TTC Gold Silver vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the Cherry MX Red mechanical keyboard switches, one can see a distinct difference in their key characteristics. The Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, with a shortened travel distance that results in a solid bottom-out feeling and a resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the MX Red is known for its slightly heavier feel and deeper sound profile, providing a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Gold Silver leans towards speed, sound, and fluidity, while the MX Red prioritizes a heftier feel and deeper sound. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Cherry MX Red, we can see notable differences in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Gold Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the MX Red features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While the Gold Silver's top housing is more suitable for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the MX Red's nylon top housing offers a classic feel and sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Gold Silver and the MX Red share the commonality of utilizing nylon for this component. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that the overall typing experience on both switches may have a similar tactile feel and sound when it comes to bottoming out keys. While the top housing plays a significant role in the sound profile when key releases, the bottom housing contributes more to the sound when keys are pressed down.
In considering the impact of different housing materials on switch performance, it becomes evident that the choice between polycarbonate and nylon can heavily influence the overall sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard. The differences between the Gold Silver and Cherry MX Red's housing materials highlight the importance of selecting a switch that aligns with your preferred typing experience. Whether you prioritize a crisper and sharper sound profile with polycarbonate or a deeper and fuller sound with nylon, understanding the qualities each material brings to the table is crucial in making an informed decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the force required to trigger a keystroke on both switches is identical, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force. However, the bottom out force for both switches is unknown, making it difficult to determine which one requires a heavier force to fully press a key. In terms of weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the TTC Gold Silver and Cherry MX Red switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Silver. A 3.5 mm travel distance provides a quicker response time, making it desirable for gamers who require fast reactions. On the other hand, a 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feel and might be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper keystroke sensation. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to traditional switches, making them suitable for users looking for a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences for typing feel and response time.
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 Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, both the TTC Gold Silver and Cherry MX Red switches are known for their thocky and low-pitched profiles, which offer a satisfying and deep sound when pressed. The Gold Silver switch adds a touch of neutrality to its sound, accommodating a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the MX Red switch focuses on a textured feel that some users may find appealing for its unique friction sensation. Ultimately, both switches offer a rich auditory experience that can be further influenced by factors such as keyboard type and keycap selection, leading to a similar level of sound satisfaction regardless of the choice between the two.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch stands out for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle characteristics, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle and approachable touch. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch emphasizes a textured feel that introduces noticeable friction during key presses, catering to users who enjoy a bit of resistance in their typing experience. While the Gold Silver switch embodies a refined and fluid feel, the MX Red switch offers a textured sensation that can appeal to different preferences in tactile feedback. Both switches bring a unique tactile experience to the table, ensuring that users will find a satisfactory feel whether they opt for the smoothness of the Gold Silver or the textured feedback of the MX Red.
Considering all the available information, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and Cherry MX Red linear switch each offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Silver switch excels in providing a swift and precise typing experience with a thocky and low-pitched sound signature, accompanied by polished and silky feel characteristics. On the other hand, the MX Red switch delivers a robust typing experience with a deeper sound profile and a textured feel that introduces friction during key presses. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, users can choose between the smooth fluidity of the Gold Silver switch or the unique texture of the MX Red switch, ensuring a satisfactory and tailored mechanical keyboard experience regardless of the chosen switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the Cherry MX Red linear switch, you should opt for the TTC Gold Silver if you prioritize rapid responsiveness, a smooth typing experience, and a resonant sound profile. The TTC Gold Silver offers a seamless blend of speed, sound, and fluidity in every keystroke, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with each press. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Red linear switch might be the better choice for you. The MX Red offers a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth, making it a classic choice for many users. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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