Gateron Melodic vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron Melodic and the TTC Yunhai offer distinct yet appealing experiences catered to different user preferences. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that revitalizes the classic clicky feel by incorporating modern advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. This results in a satisfying tactile feedback that is described as buttery, resonant, and invigorating, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy audible confirmation with every keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai is a linear switch designed for users who seek a more seamless, quiet typing experience. With a gentle actuation force and a deep, rounded sound profile, the Yunhai allows for effortless typing, perfect for users who prioritize a smooth and uninterrupted workflow. Each switch appeals to different types of users—whether you favor the tactile feedback of the Melodic or the serene smoothness of the Yunhai. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Melodic and the TTC Yunhai switches showcase distinct characteristics in their housing materials, leading to different auditory profiles. The Gateron Melodic's top housing is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This material contributes to a crisper sound profile, making it especially desirable for users who prefer a more resonant and clear auditory experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference in material choice plays a significant role in shaping the overall acoustic performance of each switch.
While both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, the implications of this choice highlight a contrasting yet complementary relationship between the two designs. For the Melodic, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a richer, rounder sound when the key is bottomed out, aligning with the characteristics found in the Yunhai's bottom housing. Both switches leverage the acoustic dampening qualities of nylon, allowing them to deliver a satisfying typing experience; however, the overall sound signature is still shaped by the top housings. Consequently, the combination of polycarbonate on the Melodic's top and nylon on the bottom foregrounds a brighter sound when releasing keys, whereas the Yunhai's entirely nylon construction yields a more muted and mellow response.
When considering how the differences in housing materials affect performance, it's essential to recognize that the interaction between the materials can create stages of auditory feedback unique to each switch. The Gateron Melodic benefits from polycarbonate's translucency, enhancing RGB lighting effects, while maintaining a sound profile that is sharper during upstrokes. The TTC Yunhai, being fully nylon, provides a cohesive, softer sound experience that emphasizes warmth and fullness. In essence, though both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing and offer satisfying auditory feedback, the contrasting qualities of polycarbonate versus nylon in the top housing ultimately define their unique sound profiles, ensuring that users will experience different characteristics, even if the bottom halves share the same material.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Gateron Melodic has an unknown actuation force, but it features a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as having a medium pressure requirement. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Yunhai noticeably lighter overall, which is beneficial for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. The Melodic switch, being heavier, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. As a result, if one seeks a lighter touch and less fatigue during long use, the TTC Yunhai is the better choice, while the Gateron Melodic might suit those who prefer a firmer push.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Melodic switch the longer option, allowing for a more pronounced tactile feel with each keypress, which some users prefer for its depth and feedback. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Yunhai switch caters to those who prioritize quicker response times, often favored by gamers seeking a more immediate actuation. While both switches offer distinct benefits based on personal preference, the Melodic's longer travel distance may appeal more to users who enjoy a traditional typing experience, whereas the Yunhai’s shorter distance is suited for those who prefer a more rapid keystroke action.
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 Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 auditory experience. The higher-pitched tones deliver a clean and sharp sound profile that enhances the tactile enjoyment while typing, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This sound offers not just a functional feedback mechanism during typing but also an enjoyable sensory experience. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch does not have a specified sound profile available for comparison. However, it is generally understood that linear switches are quieter, lacking the distinctive tactile noise that clicky switches provide.
On the feel front, the Melodic switch stands out with its buttery smoothness and invigorating feedback. The combination of smooth factory lubing and a dual-railed stem ensures a seamless keystroke while providing a pronounced tactile response. This snappy and reactive feel is designed to engage typists, offering a rich and immersive typing experience. The TTC Yunhai linear switch, while not explicitly detailed in this regard, is characterized by its light actuation force, suggesting an effortless typing sensation that suits users who prefer a gentle touch without the resistance embodied in more tactile or clicky switches.
In summary, both switches cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Gateron Melodic excels in sound and feel, delivering a satisfying, auditory-rich interaction combined with a smooth tactile sensation. Conversely, while the TTC Yunhai may offer a light feel appealing to those who seek a less resistive typing experience, its sound quality remains unspecified, making it less engaging in terms of auditory feedback. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to a preference for the classic clicky experience of the Melodic or the gentle feedback of the Yunhai.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory experience while typing, the Gateron Melodic is the ideal option. It features a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, which provides a satisfying feedback and a resonant, crunchy sound profile. This makes it perfect for users who appreciate pronounced clicks and a vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, gentler typing experience with minimal resistance, the TTC Yunhai linear switch is the way to go, with its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams. This switch excels at providing a buttery feel and a deep, rounded sound profile, making it a great choice for those who favor a more effortless and fluid keystroke. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct experiences, so consider what aspects—be it sound, feel, or typing effort—are most important to you in your keyboard setup.
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