TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile are both fantastic options for those who prefer a tactile typing experience. The TTC Gold Brown Pro is perfect for individuals who appreciate subtle feedback and a quiet typing experience, with its gentle tactile bump and subdued sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile offers a more pronounced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique typing experience for those who enjoy a more accentuated feel. 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
65g
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 Medium Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings that create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the materials differ in their bottom housing, with the Gold Brown Pro utilizing a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Medium Tactile also features a nylon bottom housing for a similar effect. Despite this, the location of the housing materials in the switch will impact the sound and feel differently, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release.
In terms of sound and feel, both the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile offer a unique experience due to their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housings of both switches contribute to a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. This is ideal for users who prefer a more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both switches provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded and dull sound that some may find more satisfying. Despite these differences, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in each switch offers a balanced sound profile that caters to a variety of preferences.
While the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile share similarities in their housing materials, the location of these materials within the switches can impact the overall typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housings means that pressing down on a key will result in feeling the qualities of the bottom housing, which has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will influence the sound when the key is released. This distribution of housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience that combines the benefits of both polycarbonate and nylon, offering a unique and customizable feel for users.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that there are significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Brown Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Medium Tactile switch which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Medium Tactile switch is heavier at 65 grams, while the Gold Brown Pro's bottom out force is unavailable. These variations in force requirements can greatly impact the typing experience for users. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gold Brown Pro for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier bottom out force of the Medium Tactile switch for a more substantial and satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and feedback.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Durock switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the TTC switch. The 0.2 mm may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the feel of the switch when typing or gaming. If you prefer a switch with a shorter travel distance for quick and responsive typing, the TTC Gold Brown Pro would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth to each keystroke, the Durock Medium Tactile switch may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the slight difference in travel distance may impact how they feel during use.
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 Medium 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 Medium 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
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch offers a quiet and subtle typing experience with its low-pitched and thocky sound profile, creating a background presence for immersive typing sessions. In comparison, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a more pronounced tactility, accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature that adds character to each keystroke. While the Gold Brown Pro focuses on a polished and silky feel, the Medium Tactile switch provides an accented and stepped tactile sensation for a more engaging typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences. Overall, if you prefer a tactile switch with a quieter sound and subtle feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more prominent tactile feedback and a distinct sound profile, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a gentle, understated typing experience or a more prominent tactile and auditory feedback.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and sound. If you prefer a subtle and understated tactile experience with a quiet sound profile, the Gold Brown Pro may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile bump and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile could be the switch for you. Whichever switch you ultimately choose, both offer unique tactile experiences that cater to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you value the most.
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