TTC Gold Brown Pro vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer distinct experiences for typists. The Gold Brown Pro is favored for its subtle and nuanced feedback, providing a gentle tactile bump that allows for focused typing without distractions. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock stands out with its captivating pastel colors and a unique typing experience characterized by dryness, wispiness, and airiness. While the Gold Brown Pro leans towards a more polished and thocky feel, the Sea Glass switches offer a frictionless and feathery touch. 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
45g
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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE 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 TTC Gold Brown Pro and the Durock Sea Glass, we can see that they each offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Gold Brown Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, providing a sound profile that is described as pleasant and bright. While both materials offer a different sound experience, they both aim to enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Moving onto the bottom housings, the Gold Brown Pro incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile that is more rounded and dull. On the other hand, the Sea Glass also utilizes a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing, offering a unique sound profile that is pleasant and bright, similar to its top housing. Despite the differences in materials used for the bottom housings, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience by affecting the sound and feel of the switches in their own distinct ways.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials for both switches are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. While the Gold Brown Pro and the Sea Glass may have different housing materials, they both strive to enhance the typing experience through their unique sound profiles created by their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that they both share the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, where they differ is in their bottom out force. The Gold Brown Pro has a bottom out force that is unknown, while the Sea Glass has a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is considered to be on the medium side. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Gold Brown Pro may be the better option due to its unknown bottom out force. On the other hand, the Sea Glass may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lighter or heavier feel when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is clear that both switches have the same travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and actuation point for both switches. The consistency in travel distance between the two switches allows for a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen. Whether you opt for the Gold Brown Pro tactile switch or the Sea Glass linear switch, you can expect a comfortable typing experience with a travel distance of 3.8 mm.
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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 is characterized by a thocky and low-pitched profile, which produces a deep and rich tone with a bass-heavy quality that is satisfying to the ear. This switch is considered neutral in terms of actuation force requirement and sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is noted for its uniquely hollow sound signature, which adds to the overall typing experience with a distinct dryness and airiness. Although specific descriptors for the Sea Glass sound are not provided, it is evident that the switch offers a sound profile that is different from the traditional tactile switch like the Gold Brown Pro.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch is described as polished, silky, mild, subtle, and stepped. These qualities indicate a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance, suitable for most users who prefer a balanced typing feel without too much intensity. Conversely, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is characterized by its frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press attributes. This results in an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance, ideal for users looking for a light and comfortable keystroke that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch provides a subtle and polished typing experience with a thocky sound profile, appealing to those who desire a nuanced tactile feedback without loud distractions. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a unique hollow sound signature and a frictionless, feathery feel that sets it apart from traditional linear switches. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, providing users with distinct options to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on individual preference for tactile feedback and sound profile, but users can expect similar levels of quality and performance from both options.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a subtle tactile feedback and a quiet typing experience, the Gold Brown Pro may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth, weightless typing experience with captivating pastel colors and a hollow sound signature, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a gentle tactile bump and subdued sound profile (Gold Brown Pro) or a dry, frictionless typing experience with a unique hollow sound (Sea Glass). Choose the switch that aligns with your personal preferences and typing style to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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