TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black are both popular choices, each offering its own unique advantages. The Gold Red Pro is renowned for its versatility, providing a smooth and seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that is suitable for any environment. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience, offering a cushiony bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. While these general pointers may help steer you in the right direction, let's delve deeper into the specific attributes of each switch to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, one key difference is in the top housing. The Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a more pointed and high-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. Both materials enhance the sound profile of the switches, but in slightly different ways, catering to different preferences for the typing experience.
Another point of contrast between the two switches is in their bottom housing materials. The Gold Red Pro features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, maintaining a consistent sound profile throughout the switch. While nylon offers a duller and rounder sound, Gateron's blend provides a pointed and high-pitched sound that is described as clacky.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of both switches play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing allows each material to contribute to different aspects of the sound profile. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the clacky high-pitched sound of Gateron's proprietary blend, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. The Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's heavier actuation force of 60 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Silent Ink Black at 70 grams is heavier than the Gold Red Pro's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Silent Ink Black provides a heavier and more substantial typing experience, while the Gold Red Pro offers a lighter touch, which may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preferences, with the Silent Ink Black being better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Gold Red Pro may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Gold Red Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black. Despite this difference, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prioritize responsiveness. Gamers, in particular, may appreciate the shorter travel distance for faster reaction times. However, some users may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt, preferring a switch with a longer travel distance for a more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red Pro for $2.90.
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 Red Pro linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, creating a deep and rich typing experience without being too loud. Its neutral sound signature makes it suitable for a variety of settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a muted sound, perfect for environments where noise needs to be minimized. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Gold Red Pro leaning towards a deeper tone while the Silent Ink Black provides a quieter typing experience.
When it comes to feel, both switches share similarities in offering silky and polished typing experiences. The Gold Red Pro switch provides a polished and subtle typing feel, with a mild and gentle resistance that makes it approachable for most users. Similarly, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, enhancing the smoothness and reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches prioritize a refined and smooth typing feel, ensuring a comfortable experience for users.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red Pro switch provides a deeper and richer sound with a polished and subtle typing feel, making it versatile for various settings. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound for quieter environments and a silky, polished typing experience for smoother key presses. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and needs, providing users with options to enhance their typing experience based on their sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider your environment and typing preferences. If you value versatility and a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro is the way to go, especially if you prioritize a polished and silky typing experience. On the other hand, if you need a quieter typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out feel, the Silent Ink Black is the ideal choice, particularly for settings where noise levels need to be minimized. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different needs, so it ultimately depends on what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch. Happy typing!
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