TTC Gold Silver vs. Keygeek Keygeek Raw
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and the Keygeek Raw are two popular options worth considering. The Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, offering a shortened travel distance that results in a decisive and solid bottom-out with each keystroke. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy yet lightweight switch. While the Gold Silver is polished, thocky, and low-pitched, the Keygeek Raw is textured and slightly textured. Both switches offer a smooth keystroke experience and fall under the categories of mild, neutral, and subtle. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your preferences for speed, sound, and feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw both offer unique housing materials for their switches. The Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a clear and resonant typing experience. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw's Nylon & UPE blend top housing offers a different sound profile exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches. While both materials may provide a clear sound, the specific blend used in the Keygeek Raw switches will offer a distinct typing experience not found in the Gold Silver.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Gold Silver features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder typing experience. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw switches utilize a UMPE & Si blend bottom housing, offering a unique typing sound exclusive to this switch. While both materials may impact the overall sound profile of the switch, the specific blend used in the Keygeek Raw switches will provide a different tactile and auditory experience compared to the Gold Silver.
When considering the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch, it's important to note how each material contributes to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material will influence the sound when releasing a key. While the Gold Silver and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw may offer similar qualities in their housing materials, the specific blends used in each switch will ultimately provide a unique typing experience for users to enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, it is evident that they have different force characteristics. The TTC Gold Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. However, the Keygeek Raw's actuation force is unspecified, making it difficult to directly compare to the Gold Silver in this aspect. In terms of bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw is heavier at 57.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when compared to the Gold Silver, which has an unknown bottom out force. For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Silver may be the better option, whereas those who prefer a heavier feel may lean towards the Keygeek Raw. Both switches have their own strengths and weaknesses, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for quicker response times. The Gold Silver switch may provide a slightly deeper feel when pressed due to its longer travel distance, making it a better choice for those who prefer a more substantial keypress. On the other hand, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a slightly quicker and more responsive keypress, which could be preferred by those who prioritize speed and agility in their typing or gaming experience. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so both options are likely to provide a similar typing experience with subtle variations in feel.
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 Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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 characterized by its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and satisfying auditory experience. The sound is further enhanced by its neutral tone, making it suitable for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch also offers a neutral sound profile, ensuring a moderate actuation force requirement and sound profile that caters to a wide range of users. Both switches offer a pleasant sound experience that can be further influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch stands out for its polished and silky typing experience, offering reduced friction, smooth key travel, and a refined typing feel. The mild and subtle characteristics of this switch ensure a gentle yet satisfying typing experience suitable for most users. In contrast, the Keygeek Raw linear switch provides a textured feel out of the box, adding a unique tactile element to the typing experience. With mild and subtle qualities, these switches offer a gentle resistance and a smooth typing feel, making them a great starting point for enthusiasts looking to personalize their switches further.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Silver and Keygeek Raw linear switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Gold Silver excels in providing a rapid and responsive typing experience with a harmonious sound signature, while the Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend and creamy yet lightweight feel. Whether you prefer a polished and thocky sound with a smooth typing experience or a textured feel with a neutral sound profile, both switches offer quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and personalization options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch, consider your preferences and priorities. If you value rapid responsiveness, a smooth keystroke, and a resonant sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a creamy and lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel, the Keygeek Raw could be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to whether you prioritize speed and precision or a unique material blend and customizable lubing options. Choose wisely based on what aspects of typing experience are most important to you.
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