Gateron Melodic vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch offer unique benefits for users. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that stands out for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while ensuring a buttery smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is praised for its fast and precise typing experience, with a light-medium level of resistance and reduced travel distance for quick and effortless actuation. While the Melodic is described as buttey, resonant, invigorating, and crunchy, the Speed Silver is characterized as neutral, mild, and polished. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences and typing styles; 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Melodic and the TTC Speed Silver feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on either switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting, as it allows for the light to shine through the housing. This means that in terms of sound profile and aesthetics, both switches will offer similar results with their polycarbonate top housings.
On the other hand, the Melodic's bottom housing is made of nylon, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic. The nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. Similarly, the Speed Silver also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, thus providing a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. The qualities that nylon brings to the switches are split between the bottom and top housings, impacting both the bottom-out sound and feel as well as the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while both the Gateron Melodic and the TTC Speed Silver have slightly different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they offer comparable sound profiles and typing experiences. The polycarbonate top housings create a sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller sound. This combination of materials in each switch results in a well-rounded typing experience that is both visually appealing and satisfying audibly. Whether you choose the Melodic or the Speed Silver, you can expect a high-quality typing experience with unique sound profiles.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Speed Silver is lighter in both aspects. The Melodic has an actuation force of None grams, while the Speed Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Melodic is 60 grams, whereas the Speed Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This makes the Melodic slightly heavier than the Speed Silver overall. The actuation force of the Melodic being None grams may result in a softer touch when typing compared to the Speed Silver. However, both switches fall into the medium to medium-light range, so users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of force required for both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the Melodic has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Speed Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Melodic offers a more traditional feel with its longer travel distance, while the Speed Silver provides a shallower press for quicker response times. Gamers may prefer the Speed Silver for its faster actuation, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Melodic. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference for travel distance and keypress feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a resonant and crunchy typing experience, with a higher-pitched sound profile and crisp tactile feedback reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch offers a neutral sound profile that is clean and sharp, suitable for a wide range of users. Both switches provide distinct auditory experiences that can be further influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a buttery and invigorating typing sensation, with smooth and fluid keystrokes coupled with pronounced tactile feedback. In comparison, the TTC Speed Silver switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel that is approachable to most users. The reduced friction and smooth key travel of the Speed Silver switch contribute to its sleek and comfortable typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and TTC Speed Silver linear switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Melodic switch provides a more dramatic and tactile typing experience with its resonant and crunchy sound profile and invigorating feel, the Speed Silver switch delivers a neutral and polished typing experience that focuses on speed and precision. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a clicky sound and tactile feedback with a medium bottom out force, the Melodic switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience with a lighter bottom out force, the Speed Silver switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so it's important to determine what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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