TTC Gold Silver vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Gold Silver and the Cherry MX Speed Silver are both linear mechanical keyboard switches known for their rapid responsiveness. The Gold Silver offers a shortened travel distance, providing a decisive and solid bottom-out with each keystroke, accompanied by a resonant sound signature. In contrast, the Speed Silver boasts a full height design and low spring resistance for instantaneous triggering, making it ideal for gamers seeking maximum speed. While the Gold Silver is praised for its smooth journey from press to bottom-out, blending speed, sound, and fluidity, the Speed Silver's focus on quick response times sets it apart in competitive gaming scenarios. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
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
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 MX Speed Silver switches, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This material is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound when it comes to bottom-out sound and feel. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches contributes to a rounder and duller sound profile overall.
On the other hand, the top housings of the TTC Gold Silver and MX Speed Silver switches differ in material, with the Gold Silver featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the MX Speed Silver utilizing a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Silver switch creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Speed Silver switch results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound.
Overall, while the bottom housings of the TTC Gold Silver and MX Speed Silver switches are the same in material, the top housings significantly differ, resulting in distinct sound profiles when typing on these switches. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the top and bottom housings, respectively, enhances the overall typing experience by providing a mix of sharpness and depth in sound. Users can choose between the sharper, crisper sound of the Gold Silver switch with polycarbonate top housing or the deeper, fuller sound of the MX Speed Silver switch with nylon top housing based on their preference for sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the MX Speed Silver is the lighter option with an actuation force of 30 grams, compared to the Gold Silver's 45 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to determine which one requires more pressure to fully press down. The actuation force of a switch is crucial for determining the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the pressure needed to fully press the key. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the MX Speed Silver may be the preferred choice, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Gold Silver for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Silver has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm compared to the MX Speed Silver's 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. Gamers who prioritize quick reactions may find the MX Speed Silver to be slightly more advantageous than the Gold Silver due to its marginally shorter travel distance. However, for individuals who prefer a bit more depth and feedback in their key presses, the Gold Silver may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of performance 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 Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver switches are described as thocky and low-pitched, providing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. This means that users can expect a bass-heavy and mellow tone from both switches, creating a pleasant auditory experience during typing sessions. The actual sound produced, however, can vary based on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual preferences may come into play.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth, refined finish with reduced friction and gentle key travel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as textured, indicating noticeable friction when pressed. While the Gold Silver switch provides a sleek and gentle typing experience suitable for most users, the MX Speed Silver switch might cater to those who prefer a slightly textured feel.
Overall, both switches excel in providing rapid response and linear action, making them ideal choices for gamers seeking maximum speed. The TTC Gold Silver switch delivers a seamless blend of speed, sound, and fluidity with each keystroke, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch ensures instant trigger response for those crucial gaming moments. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to individual preferences in sound and feel, as both switches offer similar qualities in terms of speed and responsiveness.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific preferences and needs. If you prioritize a switch that offers rapid responsiveness, smooth keystrokes, and a resonant sound signature, then the TTC Gold Silver would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer seeking maximum speed with instant triggering and low spring resistance, the Cherry MX Speed Silver would better suit your requirements. Both switches have their unique strengths and characteristics, so it is important to consider how these factors align with your typing or gaming style before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Silver and Cherry MX Speed Silver hinges on which features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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