TTC Gold Silver vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Ink Red mechanical keyboard switches, two linear switches with distinct characteristics stand out. The TTC Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, featuring shortened travel that results in a solid bottom-out and a resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red is known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style, while offering a satisfyingly smooth typing experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile. Both switches excel in different aspects, providing users with unique typing experiences based on their preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gold Silver and Gateron Ink Red switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Gold Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. This material is stiffer, creating a crisper sound that is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In comparison, the Ink Red switch utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which also produces a pointed and high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. Both materials offer a satisfying sound experience, but the Gold Silver's polycarbonate housing may have a slightly sharper tone compared to the Ink Red's INK blend.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials, the Gold Silver features a nylon housing that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red utilizes the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, maintaining a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. Both bottom housing materials offer unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience, with the Gold Silver's nylon housing creating a deeper sound compared to the Ink Red's INK blend that adds to the clacky sound profile.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gold Silver and Gateron Ink Red switches play a crucial role in determining the sound profile of each switch. While the Gold Silver utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing and nylon for its bottom housing, the Gateron Ink Red features the proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housings. This results in slightly different sound profiles, with the Gold Silver offering a crisper and deeper sound while the Ink Red maintains a consistent high-pitched clacky sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that showcases the unique qualities of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Gold Silver has an unknown bottom out force, whereas the Ink Red has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it the heavier option. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Silver may be more suitable due to its lack of specified bottom out force, allowing for smoother and potentially easier keystrokes for extended periods of time. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red provides a more substantial push feel with its 60-gram bottom out force, ideal for those seeking a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preference based on desired actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, it is clear that the Gold Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Ink Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Silver offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for fast reaction speeds. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Ink Red may provide a more satisfying keystroke for some users who prefer a greater sense of depth when typing or gaming. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and desired typing experience.
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 Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 linear switch is best described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, with a low-pitched and neutral tone that is suitable for various intents and purposes. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a slightly chirpy characteristic, adding a unique acoustic signature to the typing experience. Both switches provide a pleasant sound feedback, albeit with slight differences in their tonal qualities.
When it comes to the feel, both the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Ink Red linear switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience. The Gold Silver is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, providing a sleek and gentle typing feel with reduced friction and gentle resistance. Similarly, the Ink Red is also known for its silky and polished characteristics, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a mild feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, allowing for an enjoyable and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver and Gateron Ink Red linear switches both excel in providing pleasant sound feedback and a smooth typing experience. While the Gold Silver leans towards a deeper and more neutral sound profile with polished and subtle feel characteristics, the Ink Red offers a unique chirpy sound element and a slightly lighter touch with its silky and mild feel. Ultimately, both switches are ideal choices for users looking for linear switches that prioritize smoothness, ease of typing, and a satisfying sound signature. Whether opting for the Gold Silver or the Ink Red, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with similar results in terms of feel and sound.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, you should consider your typing style and preferences. If you value rapid responsiveness, a decisive bottom-out, and a resonant sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with smooth keystrokes and a crispy sound profile, the Gateron Ink Red could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize speed, sound, and fluidity in your typing (TTC Gold Silver) or a smooth, effortless typing experience with a light touch (Gateron Ink Red).
Mentioned in this article
