Gateron Weightlessness vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron Weightlessness and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing style, with the Gateron Weightlessness and TTC Yunhai representing two distinct options. The Gateron Weightlessness is celebrated for its tactile feel, providing a subtle to moderate tactile bump that enhances the typing experience while maintaining a balanced sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate feedback during their keystrokes without the distraction of overly loud sounds. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai switches cater to typists who favor a smooth, linear experience, characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and a remarkably light actuation force that allows for effortless typing. This switch is ideal for users seeking a fluid motion without tactile interruptions, making rapid keystrokes feel seamless. 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
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Weightlessness and the TTC Yunhai switches, it becomes evident that both switches utilize nylon for their top and bottom housings. This commonality suggests that the design goal for both switches emphasizes similar acoustic and tactile qualities. Nylon, as a classic switch housing material, is known for its unique ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. Both switches, therefore, will exhibit a comparable sound signature that leans toward a duller and rounder auditory experience. This characteristic arises from nylon's sound-absorbing properties, ultimately leading to a muted yet rich typing experience that many users find appealing.
While the use of nylon in both the Gateron Weightlessness and TTC Yunhai switches results in a similar sound profile when typing, the impact of each housing on the overall typing experience may differ slightly based on their design details. The bottom housing of a switch tends to play a more significant role in the bottom-out sound, while the top housing affects the sound produced when a key is released. Since both switches have similarly constructed nylon housings, users can expect a consistent audible performance across both types. However, any variations in internal switch design, such as spring tension or stem characteristics, can still influence the overall typing feel, despite the shared housing material.
Ultimately, users can confidently anticipate comparable acoustic and tactile experiences when using either the Gateron Weightlessness or the TTC Yunhai switches due to their identical nylon housings. As both switches share the same material properties, the essence of their sound profiles will be aligned, fostering a deeper, fuller typing sound. Nonetheless, the final typing experience may ultimately rely on other factors, such as personal typing style and any unique design elements of each switch beyond the housing materials. This means that while acoustics align closely, individual preferences will ultimately dictate which switch feels more satisfying to the user.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, an interesting contrast emerges in their actuation forces and bottom out characteristics. The Weightlessness requires a force of 50 grams to actuate, while the Yunhai is lighter, needing only 42 grams for activation. This difference could translate to a more effortless typing experience with the Yunhai, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a lighter touch, especially during prolonged use, such as typing at work or engaging in long gaming sessions. However, the presence of an unknown bottom out force in the Weightlessness makes direct comparisons challenging, as we cannot determine how it might feel when fully depressed. Meanwhile, the Yunhai has a specified bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that it provides a substantial resistance at full travel. As such, the Weightlessness is the heavier switch in terms of actuation force, while the Yunhai is the lighter option, catering to a different type of user preference. Overall, if you prefer a lighter actuation for comfort, the Yunhai is ideal, while the Weightlessness may be suited for those who enjoy a more robust tactile experience, though its bottoming out dynamics remain unclear.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the differences are notable. The Weightlessness has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Yunhai features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Weightlessness is the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer quicker response times suitable for gaming. In contrast, the Yunhai, with its longer distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users appreciate for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, for those seeking a more responsive feel, the Weightlessness would be the preferred choice, whereas the Yunhai caters to those who favor a deeper keypress.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a balanced profile that complements its tactile characteristics, resulting in a subtle to moderate sound when pressed. This means it lingers in a more neutral territory, neither too loud nor too silent, making it suitable for office environments or shared spaces where noise can be a concern. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai linear switch provides a unique typing experience with its deep, rounded sound profile. This deeper sound may cater to those who enjoy a richer auditory feedback while typing, enhancing the overall tactile experience. It's important to keep in mind that the actual sound produced can vary based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, so personal setup plays a significant role in the perceived audio characteristic.
When it comes to feel, the Weightlessness switch is best known for its subtle to moderate tactile feedback, offering a satisfying sensation without being overly pronounced. This makes it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a gentle nudge without disrupting their typing rhythm. Conversely, the Yunhai switch features an incredibly light actuation force that contributes to an effortless typing experience. This lightness can be particularly appealing for individuals who type quickly or for extended periods, as it minimizes finger fatigue. Both switches cater to different preferences, where the Weightlessness provides a more tactile yet balanced feel, while the Yunhai prioritizes a smoother, lighter touch.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Weightlessness and TTC Yunhai switches present distinct sound and feel profiles, they serve different user preferences. The Weightlessness excites with its subtle tactile feedback and balanced sound, creating a harmonious typing experience. On the flip side, the Yunhai’s light actuation and deep sound add a unique flavor that may appeal to those who favor a smoother, rounded touch. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference, as those seeking a more moderate tactile experience with balanced sound will lean towards the Weightlessness, whereas those looking for a lighter, effortless typing experience with a deeper auditory feedback may opt for the Yunhai.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a subtle to moderate tactile feedback during your typing experience and are looking for a switch that offers a well-balanced sound profile, the Weightlessness switch would be ideal for you. Its unique tactile feel can enhance your typing, especially if you enjoy a bit of resistance without overwhelming feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly light and effortless actuation with a deep, rounded sound profile, the Yunhai switch might be the better choice. This switch is particularly suitable for those who type frequently and prefer a smooth keystroke without the added pressure of heavier resistance. In essence, consider your typing style—whether you lean towards a tactile experience with the Weightlessness or the gentle, fluid nature of the Yunhai—to determine which switch will best enhance your keyboard experience.
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