TTC Gold Silver vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Silent Ink Black mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that they offer distinct features catering to different preferences. The TTC Gold Silver is praised for its rapid responsiveness, characterized by a shortened travel distance that results in a solid bottom-out with each keystroke, accompanied by a resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is favored for its quiet typing experience, providing a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. While the Gold Silver offers speed, sound, and fluidity, the Silent Ink Black excels in creating a muted and silky typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and Gateron Silent Ink Black both have distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature, making it ideal for RGB lighting with its translucency. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a slightly high-pitched and clacky sound that is satisfying to users. While both materials offer clear and resonant sound profiles, they differ in the specific tones they produce.
On the other hand, the Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile that enhances the typing experience. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile, adding to the overall clacky and satisfying typing sound. Despite using different materials for their bottom housings, both switches deliver unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences.
Overall, the combination of housing materials in both the Gold Silver and the Silent Ink Black plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While the Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, the Silent Ink Black incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housings. This leads to distinctive typing experiences, with each switch offering a mix of sharpness, clarity, depth, and clackiness in its sound profile. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with a clear housing like the Gold Silver or a slightly sharper and clacky sound like the Silent Ink Black, both switches provide unique options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The actuation force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is lighter at 45 grams compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, which requires 60 grams of force. The bottom out force for the Gold Silver switch is unknown, while the Silent Ink Black switch has a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Silver switch may be more suitable, allowing for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gold Silver switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black switch. The Gold Silver switch may be preferred by those looking for faster response times, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch may be more appealing to individuals who prefer a more substantial key press feel with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of 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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience with a moderate actuation force requirement. This sound signature is enhanced by the smooth keystrokes and swift action of the switch, creating a harmonious blend of speed and sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch produces a muted sound, perfect for environments that require minimal noise. This switch offers a quieter typing experience with a soft and gentle sound profile that minimizes the traditional clack associated with mechanical keyboards. Depending on your preference for sound, the Gold Silver excels in a thocky and resonant tone, while the Silent Ink Black offers a more subdued and muted acoustic experience.
Moving on to feel, both the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches share similarities in their descriptions. Both switches are noted for their silky smoothness and polished finish, providing a refined and sleek typing experience. The Gold Silver offers a polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing feel, emphasizing a gentle and approachable tactile experience with minimal friction and resistance during keystrokes. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black boasts a silky and polished typing feel, enhancing overall smoothness and reducing friction for a comfortable typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and refined typing feel, both switches offer similar qualities in terms of tactile feedback and key travel.
Overall, the TTC Gold Silver and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches each excel in different aspects of sound and feel. The Gold Silver prioritizes a thocky and low-pitched sound profile with polished and silky tactile feedback for a seamless and swift typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black focuses on providing a muted sound with a cushiony bottom-out feel and a polished, silky typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to a variety of typing preferences. Whether you prioritize a rich and resonant sound or a quiet and smooth typing feel, the Gold Silver and Silent Ink Black switches provide exceptional options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, a satisfying sound profile, and a smooth keystroke experience, the Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing environment without sacrificing smoothness and comfort, the Silent Ink Black could be the better option. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences, so be sure to consider your priorities before making a decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Silver and Silent Ink Black switches will depend on what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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