TTC Gold Silver vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Orange mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The TTC Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness and precise bottom-out feel, accompanied by a resonant sound signature that emphasizes its commitment to swift action. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches boast a bouncy typing experience with a frictionless feel, thanks to their long spring and factory-lubed design. While the Gold Silver leans towards a more polished and smooth typing experience, the Orange offers a bouncier and smoother key travel. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the KTT Orange, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material is known to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it aesthetically pleasing as well. However, the Gold Silver differs in its choice of nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound.
While both switches share the same top housing material, the difference in bottom housing material showcases the impact each material has on the overall sound and feel of the switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Silver absorbs more sound due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the KTT Orange contributes to a crisper sound profile, maintaining the sharper and higher-pitched tones produced by the top housing. This difference in bottom housing materials allows for a varied experience when using the switches, with each material providing distinct qualities to the overall typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and feel of typing on them. While both the Gold Silver and the Orange share the benefits of using polycarbonate for the top housing, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing in the Gold Silver results in a deeper sound profile compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Orange. Understanding how each material affects the overall typing experience can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound and feel when choosing between these two switches.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Orange linear switch, which has an actuation force of 46 grams. However, the bottom out force of the KTT Orange switch is heavier at 53 grams, while the bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver switch is unknown. This means that while the TTC Gold Silver may provide a lighter typing experience at the initial press, the KTT Orange switch offers a more substantial feel when fully depressed. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the TTC Gold Silver may be the better option, while the KTT Orange switch would be suitable for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Both switches provide a unique typing experience, allowing users to choose based on their preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel. As such, you can expect similar results in terms of key feel and typing experience when using either switch. Despite their similarities in travel distance, it is worth noting that both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience with consistent actuation throughout the keystroke.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch is best known for its rapid responsiveness, short travel distance, and solid bottom-out, providing a decisive and satisfying typing experience. Its sound profile is described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, offering a deep and rich tone with a moderate actuation force. In terms of feel, the Gold Silver is polished, silky, mild, and subtle, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal friction and resistance. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch features a bouncy feel thanks to its 22mm long spring and frictionless typing experience due to factory-lubing, offering a slick and seamless key travel. The sound profile of the Orange switch is low-pitched, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Overall, while the Gold Silver switch excels in speed, sound, and fluidity with a thocky and refined feel, the KTT Orange switch offers a lively and frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. Both switches provide unique qualities tailored to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you value rapid responsiveness, a solid bottom-out with a resonant sound, and smooth key travel, the TTC Gold Silver would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy feel, a frictionless typing experience, and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switch might be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so carefully consider what features are most important to you when making your decision.
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