TTC Gold Pink vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Ink Yellow. The Gold Pink is a linear switch that stands out for its incredibly light 37g actuation force, making it a great choice for those who value a fast and effortless typing experience. Whether you're a rapid typist or an avid gamer, these switches deliver a light and lively typing experience with a satisfying level of feedback, thanks to their clacky sound. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow is also a linear switch but is known for its shorter travel. This switch provides a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, the Ink Yellow switch offers a unique feel. Both switches have their own advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and Gateron Ink Yellow switches exhibit noticeable differences in their housing materials. The Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate produces a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize sound quality. In contrast, the Ink Yellow utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. While also offering a pointed and high-pitched sound, it is described as less sharp and clacky compared to the Gold Pink. Both switches provide satisfactory sound profiles, each with its distinct characteristics.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Gold Pink boasts a nylon construction. Nylon is well-regarded as a classic switch housing material due to its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. With its relatively softer composition, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow employs Gateron's INK blend for its bottom housing. It shares the same pointed and high-pitched sound qualities as its top housing, creating a pleasingly thin and clacky sound. The bottom housing's impact is more evident in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, further contributing to the overall typing experience.
While there are distinct differences between the Gold Pink and Ink Yellow switches in terms of housing materials, it's important to note that both switches excel in their respective sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Pink offers a sharper and crisper sound, while Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a slightly milder and clacky sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Pink delivers a deeper and fuller sound, while the INK blend bottom housing offers a thin and clacky sound profile. Despite these disparities, both switches are crafted to provide satisfying typing experiences with their unique and distinct sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch to the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, there are significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Pink has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Pink would be an excellent choice. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces make typing for extended periods much more comfortable. This switch would be particularly suitable for individuals who use their keyboards extensively for work or engage in long gaming sessions.
On the contrary, the Ink Yellow switch is a better option for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience. With a higher actuation and bottom out force, this switch provides a more tactile feedback, contributing to a satisfying typing experience.
It is worth mentioning that while the actuation and bottom out forces differ significantly between the two switches, both can provide similar results in terms of typing performance. The Gold Pink offers a lighter touch, while the Ink Yellow offers a heavier touch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would rely on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Gold Pink offers a slightly longer distance to travel compared to the Ink Yellow. This means that when pressing down on a key with the Gold Pink switch, you will feel a slightly greater distance compared to the Ink Yellow.
The difference in travel distance may not be significant to everyone, as it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some individuals may prefer a shorter travel distance, such as the 3.5 mm offered by the Ink Yellow, as it allows for faster response times, which can be advantageous for gamers. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press and a deeper feeling may opt for the Gold Pink with its 4.0 mm travel distance.
Ultimately, both switches offer respectable travel distances that can cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance, you can expect similar results in terms of key actuation and overall functionality.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Pink switch is characterized by a clacky sound. The sound produced when pressing these switches can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground between loud and quiet, making it suitable for most purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Pink switch offers a variety of qualities. It is described as buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The typing sensation is seamless, effortless, and uniform. Additionally, it is considered mild, meaning it offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most individuals. The switch is also feathery, requiring minimal exertion from the fingers and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Lastly, it is described as subtle, providing gentle resistance and a sound signature that is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. Moreover, the Gold Pink switch is polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a mild typing experience similar to the Gold Pink switch. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, providing a gentle typing experience that most individuals will find approachable. Additionally, it is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that enhances the overall typing experience by reducing friction and ensuring smooth key travel.
Overall, both the TTC Gold Pink and Gateron Ink Yellow switches offer their own unique qualities and advantages. The Gold Pink switch is known for its light actuation force, clacky sound, buttery and feathery feel, and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch offers a shorter travel, neutral sound, mild and polished feel. While there may be slight variations in sound and feel, using either switch will provide a satisfying typing experience. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a light and lively typing experience, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams and a 37g actuation force, these switches offer a fast and effortless typing experience, making them perfect for rapid typing or gaming. They provide a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound, giving you a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that falls between that on a laptop and on a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch would be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience. They showcase a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, making them a great choice if you want a switch with a shorter travel distance.
In terms of sound, the Gold Pink switch delivers a clacky sound, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch has a neutral sound profile, which makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Pink switch provides a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. These switches offer smooth and fluid keystrokes, reducing finger fatigue and providing comfort for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch offers a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. Consider the desired typing experience, actuation and bottom out forces, sound profile, and feel of the switches to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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