TTC Gold Silver vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Silver and the Kailh Sage offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The Gold Silver is praised for its rapid responsiveness, providing a solid bottom-out and a resonant sound signature with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Sage offers a heavy weight and sharp clickiness, giving users a satisfyingly clicky typing experience. While the Gold Silver excels in speed, sound, and fluidity, the Sage stands out for its invigorating and crunchy clickiness. 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
70g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Silver and the Kailh Sage feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches provide similar benefits.
On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver and the Kailh Sage have different bottom housing materials. The Gold Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Sage's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, showcasing the classic qualities of nylon in switch housings. Despite the difference in bottom housing materials, both switches provide a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housings.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials vary between the TTC Gold Silver and the Kailh Sage, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound profile and typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a diverse range of tactile and auditory feedback when using these switches. Whether it be the sharper sound profile of the polycarbonate top housing or the deeper sound profile of the nylon bottom housing, each material brings its own strengths to enhance the overall performance of the switch.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Kailh Sage clicky switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Kailh Sage has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the bottom out force of the Gold Silver is not specified. The actuation force is crucial for determining how quickly a keystroke is registered, while the bottom out force influences the overall typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gold Silver for extended typing sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier push feel of the Kailh Sage for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these 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 Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The difference between the two is minimal, with the Sage offering just a slightly longer travel distance than the Gold Silver. Both switches fall within the shorter end of the spectrum compared to the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance. Gamers may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Gold Silver for faster response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Sage. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience with their close travel distances, providing a satisfying key press for users.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 per 10 switches.
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 known for its thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile, providing a deep and rich tone with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a crunchy typing experience, resembling the sound of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. Both switches offer distinct auditory feedback, but the Gold Silver focuses on a smoother and more resonant sound, while the Sage emphasizes a crisp and tactile clickiness.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, providing a refined and smooth typing experience with gentle resistance and reduced friction. In contrast, the Kailh Sage switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, characterized by pronounced feedback and a firm actuation force for a snappy and reactive typing sensation. While the Gold Silver prioritizes a subtle and approachable feel, the Sage delivers a more intense and tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. The Gold Silver focuses on swift action, smooth keystrokes, and a harmonious sound signature, while the Sage provides a heavy clickiness and sharp tactile feedback for a refreshing typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style, as both options present unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the Kailh Sage clicky switch, you should take into account your typing preferences and environment. If you value rapid responsiveness, a smooth keystroke experience, and a thocky, low-pitched sound profile, then the TTC Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and crunchy sound, along with an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, then the Kailh Sage switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which characteristics align best with your typing style and preferences. Choose wisely to enhance your typing experience.
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