TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Light Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, it all comes down to your preference for tactile feedback. The TTC Gold Brown Pro offers a subtle and nuanced tactile bump that allows for a seamless typing experience without overwhelming feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile provides a gentle and angelic tactility that is a stark contrast to the sharper tactile switches in the market. While the Gold Brown Pro boasts a subdued sound profile, the Light Tactile offers a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches are categorized as being polished and mild, but the Gold Brown Pro is also low-pitched and silky while the Light Tactile is described as neutral. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Light Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate results in a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. While both switches share this top housing material, they may have different characteristics in the bottom housing material.
The Gold Brown Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Light Tactile's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing material may lead to a variation in the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing. The choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the typing experience, providing a unique tactile response based on the material's properties.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Light Tactile share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the difference lies in their choice of bottom housing material. The split between the top and bottom housing materials affects the sound and feel of each switch when typing, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound upon key release. Both switches offer distinct characteristics based on their housing materials, providing users with a variety of options to customize their typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch with a heavier actuation force of 52 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is unknown, while the Durock Light Tactile has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. So, for those looking for a lighter typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro would be a better option, while the Durock Light Tactile would be more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, so users can choose based on their personal preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switches, we can see that the Gold Brown Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Light Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm. Although the difference may seem minimal, it can impact the typing experience for some users. The shorter travel distance of the Gold Brown Pro may cater more to gamers looking for a faster response time, while the longer travel distance of the Light Tactile may provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. Both switches offer a tactile feel, so regardless of which one you choose, you can expect similar results in that aspect.
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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 switch offers a thocky and low-pitched profile, providing a rich and satisfying sound that is not too loud or distracting. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings without being too disruptive. Both switches will provide a pleasant typing experience in terms of sound, with the Gold Brown Pro being slightly deeper in tone.
In terms of feel, the Gold Brown Pro switch is polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle tactile feedback. The Light Tactile switch from Durock shares the polished and mild descriptors, indicating a similarly gentle and approachable feel. Both switches give a comfortable typing experience that is not too heavy or overly tactile, allowing for extended use without fatigue.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch offer subtle tactile feedback with a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for users who prefer a more understated typing experience. The differences lie in the slight nuances of sound depth and feel characteristics, where the Gold Brown Pro may provide a slightly richer sound and a more varied tactile feel with its stepped design. Overall, both switches will deliver a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for those who appreciate a more gentle and refined tactile switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile. If you value a subtle and nuanced tactile experience with a subdued sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a super gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile is the switch for you. Consider the bottom out force, tactile feel, and sound characteristics of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences tailored to different preferences, so choose the one that resonates most with you.
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