TTC Gold Silver vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver is praised for its rapid responsiveness, providing a solid bottom-out and resonant sound signature that emphasizes swift action. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is characterized by its smooth and creamy feel, with a sound reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. While the Gold Silver leans towards a more polished and low-pitched profile, the Ink Box Black offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Ink Box Black, one can see that both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing, offering a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound that is satisfying to many users. While both materials bring distinct sound profiles to the switches, the Gold Silver's use of polycarbonate is more likely to complement RGB lighting due to its translucency.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the differences between the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Ink Box Black become more apparent. The Gold Silver features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that is favored by those looking for a duller and rounder typing experience. In contrast, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also offers a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, matching the characteristics of its top housing. Despite both switches offering unique sound profiles, the choice between nylon and the INK blend will ultimately come down to personal preference.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in each switch plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing allows users to feel the impact of each material differently when pressing down on a key or releasing it. While the Gold Silver and the Ink Box Black may have similar sound profiles in terms of pitch and clarity, the different materials used in their housings provide unique nuances that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer the sharper sound of polycarbonate in the Gold Silver or the clacky sound of the INK blend in the Ink Box Black, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with distinct characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Gold Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Ink Box Black, which has an actuation force of 60 grams. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Gold Silver is unknown, while the Ink Box Black has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This means that the Ink Box Black provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Gold Silver may be preferred by those who favor a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on personal preference, with the Gold Silver being lighter in actuation force and the Ink Box Black being heavier in both actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Ink Box Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Silver. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are becoming more popular in keyboards. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance for faster response times. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may gravitate towards the switch with the longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the feel and response desired in a keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
The Gateron Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Silver switch is known for its thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, producing a deep and satisfying "thock" with each keystroke that is suitable for most users. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of a sharp and crisp "click" when pressed. Depending on personal preferences and the surrounding environment, users may prefer one sound profile over the other.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Ink Box Black are described as silky and polished, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Gold Silver has additional descriptors of mild and subtle, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience suitable for most users, while the Ink Box Black focuses on the sleek and refined finish for a seamless typing feel. Overall, both switches prioritize smoothness and polish in their tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch emphasizes swift action, precision, and a thocky, low-pitched sound signature with a polished and subtle typing feel that caters to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch prioritizes smoothness, creaminess, and a clacky, high-pitched sound profile alongside a silky and polished typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, users can choose between these two switches to achieve similar results in terms of responsiveness and smoothness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a keyboard switch that prioritizes rapid responsiveness, smooth keystrokes, and a resonant sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, incredibly smooth feel, and a sound profile that is reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, then the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch might be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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