TTC Speed Silver vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the TTC Speed Silver and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, and two prominent options—TTC Speed Silver and Gateron Weightlessness—highlight the spectrum of preferences between linear and tactile feedback. The TTC Speed Silver switches are celebrated for delivering a fast and precise typing experience, featuring a lighter resistance and reduced travel distance that allows for quick actuation, making them an ideal choice for gamers and typists seeking rapid key presses without the distraction of sound. In contrast, Gateron's Weightlessness switches provide a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, satisfying those who appreciate a physical response on actuation, enhancing their typing experience with a balanced sound profile that is both satisfying and conducive to productivity. Ultimately, your choice might hinge on whether you prioritize speed and fluidity or prefer the tactile reassurance of each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the TTC Speed Silver and the Gateron Weightlessness switches, the most notable difference lies in the top housing materials. The Speed Silver uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its stiff properties that produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This crispness is particularly beneficial when RGB lighting is in use, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the illumination. In contrast, the Weightlessness features a nylon top housing that absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer composition, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This divergence in materials affects the overall acoustics of each switch, with the TTC Speed Silver delivering a more resonant and clear experience, while the Gateron Weightlessness offers a warmer, rounder sound.
On the other hand, both switches share a similar material for their bottom housings: nylon. This commonality means that both the Speed Silver and Weightlessness will produce a similar auditory experience when the switch is bottomed out. The nylon material contributes to a fuller sound, absorbing some of the sharper frequencies that might otherwise be produced by a bottom housing composed of stiffer plastic. As such, while the top housings contribute distinctly different sound profiles, the effect of the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches will feel deeper and more substantial when pressed down, regardless of the contrasting top housings.
Ultimately, the differing materials in the upper housings of the TTC Speed Silver and Gateron Weightlessness create unique typing experiences that cater to distinct preferences. The clear, crisp sound of the polycarbonate in the Speed Silver appeals to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback, while the softer nylon top of the Weightlessness is ideal for users seeking a more subdued and rounded typing sound. However, the similar nylon bottom housings unify the experience at the base, where the tactile feedback and lower sound characteristics will align closely, allowing users to derive a satisfying typing experience from both switch types despite the differences in their top configurations.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation forces. The Speed Silver features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Weightlessness requires a slightly heavier 50 grams to actuate. This difference suggests that users who favor a lighter touch may find the Speed Silver more comfortable for extended typing sessions, whereas those who prefer a stronger push might lean towards the Weightlessness. Additionally, the Speed Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating that it provides a tactile responsiveness upon bottoming out. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unknown, which makes it difficult to assess how it would feel when fully pressed down. Overall, if users prioritize a lighter switch for prolonged usage, the Speed Silver would be the preferred choice, while the Weightlessness may cater to those desiring a firmer typing experience, though its lack of a specified bottom out force leaves some uncertainty.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch share the same travel distance of 3.4 mm, meaning the downstroke felt when pressing each key is identical. This similarity in travel distance results in a comparable typing experience, as both switches will engage and bottom out at the same depth. Consequently, users can expect a consistent feel when using either switch, with no differences in the distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Thus, if you're looking for a switch that provides a similar tactile experience in terms of travel, both the TTC Speed Silver and Gateron Weightlessness will deliver equal results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Speed Silver excels in its neutral sound. This neutrality means that it produces a moderate sound level that is versatile enough for various settings, whether at home or in an office environment. Meanwhile, the Weightlessness switch is noted for its balanced sound profile, although specific details on its acoustic characteristics are unknown. However, both switches will benefit from the inherent acoustics of the keyboard they are used in, including the type of board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Speed Silver provides a mild and polished experience. This means that the switch offers a gentle typing sensation that is less aggressive than more pronounced switches, making it approachable for users of all experience levels. The polished nature of the Speed Silver ensures that key presses are smooth and refined, minimizing friction for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch is recognized for its subtle to moderate tactile feedback, offering a different kind of experience that might be appreciated by users looking for a more defined actuation point, though specific details about the overall smoothness are not provided.
In conclusion, while the TTC Speed Silver and Gateron Weightlessness switches serve different purposes—one focusing on speed and a smooth linear feel, the other on tactile feedback and a balanced sound—they each have qualities that cater to a variety of typing preferences. The Speed Silver is ideal for those who prioritize a fast and effortless keystroke, while the Weightlessness may appeal to users who enjoy tactile sensations without overwhelming feedback. Ultimately, both switches promise to enhance the typing experience, and users can expect to achieve satisfactory results suited to their needs, depending on which characteristics they value most.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing between the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you prioritize speed and precision in your typing experience, the Speed Silver is the optimal choice for you. Its light-medium resistance and reduced travel distance allow for quick actuation, making it ideal for gamers or heavy typists who need fast response times without compromising comfort. The neutral sound profile adds to its versatility, suitable for both work and home environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback that provides a satisfying, yet subtle bump during each keystroke, the Weightlessness switch is your go-to option. Its balanced feel, combined with its inherently pleasing sound, can enhance your typing experience, making it more engaging and enjoyable, especially for general productivity tasks. Ultimately, consider what kind of feedback you enjoy and how you plan to use your keyboard to make the best choice tailored to your needs.
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