TTC Gold Brown vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Brown and the Durock Piano. The Gold Browns are known for their balanced nature, providing a slight but satisfying bump when typing. These switches also have a moderate weightiness to them, offering a tactile experience without being too heavy. They feature a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches, making them pleasant to use without being completely silent. On the other hand, the Durock Pianos stand out for their proprietary material blend, which contributes to a highly enjoyable linear typing experience. Users will appreciate the gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature that these switches deliver. Categorized as bassy, frictionless, and silky, the Pianos offer a distinctly smooth and satisfying typing experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Brown and the Durock Piano, the top housings differ significantly. The Gold Brown utilizes polycarbonate, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Piano features a proprietary POM blend top housing that offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While we don't have specific details about the POM blend, it enhances the auditory experience with its distinct characteristics.
In terms of the bottom housings, both switches have different materials, each providing distinct sound properties. The Gold Brown incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which is a classic choice known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Conversely, the Piano utilizes its own proprietary POM blend bottom housing, enhancing the overall sound profile without revealing specific details. The POM blend contributes to a uniquely satisfying and deep sound experience.
It's important to consider that the combination of top and bottom housings affects the overall typing experience. When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing come into play, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. The impact of the bottom housing is crucial in determining the tactile feedback when typing. On the other hand, the top housing has greater influence when keys are released, affecting the sound produced after a keystroke. Despite their differences, both switches offer satisfying auditory experiences, with distinctive characteristics that enhance the overall typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Gold Brown requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, whereas the exact actuation force for the Piano switch is unavailable. This means that it is unclear how they compare in terms of initiating a keystroke. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 63 grams, indicating that they require a similar amount of force to fully depress the key.
Considering weight as a factor, the Gold Brown is known to be medium in terms of actuation force, providing a balanced feel. On the other hand, the Piano switch's actuation force remains unknown, making it difficult to determine if it is lighter or heavier in comparison. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Piano switch is slightly heavier with a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, suggesting a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Ultimately, while the actuation force for the Piano switch is unknown, we can expect similar results in terms of bottoming out force between the two switches. The decision on which switch to choose would depend on personal preferences - whether one prefers a lighter actuation force for extended typing or gaming sessions, or a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is best known for its balanced qualities. It offers a slight, satisfying bump and has a moderate weightiness to it. The sound profile of the Gold Brown is generally softer than most switches, without being completely silent. This switch provides a neutral sound experience, suitable for most intents and purposes. It offers a mild and approachable feel, with a buttery and polished typing experience. The key travel is smooth and refined, resulting in reduced friction. Overall, the Gold Brown switch offers a well-rounded and comfortable typing experience.
On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is renowned for its proprietary material blend, which contributes to a pleasant typing experience. This switch offers a gliding push feel, providing a sense of effortless and smooth keystrokes. The sound signature of the Piano switch is deep and creamy, characterized by a lower frequency range resembling bass tones. The switch offers a bassy sound profile, adding depth and richness during key presses. In terms of feel, the Piano switch is described as frictionless and silky. It ensures minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer different subjective qualities but both provide a delightful typing experience. The Gold Brown offers a balanced and moderate sound profile, along with a mild and approachable feel. It provides smooth and polished key travel. On the other hand, the Piano switch offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. It ensures a frictionless and silky typing experience. Depending on personal preferences, one can choose between the balanced and moderate qualities of the Gold Brown or the smooth and deep characteristics of the Piano switch. It's important to note that the sound and feel of these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, both switches offer satisfying results in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a balanced and versatile switch, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch would be a great choice. These switches have a moderate weightiness with a slight, satisfying bump, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience. They also have a rounded sound profile that is softer than most switches without being completely silent. The Gold Brown is suitable for most intents and purposes, making it suitable for beginners and advanced users alike, whether you're using them at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Durock Piano linear switch would be an excellent option. These switches have a proprietary material blend that delivers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. The Piano switches offer a frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing resistance and providing an exceptionally smooth feel when pressing and releasing the keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Brown and Durock Piano switches depends on your preferences. If you prefer a tactile switch with a balanced feel and sound, go for the Gold Brown. However, if you prioritize a linear switch that offers a smooth and effortless typing experience with a deep sound signature, the Piano is the way to go. Both switches have their strengths and will provide an enjoyable typing experience, so consider what aspects are most important to you before making your decision. In closing, I hope this comparison has helped you in choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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