TTC Gold Silver vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Ink Box Pink mechanical keyboard switches, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. The Gold Silver switch boasts rapid responsiveness and a satisfyingly solid bottom-out, coupled with a resonant sound signature that emphasizes swift action. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch offers a smooth typing experience with a lighter feel and a higher-pitched clack sound. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Silver Linear

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

In terms of housing materials, the TTC Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing that offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. While both materials provide a distinct sound profile, the polycarbonate of the Gold Silver is noted for its translucency and compatibility with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to the switch that the INK blend of the Ink Box Pink does not offer.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Gold Silver contains a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb more sound. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink also utilizes its proprietary INK blend material for the bottom housing, which enhances the pointed and high-pitched sound profile associated with this switch. Both materials offer unique sound qualities, with nylon providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the clacky thin sound of the INK blend.

Overall, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Ink Box Pink play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While the Gold Silver utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, offering a clear and resonant top-out sound and a deeper bottom-out sound, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend is consistent throughout both top and bottom housings, resulting in a cohesive, pointed, and high-pitched sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches provide satisfying auditory feedback, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Weight

In comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Silver is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Ink Box Pink is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Silver is unknown, whereas the Ink Box Pink has a bottom out force of 60 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Gold Silver may be the preferred option. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink offers a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper key press, the Ink Box Pink may provide a more satisfying feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and the tactile experience desired during typing or gaming.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Silver switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deep and satisfying tone with each key press. This switch's neutral characteristics make it versatile for various usage scenarios, maintaining a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory feedback. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a brighter and percussive sound experience. Keep in mind that the actual sound output can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard layout, keycaps, and overall build quality.

When it comes to feel, both the TTC Gold Silver and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer a silky and polished typing experience. They both provide an exceptionally smooth key travel, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall typing comfort. The Ink Box Pink switch also features a lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches, contributing to a gentle and approachable typing experience. The Gold Silver switch, on the other hand, boasts a mild and subtle resistance, offering a smooth and refined finish for a sleek typing sensation. Overall, both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort in typing, ensuring a pleasant user experience for extended periods of usage.

In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches each excel in different aspects of sound and feel, catering to varying preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Gold Silver switch prioritizes rapid responsiveness and a thocky, low-pitched sound, complemented by its polished and subtle typing feel, the Ink Box Pink switch leans towards a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky and lighter typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feel, both switches offer quality characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.

Conclusion

In closing, when choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you value rapid responsiveness, fluid keystrokes, and a resonant sound, the TTC Gold Silver switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, lighter typing feel with a higher-pitched clack sound, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to choose based on what feels best for you.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Pink Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more