TTC Gold Silver vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Melodic. The Gold Silver is well-known for its rapid responsiveness, providing a satisfying bottom-out with each keystroke and a resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Melodic from Gateron brings new advancements to the clicky switch category, offering a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with added smoothness thanks to factory lubing and dual-railed stems. While the Gold Silver excels in providing speed, sound, and fluidity, the Melodic focuses on delivering a buttery, crunchy, and invigorating typing experience. 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
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
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 housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Melodic switches share some similarities, as both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. The use of polycarbonate in housings creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing element to the switches. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, with nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings.
While both the Gold Silver and Melodic switches utilize nylon bottom housings, their top housings differ in material. This contrast results in a split of the qualities each housing material brings to the sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing of a switch has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction showcases how the choice of housing materials can affect the overall typing experience and sound profile of a switch, highlighting the importance of considering both top and bottom housings in switch design.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Silver and Gateron Melodic switches provide unique sound profiles and typing experiences based on their housing materials. While they share similarities in utilizing polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, their nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound profile. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches emphasizes the impact each material has on the typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound upon key release. By understanding these differences, keyboard enthusiasts can make informed decisions on which switches best suit their preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is clear that they have distinct differences. The Gold Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to type for extended periods without fatigue. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Silver is unavailable, so it is unknown how much force is needed to fully press the key. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic has an actuation force of None grams, but a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and key weight.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Melodic clicky switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Gold Silver offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speed and precision. On the other hand, the Melodic clicky switch provides a more substantial key press experience with its longer travel distance. Both switches have their advantages depending on individual preferences, but if you're looking for a quicker response, the Gold Silver would be the better option.
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 Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 often described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral. This means that users can expect a deep, rich sound with a moderate pitch and a satisfying actuation force suitable for various typing purposes. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is known for producing a resonant and crunchy sound. Users typing on the Melodic switch can enjoy a higher-pitched, clean sound profile similar to stepping on crisp autumn leaves. Whether you prefer a more neutral sound like the Gold Silver or a lively sound like the Melodic, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and surrounding factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch offers a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience. The smooth and refined finish of the switch ensures minimal resistance and friction, enhancing the overall typing feel with a gentle touch. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is often described as buttery and invigorating. Typing on the Melodic switch provides a seamless and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. Whether you prefer a mild and subtle feel like the Gold Silver or a buttery and invigorating experience like the Melodic, both switches aim to provide users with a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer unique sound and feel qualities to cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Gold Silver emphasizes rapid responsiveness, with a smooth and precise feel, while the Melodic brings innovation to the clicky switch category with smooth lubing and dual-railed stems for a classic clicky sound. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style, ensuring that newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards can find a switch that meets their specific needs and enhances their typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, smooth keystrokes, and a thocky, low-pitched sound profile, the TTC Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the classic clicky sound, tactile feedback, and a resonant, crunchy sound profile, the Gateron Melodic could be more to your liking. Consider your primary usage, whether it be for gaming, typing, or a combination of both, as well as your individual preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force when making your decision between these two distinct mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Silver and Gateron Melodic switch will depend on what features are most important to you in your typing experience.
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