TTC Gold Pink vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Melodic are both popular options with unique characteristics worth considering. The Gold Pink, a linear switch, is lauded for its 37g actuation force, making it one of the lightest switches available. Ideal for those who seek a fast and effortless typing experience, the Gold Pink is perfect for both rapid typing and gaming. Its satisfying clacky sound adds a level of feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch, is a standout in its category with features like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems for a seamless typing experience. Users can enjoy the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback without sacrificing smoothness. While both switches offer their unique advantages, determining the best choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the Gateron Melodic, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This common choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for better diffusion of RGB lighting, making it an ideal choice for switches designed for aesthetic appeal. With this similarity in housing material, users can expect similar sound and lighting results from both the Gold Pink and Melodic switches.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Gold Pink features a nylon construction while the Melodic also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other housing materials due to its softer nature and higher sound absorption capabilities. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that incorporate nylon for their bottom housing. Despite this difference in bottom housing material, both the Gold Pink and Melodic switches offer a similar typing experience with regards to the feel and sound produced when the keys are pressed down.
When considering the impact of different housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing has more impact on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, users can expect variations in sound and feel between the Gold Pink and Melodic switches based on the differences in their housing materials. Despite these distinctions, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience, each offering unique characteristics attributed to their specific housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it is clear that the Gold Pink is the lighter option with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. On the other hand, the Melodic switch has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, although its actuation force is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Gold Pink switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch would be more suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for typing force and typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the two switches, it can be noted that they provide a consistent typing experience with the same tactile feedback. Since they both have the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feedback and overall typing comfort. Additionally, the linear nature of the Gold Pink switch offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile feedback, while the clicky nature of the Gateron Melodic switch provides audible feedback with each keypress. Overall, both switches offer a reliable typing experience with the same travel distance, making them suitable options for different preferences in typing feel.
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 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.
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 Gold Pink linear switch is best known for its clacky sound, providing a satisfying level of feedback to users. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is described as resonant and crunchy, offering a higher-pitched sound profile and a distinct auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. Both switches provide unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Gold Pink offering a lighter and livelier typing experience compared to the Gateron Melodic's immersive and classic clicky sound.
In terms of feel, the Gold Pink linear switch is known for its buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke, gentle typing sensation, light actuation force, comfortable feel, and refined finish for reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is also described as buttery and invigorating, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation with pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback and typing experiences that cater to different user preferences, with the Gold Pink emphasizing lightness and ease of typing, while the Gateron Melodic offers a more immersive and invigorating typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch both offer distinctive subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Gold Pink provides a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound, the Gateron Melodic offers a classic clicky sound with smoothness and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, actuation force, and typing experience, allowing users to personalize their mechanical keyboard setup to suit their unique typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Pink linear switch or the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you value a light and lively typing experience with a fast and effortless keystroke, then the Gold Pink may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy the classic clicky sound with smoothness and tactile feedback, the Melodic switch might be more suited to your taste. Think about whether you prefer a lighter actuation force and a clacky sound or a medium actuation force with a crisp clicky sound. Consider the sound and feel descriptors provided for each switch to help guide your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on what you prioritize in your typing experience.
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