TTC Gold Silver vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and KTT Lightning stand out as compelling options with their distinct characteristics. The TTC Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, offering a shortened travel distance that delivers a satisfying bottom-out with each keystroke. Its smooth journey from press to bottoming out is accompanied by a resonant sound signature, making it an ideal choice for those seeking speed, sound, and fluidity in their typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning is known for its "speed" capabilities, providing a slick typing feel and a clacky sound profile that can be advantageous in competitive gaming scenarios where milliseconds matter. While the Gold Silver emphasizes precision and solidity, the Lightning focuses on speed and efficiency. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and KTT Lightning both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This results in a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, giving them a modern and sleek look. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing enhances the sound profile when a key is released, contributing to a satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
However, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing of the Gold Silver being made of nylon, while the Lightning also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that typing on switches with nylon bottom housings may provide a more muted and softer typing experience compared to switches with polycarbonate bottom housings. Despite this difference, both the Gold Silver and Lightning benefit from the qualities of nylon in their bottom housings, contributing to a unique typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver and KTT Lightning share similar characteristics in their polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to their sharp and resonant sound profiles. However, they differentiate in their use of nylon bottom housings, with both switches offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's sound-absorbing properties. The impact of these housing materials can be felt differently when typing on the switches, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of their housing materials.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Lightning linear switch, which requires 43 grams to actuate. However, the Gold Silver does not provide information on the bottom out force, while the Lightning has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Lightning switch is lighter to press down fully compared to the Gold Silver switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lightning switch may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the slightly higher actuation force of the Gold Silver switch, even though the bottom out force is not specified for that switch. Overall, the weight of the key switches can play a significant role in the overall typing experience, depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm. Both switches have shorter travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm distance and are ideal for users seeking quicker response times. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Lightning switch for faster reactions. However, for those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel, the Gold Silver switch with a slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 characterized by a thocky and low-pitched profile, delivering a deep and rich sound with a satisfying "thud" upon pressing. This neutral sound signature offers a moderate actuation force requirement, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switch is associated with a clacky and high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and snappy tone that is crisp, bright, and percussive in nature. The chirpy characteristic of the Lightning switch adds a unique touch to its acoustic signature, making it stand out in terms of sound quality.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch offers a polished and silky typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall tactile feedback. The mild and subtle resistance of the Gold Silver switch provides a gentle typing feel, making it suitable for various users seeking a comfortable and fluid typing experience. Similarly, the KTT Lightning switch also features a subtle and polished feel, offering a gentle resistance that is not too feather-light but still maintains a smooth key travel. This subtle characteristic of the Lightning switch makes it suitable for shared spaces where noise levels need to be minimized.
Overall, the TTC Gold Silver switch excels in delivering a rapid and precise keystroke experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, coupled with a polished and silky feel for a comfortable typing session. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switch focuses on speed and responsiveness, providing a slick type feel with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, along with a subtle and polished typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to specific needs and typing styles, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience for newcomers seeking optimal performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, consider your priorities. Choose the TTC Gold Silver if you value rapid responsiveness, a solid bottom-out feel, and a resonant sound profile. This switch excels in providing a smooth and fast typing experience with a touch of elegance. On the other hand, opt for the KTT Lightning if you prioritize speed, a clacky sound profile, and a light typing feel. These switches are designed for quick actions and precise keystrokes, perfect for competitive gaming or fast typing tasks. Ultimately, your choice should align with your preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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