TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Lupine. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that offers a subtle and nuanced feedback with its gentle tactile bump, providing typists with a quiet and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Lupine is a linear switch loved for its two-stage long springs that give a consistent weight distribution when pressed down and a powerful rebound movement. When it comes to sound, the Gold Brown Pro remains whisper-quiet while the Lupine has a classic clacky sound profile. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Lupine both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic that leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches used with RGB lighting. However, the differences between the two switches lie in their nylon bottom housings. The Gold Brown Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Lupine's nylon bottom housing offers a similar effect, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate top housing.
Despite the similarities in their top housing materials, the differences in the nylon bottom housings of the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Lupine lead to distinct typing experiences. While both nylon bottom housings elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile, the softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. However, the impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable during the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. This split of qualities between the top and bottom housings contributes to the overall typing experience of each switch.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. Both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Lupine utilize polycarbonate top housings to achieve a sharp and crisp sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. However, the differences in their nylon bottom housings result in unique typing experiences, with the softer nature of nylon creating a deeper and fuller sound compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. Ultimately, understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound and feel can help users choose the switch that best suits their preferences and typing needs.
Weight
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Durock Lupine linear switch, whose actuation force is unknown. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Lupine switch is heavier at 62 grams compared to the Gold Brown Pro's unknown bottom out force. This means that the Gold Brown Pro may provide a lighter typing experience with a more gentle actuation, while the Lupine switch may offer a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer different experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force of each switch will determine the overall typing experience for the user.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, slightly longer than the Durock Lupine linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances compared to the more traditional 4.0 mm distance. For those who prefer a faster response time, the Gold Brown Pro may be the preferred choice due to its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to the keypress, the Lupine with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific feel each user is seeking in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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 Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a thocky and low-pitched profile, providing a deep and rich sound with a satisfying thud-like quality when pressed. This switch gives off a neutral sound that is suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch produces a neutral sound with a high-pitched element, resulting in a crisp and sharp sound profile when pressed. Both switches are suitable for different preferences in sound, with the Gold Brown Pro offering a more subdued and understated sound compared to the Lupine's sharper and more pronounced sound.
Moving on to the feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped, providing a smooth, gentle, and refined typing experience with a light resistance and a two-stage feel. This switch aims to offer a comfortable and immersive typing feel with minimal distractions. Conversely, the Durock Lupine switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, focusing on smoothness and reduced friction for a sleek and refined typing feel. Both switches prioritize a comfortable and approachable typing experience with their respective qualities, catering to different preferences in tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is best suited for individuals seeking a subtle and nuanced tactile experience with a thocky, low-pitched sound profile and a polished, silky feel. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switch is ideal for those who prefer linear switches with a neutral sound profile featuring a high-pitched element and a mild, polished feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and Durock Lupine switches will provide similar immersive and satisfying typing experiences with slight variations in sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
Therefore, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a subtle and nuanced typing experience with a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown Pro may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer linear switches that provide a consistent typing experience with a classic clacky sound profile and a medium actuation force, the Durock Lupine would be a great option. Consider your preferences for tactility, sound, and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Lupine will depend on your personal typing style and preferences.
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