TTC Gold Silver vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Ink Yellow, both linear switches. The TTC Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, providing a satisfyingly solid bottom-out with each keystroke and boasting a resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow offers a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, with a pleasant smoothness and clackiness. While the Gold Silver is categorized as polished, thocky, low-pitched, silky, mild, neutral, and subtle, the Ink Yellow is described as neutral, clacky, mild, and polished. 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
67g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing. While both offer a satisfying sound, the Gold Silver's polycarbonate material is known for its clear and resonant tones, ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow's INK blend top housing provides a pointed and clacky sound that is relatively high-pitched but not overly sharp.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the TTC Gold Silver utilizes nylon which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the Gateron Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which also offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, giving a clacky feel. Despite the differences in material, both switches provide a tactile typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
When considering how the top and bottom housings contribute to the overall typing experience, it becomes apparent that each material brings its qualities to the switch. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, with nylon offering a deeper sound on the Gold Silver and the INK blend providing a clackier feel on the Ink Yellow. Meanwhile, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, with polycarbonate delivering a clear and resonant tone on the Gold Silver and the INK blend offering a pointed and high-pitched sound on the Ink Yellow. Despite these differences, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with nuances in sound and feel that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Ink Yellow is the heavier option with an actuation force of 60 grams, compared to the Gold Silver's lighter 45 grams. The bottom out force of the Gold Silver is unknown, while the Ink Yellow has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Silver would be the ideal choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow would be better suited for users who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so users can expect a similar typing experience in that regard. Ultimately, the decision between the two would come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, meaning that they provide a similar typing experience in terms of key travel. Both switches offer a consistent actuation point and smooth keystrokes, making them suitable for those who prefer a linear switch type. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect comparable results in terms of typing comfort and key response. Whether you choose the TTC Gold Silver or the Gateron Ink Yellow, you can enjoy a smooth typing experience with a consistent travel distance of 3.5 mm.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow 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 switch is often described as having a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying tone that resonates with each keystroke. This switch produces a neutral sound that is suitable for various environments and typing preferences. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch also presents a neutral sound but is known for its clacky nature, delivering a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. The choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a deep and rich sound (Gold Silver) or a crisp and bright sound (Ink Yellow) during your typing sessions.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches offer a polished and mild typing experience. The Gold Silver switch is praised for its silky and subtle feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and minimal friction. Similarly, the Ink Yellow switch offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches fall into the middle-ground zone in terms of tactile feedback, making them approachable to most users seeking a comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver and Gateron Ink Yellow switches share similarities in terms of sound and feel, providing users with a comfortable and smooth typing experience. The Gold Silver switch stands out with its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, while the Ink Yellow switch offers a clacky sound signature for those who prefer a sharper tone. Both switches offer a polished and mild typing feel, making them suitable for various typing preferences and environments. Whether you choose the Gold Silver for its deep sound or the Ink Yellow for its bright clackiness, you can expect a satisfying and fluid typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value rapid responsiveness, a decisive bottom-out, and a resonant sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical keyboard, with a smooth and clacky feel, the Gateron Ink Yellow could be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a polished and silky feel, the Gold Silver may be more appealing, whereas if you prefer a mild and polished typing experience, the Ink Yellow might be the better option. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.
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