TTC Gold Silver vs. Gateron Weightlessness

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference, particularly between linear and tactile options. The TTC Gold Silver, a linear switch, is celebrated for its rapid responsiveness and smooth actuation, delivering a satisfying bottom-out feel with each keystroke. This switch is characterized by a polished, thocky sound profile that enhances the tactile experience without interrupting your flow, making it an excellent choice for gamers and fast typists seeking speed and fluidity. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness presents a tactile experience that offers a subtle yet noticeable bump in each key press, making it ideal for those who appreciate feedback without straying into the realm of overly clicky switches. Its well-balanced sound profile further enriches the typing experience, rendering it suitable for both gaming and daily tasks. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Silver Linear

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Gateron Weightlessness, there are clear distinctions in their top housings. The TTC Gold Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer material not only amplifies the clarity of the sound but also enhances the overall resonance, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize a distinct audio feedback while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for excellent RGB lighting effects, illuminating beautifully and providing an aesthetically pleasing experience for users who enjoy customizable lighting setups.

In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer material. The inherent properties of nylon allow it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller yet rounder auditory experience compared to the sharper tones of polycarbonate. While this could be seen as a disadvantage for some looking for pronounced acoustic feedback, many users appreciate the softer sound and its more muted character, providing a more subdued typing environment, which can be beneficial for quieter workspaces.

Both switches, however, sport nylon bottom housings, which means the deeper and fuller sound characteristic of nylon will be prevalent regardless of the top housing material. The nylon bottom of the TTC Gold Silver will provide similar acoustic qualities to the Gateron Weightlessness, resulting in a relatively consistent bottom-out sound and feel. As such, while the top housings offer different auditory experiences, the underlying nylon in both bottom housings creates a shared foundation for sound profile that will yield complementary results, allowing typists to find a balance between clarity and depth depending on their preference for sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find that both have varying actuation forces, with the Gold Silver at 45 grams and the Weightlessness at 50 grams. This indicates that the Weightlessness switch is generally heavier, requiring a bit more force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Gold Silver. However, both switches do not provide specific measurements for their bottom out force, leaving us without information to contrast this aspect effectively. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Silver may appeal to typists who prefer a more effortless experience for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier actuation force of the Weightlessness might cater to those who gravitate toward a more tactile and substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, users seeking comfort during long usage may lean towards the Gold Silver, while those desiring a firmer typing experience might favor the Weightlessness.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Gold Silver measures 3.5 mm while the Weightlessness is slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. Thus, if responsiveness is your priority, the Gateron Weightlessness may provide a slightly quicker reaction due to its shorter travel distance. However, the difference is minimal, and both switches offer performance geared towards both gaming and typing. Users who prefer a more pronounced keypress feel might lean towards the Gold Silver for its longer travel distance, which offers a more robust depth when activating the switch. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, with the TTC Gold Silver being the option for those favoring deeper feedback, while the Gateron Weightlessness appeals to those seeking a quicker actuation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch is characterized by a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral tone. This means that when you press a key, you’ll experience a deep, satisfying thud reminiscent of a soft knock. The richness of this sound can create an engaging auditory experience during typing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch does not have specific sound descriptors provided, which leaves its acoustic profile unknown. However, since the sound of mechanical switches can vary based on the keyboard and keycap configuration, there may still be potential for a unique auditory character when using the Weightlessness switches.

When it comes to the feel of these switches, the TTC Gold Silver shines with its polished, silky, and mild characteristics. Each keystroke provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal friction, thanks to its high-quality construction. This switch offers a gentle yet decisive tactile sensation, making it approachable for both beginners and advanced typists. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switches are noted for their subtle to moderate tactile feedback. While the specific feel isn’t described in detail, it’s likely that their tactile nature can provide an enjoyable typing experience, albeit less pronounced than that of the Gold Silver.

In summary, both the TTC Gold Silver and Gateron Weightlessness switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver excels in delivering a rich auditory experience alongside a silky-smooth keystroke, making it ideal for those who appreciate a refined typing feel and sound. In contrast, the Weightlessness may offer a more gentle tactile sensation, although its sound profile remains unclear. If you prefer a switch that delivers a combination of tactile feedback and a satisfying sound, the TTC Gold Silver is a strong choice, while those seeking a subtle approach might find the Weightlessness appealing, even if specifics on its sound and feel are not available. Regardless of your choice, both switches have the capability to deliver a rewarding typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, consider the specific typing experience you desire. If you're primarily focused on rapid responsiveness and a smooth, fluid keystroke, the TTC Gold Silver is an excellent choice. Its polished and silky feel, combined with a thocky sound profile, allows for quick typing and gaming without sacrificing auditory satisfaction. This switch caters especially well to those who prefer the sensation of a decisive bottom-out and appreciate the feedback of sound, making it ideal for environments where speed is paramount. Conversely, if you enjoy a tactile feedback experience but want a more restrained auditory profile, the Gateron Weightlessness switch might be more suitable for your needs. The subtle to moderate tactile feel enables a satisfying yet less intrusive typing experience, which is well-suited for both focused work and casual use in shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will hinge on whether you prioritize speed and sound (TTC Gold Silver) or a balanced tactile experience (Gateron Weightlessness).

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Silver Linear

$6.11

$2.90 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Weightlessness Tactile

$6.10

$5.50 per 10

Learn more