificing too much comfort. Overall, while both choices are light, the Yunhai presents a slight advantage for those desiring minimal actuation effort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we find that the Gold Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yunhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Gold Red switch provides a more pronounced keypress experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper feel and more tactile feedback when typing. Conversely, the Yunhai switch, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers and those seeking quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for fast-paced scenarios. Ultimately, if you lean towards a more responsive action, the Yunhai switch would be preferable, while the Gold Red’s longer travel distance could be more satisfying for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 produces a thocky, low-pitched note, giving it a deep and satisfying sound profile when pressed. This makes it versatile and enjoyable for a variety of typing contexts, from casual use to more focused environments. The sound characteristics are neutral enough to ensure that they do not become a distraction, fitting well in both office settings and personal use. Conversely, the sound profile of the TTC Yunhai linear switch remains unspecified, but since it's recognized for its extremely light actuation force, it suggests that it might offer a gentler auditory feedback that could appeal to users preferring a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Red switch is characterized by its mild, silky texture that provides a gentle yet responsive typing experience. The polished and subtle nature of the switch ensures that each keystroke feels refined and smooth, minimizing resistance during both presses and releases. This makes it approachable for typists of all skill levels. The Yunhai switch, while not detailed in its tactile experience, is noted for its light actuation force, indicating it likely offers an effortless typing sensation, which could be particularly charming for those who prefer a delicate touch.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Red and the Yunhai switches cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel. The Gold Red is well-suited for those seeking a balanced, smooth, and moderately audible experience, while the Yunhai may attract users desiring a lighter and potentially quieter touch. Even though the Yunhai's tactile and sound qualities remain unclear, both switches provide unique but equally satisfying typing experiences, ensuring that regardless of your choice, you will enjoy a comfortable and effective typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a buttery smooth experience with a gentle, yet pronounced sound, the Gold Red switches are likely your best bet. Their thocky, low-pitched sound profile offers a satisfying acoustic feedback, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a deep, rich sound while typing. Moreover, the silky and polished feel can enhance your typing experience and make long typing sessions more comfortable, particularly in shared environments where a subtle sound is beneficial. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler and more effortless typing experience, the Yunhai switches might be the way to go. With their light actuation force and unique deep sound profile, they offer a typing feel that eliminates strain on your fingers, making them appealing for users who type extensively and value a soft, rounded auditory feedback. In short, if you prioritize sound character and a more pronounced tactile experience, go for the Gold Red; however, if you lean towards an effortless touch with a unique sound, the Yunhai will serve you well.
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