TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Ink Yellow offer unique experiences that suit different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch renowned for its subtle and nuanced feedback, providing a gentle tactile bump that allows typists to focus on their tasks without being distracted by loud keystrokes. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow is a linear switch featuring a shorter travel distance, offering a typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. While the Gold Brown Pro is praised for its understated tactility and quiet operation, the Ink Yellow is appreciated for its smoothness and clackiness. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different types of users. 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
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Ink Yellow, we see that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow uses a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, creating a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as being clacky. Despite their differences, both top housings contribute to the overall sound profile of each switch, with the Gold Brown Pro offering a more resonant sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, while the INK blend in the Ink Yellow provides a satisfying clacky sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Gold Brown Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Gateron Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also contributes to the switch's sound profile, featuring a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound that complements the qualities of the top housing. Despite the differences in materials, both bottom housings play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience of each switch.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Gateron Ink Yellow differ in their choice of housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a clear and resonant sound, while the Ink Yellow's use of a proprietary INK blend for both top and bottom housings results in a satisfying clacky sound. Whether you prefer a sharper, resonant sound or a pointed, high-pitched clack, both switches deliver a tactile typing experience that is sure to please mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, which has an actuation force of 60 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, while the bottom out force of the Ink Yellow is 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that the Ink Yellow switch requires more force to fully press down compared to the Gold Brown Pro switch. So, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Gold Brown Pro, while those who prefer a more substantial and forceful keystroke may prefer the Ink Yellow. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, so users can choose accordingly based on their preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, we see that the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Ink Yellow's 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow may appeal to those looking for quick and snappy key presses, while the slightly longer travel distance of the Gold Brown Pro may provide a more substantial and deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and desired key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
The Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is best described as thocky and low-pitched, offering a deep and satisfying sound upon each press. The sound profile is neutral, making it suitable for various settings and preferences. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch also embodies a neutral sound profile but is characterized by a clacky sound, providing a sharp and percussive tone with each keystroke. Depending on your preferred board and keycap combination, the sound produced by these switches can vary.
Moving to feel, the Gold Brown Pro switch is often praised for its polished and silky typing experience, resulting in a refined and smooth feel while typing. Described as mild and subtle, this switch offers a gentle resistance and quiet operation, ideal for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch also offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a safe middle-ground feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches prioritize smoothness and reduced friction during key presses, enhancing the overall typing comfort.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle, understated sound profile and a polished, refined feel suitable for immersive typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch showcases a clacky sound profile and a mild, smooth typing experience that bridges the gap between laptop and standard mechanical keyboards. Depending on your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, you can achieve similar results with either of these switches, tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it really comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a subtle tactile bump with a quiet sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro is the way to go. This switch allows for a gentle typing experience that keeps you focused on your tasks without unnecessary distraction. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and clackier typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow is the better choice. Ultimately, the decision should be based on whether you prioritize a nuanced tactile feel or a smooth and clacky typing experience.
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