TTC Gold Silver vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it becomes apparent that each offers a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Gold Silver excels in rapid responsiveness, providing a solid bottom-out with every keystroke and a resonant sound signature that complements its swift action. In contrast, the Mallo offers a more subtle tactility, striking a balance between feedback and typing feel with a neutral sound profile. While the Gold Silver leans towards a polished and thocky typing experience, the Mallo is described as feathery and subdued. 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
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and KTT Mallo both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that produces clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in their bottom housings.
Both the Gold Silver and Mallo utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which generates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing will be felt when typing on these switches, as they have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This contrasts with the top housing, which influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the Gold Silver and Mallo switches share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharp and clear sound profile. However, their nylon bottom housings offer a different typing experience, with nylon creating a deeper and fuller sound. The split between top and bottom housings allows for a unique combination of qualities in each switch, impacting both the typing and release sound profiles. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, it is clear that they offer different tactile experiences. The Gold Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, while the Mallo has a medium-light bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when pressing all the way down. The Gold Silver does not have a specified bottom out force, which could result in a softer typing feel overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, the Gold Silver may be the preferred choice, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel may lean towards the Mallo for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the KTT Mallo tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Silver switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Mallo switch, which means it may provide a faster response time for users, especially gamers who prefer quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Mallo switch offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying and comfortable for typing or gaming sessions that require a more deliberate touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and how it impacts individual typing or gaming experiences.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
Overall, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Silver switch produces a thocky, low-pitched sound with a neutral profile, while the Mallo switch offers a more subdued, neutral sound signature. When it comes to feel, the Gold Silver switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Mallo switch is characterized as feathery, mild, stepped, and subtle, offering a gentle tactility and light typing feel. Both switches excel in different aspects, with the Gold Silver focusing on swift action and fluid keystrokes, while the Mallo emphasizes subtlety and finesse in typing feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize speed, precision, and a thocky sound profile, the Gold Silver may be the right choice for you. It offers a swift and smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile feedback, a medium-light typing feel, and a subdued sound signature, the Mallo could be more suitable. It provides a balanced typing experience with subtle tactility and a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and the kind of typing experience you want to achieve.
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