TTC Gold Brown vs. Durock Lupine

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the TTC Gold Brown and the Durock Lupine. The Gold Brown switches are best known for their balanced feel, providing a slight but satisfying bump with a moderate weightiness. They offer a softer sound profile compared to other switches without being completely silent. On the other hand, the Lupine switches boast a unique feature with their two-stage long springs, delivering a consistent weight distribution when pressing down and a more powerful upward movement on the rebound. Alongside their classic clacky sound profile, typing on Lupine switches becomes a treat. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on which switch suits you.

By the numbers

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

Durock Lupine Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The TTC Gold Brown and Durock Lupine both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a similar sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that allows for clearer and more resonant sound production. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the housing. Therefore, whether you choose the Gold Brown or the Lupine, you can expect a similar sound experience with the polycarbonate top housing.

In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Gold Brown and the Lupine feature nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, typing on switches with nylon bottom housings creates a duller and rounder sound. Whether you go for the Gold Brown or the Lupine, the nylon bottom housing will provide a similar tactile experience and enhance the overall sound output.

While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Gold Brown and the Lupine, each housing material imparts its qualities differently to the switch. When pressing down on either switch, you will feel the impact of the bottom housing, which influences the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing the key. Despite their housing material differences, both the Gold Brown and the Lupine offer a satisfying typing experience with unique qualities attributed to each housing component.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, we find some similarities and slight differences. In terms of weight, the Gold Brown is lighter, with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. The Lupine, on the other hand, has an unknown actuation force but a slightly lower bottom out force of 62 grams. Both switches fall into the medium force range.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Brown switch may be ideal, as its lower actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This makes it suitable for work environments or extended gaming sessions. On the contrary, individuals who prefer a more substantial and forceful keystroke may lean towards the Lupine switch, as its heavier bottom out force provides a stronger push feel during typing.

Although the actuation force for the Lupine switch is not specified, we can assume that it likely falls within a range comparable to the Gold Brown, considering their similar bottom out forces. Therefore, users seeking similar results in terms of actuation force can expect comparable performance from both switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with the Gold Brown offering a lighter touch and the Lupine providing a slightly heavier and more pronounced keystroke.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lupine has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. 4.0 mm is considered a more traditional travel distance, providing a standard depth that many users are accustomed to. On the other hand, the Lupine with its 3.7 mm travel distance offers a shallower feel, which can be preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses, catering to the needs of those looking for increased responsiveness. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt, missing the satisfying depth that a longer travel distance provides. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired tactile experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. Starting with sound, the Gold Brown switch has a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches, without being completely silent. On the other hand, the Lupine switch produces a classic clacky sound when used. Both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, meaning they have a moderate sound level that is suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the Lupine switch is also described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed.

Moving on to feel, the Gold Brown switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience. It offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, while still providing a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. It is also described as accented, meaning it provides a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The Gold Brown switch is also polished, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, the Lupine switch offers a mild typing experience similar to the Gold Brown switch. It is also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch have different sound profiles, with the Gold Brown switch being generally softer and the Lupine switch producing a classic clacky sound. However, both switches are described as neutral in terms of sound, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. In terms of feel, both switches offer a mild typing experience and have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Therefore, if you prefer a softer sound and a more rounded tactile feel, the TTC Gold Brown switch would be a good choice. Alternatively, if you enjoy a clacky sound and a mild, polished typing experience, the Durock Lupine switch can provide similar results.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you're looking for a well-balanced switch with a slight bump and moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch would be a great choice for you. These switches offer a softer sound profile and a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer linear switches with a consistent weight distribution and a more powerful upward movement, the Durock Lupine linear switch is the way to go. These switches provide a classic clacky sound profile and a smooth typing experience. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and are suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on your personal preference for the bump of a tactile switch or the smoothness of a linear switch.

Mentioned in this article

TTC Gold Brown Tactile

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more

Durock Lupine Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more