TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Piano offer unique characteristics for different preferences. The Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch that provides subtle, nuanced feedback with a gentle tactile bump and a quiet sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking an understated typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano is a linear switch that offers a smooth gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature thanks to its proprietary material blend. While the Gold Brown Pro is perfect for those who value a low-key tactile experience, the Piano excels in providing a frictionless, silky typing experience. 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
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Piano, one noticeable difference is in their top housings. The Gold Brown Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiff nature. In contrast, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend top housing, which offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While polycarbonate provides a clear and resonant sound, POM blend delivers a deeper and fuller sound that may appeal to different preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches use different materials that contribute to the overall sound and feel of typing. The Gold Brown Pro includes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, offering a similarly satisfying and deep sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both bottom housings aim to enhance the sound quality of the switches, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users.
Overall, while the Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Piano differ in their housing materials, they both prioritize providing a high-quality sound profile. The use of polycarbonate and POM blend in the top housings results in distinct sound characteristics, with polycarbonate offering a sharper sound and POM blend providing a deeper tone. Similarly, the nylon and POM blend bottom housings aim to enhance the typing experience by creating a fuller sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper and fuller tone, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is clear that they have different weight specifications. The Gold Brown Pro has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Piano's actuation force is unknown. However, the Gold Brown Pro has no specified bottom out force, whereas the Piano has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be the preferred choice due to its lower actuation force. Meanwhile, the Piano switch may be more suited for individuals who prefer a heavier typing feel, as it has a higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing pressure and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Durock Piano linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, but the slight difference could be noticeable to some users. Gamers may prefer the Gold Brown Pro for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those looking for a more substantial keypress may choose the Durock Piano with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched profile, providing a deep and satisfying sound with each keystroke. The neutral sound profile ensures a moderate level of noise, suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is characterized by its bassy sound, offering a deeper and richer tone during typing. Both switches provide unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Gold Brown Pro being more subdued and the Piano having a more prominent bass presence.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro switch is renowned for its polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped attributes, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with a gentle resistance. The switch provides a subtle tactile feedback that is not overly pronounced, making it suitable for shared spaces. Conversely, the Durock Piano switch is described as frictionless and silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Both switches excel in offering a comfortable and pleasant typing feel, catering to individuals who prioritize smoothness and ease of use.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Brown Pro provides a subtle tactile feedback with a neutral sound profile, the Durock Piano offers a deeper and richer bass sound with a frictionless typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, although the Gold Brown Pro leans towards a more subdued and nuanced feedback, while the Piano delivers a smoother and deeper typing sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a subtle tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, the TTC Gold Brown Pro would be the ideal choice for you. Its nuanced tactile bump and subdued sound profile make it perfect for those who want to stay focused on their tasks without distractions. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a deep, creamy sound, the Durock Piano would be more suitable for you. Its gliding push feel and bassy sound signature provide a pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and quiet operation (TTC Gold Brown Pro) or smoothness and deep sound (Durock Piano).
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