TTC Gold Silver vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and the TTC Neptune offer unique experiences for users. The Gold Silver is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness, providing a swift and precise typing experience with a solid bottom-out and resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure, offering a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a springy resistance akin to chewy treats like mochi. While the Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity, the Neptune provides a textured pleasure with its matte feel and muted sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on personal preferences and typing habits. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and the TTC Neptune both feature polycarbonate in their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. However, the Neptune's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Gold Silver. This difference in sound can greatly affect the overall typing experience for users who prefer a particular tone. In terms of aesthetics, both switches offer a clear housing that is ideal for RGB lighting, but the polycarbonate top housing on the Gold Silver may provide a brighter and more vibrant visual experience compared to the Neptune's POM top housing.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Gold Silver utilizes nylon which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Neptune features a polycarbonate bottom housing, providing a sharper and crisper sound profile similar to its top housing material. While both switches offer a different sound experience based on their bottom housing materials, users may find that the nylon bottom housing on the Gold Silver creates a more rounded and dull sound compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing on the Neptune. These subtle differences can greatly impact the overall feel and sound of typing on the switches.
Overall, the split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches allows for a unique and customized typing experience for users. The qualities of the top and bottom housing materials will influence the sound and feel of pressing down and letting go of keys. While the Gold Silver and Neptune share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, they offer distinct differences in sound profiles due to their bottom housing materials. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users may find that one switch is more suited to their typing needs than the other.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, the actuation force of the Gold Silver is slightly heavier at 45 grams compared to the Neptune's 41 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Neptune is 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Gold Silver is unknown. This means that the Neptune requires a lighter initial force to register a keypress but a slightly heavier force to bottom out completely. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter actuation force is ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming, while a heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Neptune would be more suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, while the Gold Silver's weight is unknown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, we can see that the Gold Silver has a travel distance of 3.5 mm while the Neptune has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Neptune has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Silver. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keypress for some individuals. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer quick and responsive typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the specific travel distance that feels most comfortable and satisfying to the user.
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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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, producing a deep and satisfying sound with each keystroke. This switch offers a neutral sound signature that is suitable for most purposes, making it a versatile option for various environments. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune switch is described as low-pitched and muted, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is subdued and subtle. The Neptune's sound profile keeps the typing experience refined and unobtrusive, making it an excellent choice for quieter settings.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is polished and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance. This switch provides a gentle and subtle typing feel that appeals to a wide range of users. In contrast, the TTC Neptune switch is buttery and frictionless, providing a fluid and effortless keystroke experience with a polished finish for smooth key travel. The Neptune switch also falls into the category of mild switches, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Overall, the TTC Gold Silver switch excels in rapid responsiveness, providing a decisive and solid bottom-out with each keystroke, along with a harmonized thocky sound signature. The journey from the initial press to bottoming out is incredibly smooth, blending speed, sound, and fluidity seamlessly. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune switch stands out for its innovative internal structure, offering a unique matte feel with a springy resistance that is reminiscent of chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls. The Neptune switch ensures swift and effortless typing with a muted sound signature, making each keystroke a textured pleasure. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, catering to different preferences and typing styles, so choosing between them would ultimately depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the TTC Neptune linear switch, you should assess your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, a solid bottom-out, and a resonant sound, the Gold Silver may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a balance of smoothness, springy resistance, and a matte textured feel, the Neptune could be the ideal option. Additionally, if you prefer a thocky, low-pitched sound paired with a polished, smooth typing experience, the Gold Silver may suit your tastes. Conversely, if you lean towards a low-pitched, muted sound with a buttery, frictionless feel, the Neptune could be more aligned with your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what characteristics and sensations you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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