TTC Gold Pink vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two noteworthy options to consider are the TTC Gold Pink and the Durock Lupine. The Gold Pink switches are celebrated for their lightness, boasting a mere 37g actuation force, which lends itself to a fast and effortless typing experience. These switches are particularly appealing to those who prioritize speed, whether it be for rapid typing or gaming purposes. Additionally, the Gold Pinks offer a satisfying level of feedback, thanks to their clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Lupine switches provide an equally delightful typing experience with their two-stage long springs. When pressing down, users can enjoy a consistent weight distribution, while on the rebound, a more powerful and upward movement can be felt. Similarly to the Gold Pinks, the Lupine switches emit a classic clacky sound. While these general pointers showcase the strengths of each switch, let us delve deeper into their specific attributes so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the Durock Lupine, namely the polycarbonate top housing and the nylon bottom housing, contribute to their respective sound profiles in similar ways. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate lends itself well to the use of RGB lighting, making it ideal for those looking to customize their keyboards. Similarly, both switches incorporate nylon in their bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
However, it is important to note that the TTC Gold Pink and the Durock Lupine differ in their overall sound experience due to the placement of their respective housing materials. As mentioned, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This means that while the sound profiles may be similar, the tactile experience of typing on these switches will differ depending on which housing material is more prominent.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Pink and the Durock Lupine utilize polycarbonate and nylon in their housing materials, leading to distinct sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound, while the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, the overall impact of these materials on the switches is similar, with both materials offering their unique qualities to enhance the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force between the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, there are some distinct differences. The Gold Pink switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, which is relatively light, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Additionally, it has a bottom out force of 45 grams, indicating a slight increase in resistance when fully pressed. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Lupine switch is unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, its bottom out force is 62 grams, which places it in the medium-weight category. This suggests that the Lupine switch may require a bit more force to fully depress compared to the Gold Pink switch.
Considering weight preference, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Gold Pink switch, as its actuation and bottom out forces are relatively low. This lighter weight allows for longer typing periods, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who desire a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Lupine switch. With its medium-weight bottom out force, it offers a more tactile and satisfying keystroke experience. While the actuation force of the Lupine switch remains unknown, it is likely that it provides a moderate level of resistance for triggering key presses. Therefore, by comparing the actuation and bottom out forces, we can observe that the TTC Gold Pink switch is lighter overall, while the Durock Lupine switch provides a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is evident that they have slightly different distances. The Gold Pink has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be a more traditional length. On the other hand, the Lupine offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This may not seem like a significant difference, but it can have an impact on the typing experience. For those who prefer a quicker response time, the shorter travel distance of the Lupine switch would be ideal. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for faster reactions. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt. In this case, the Gold Pink switch with its longer travel distance would provide a more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness. Both options will provide a satisfactory typing experience, albeit with slight variations in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
The Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Pink switch is best described as clacky, providing a satisfying level of feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switch is known for its classic clacky sound profile. Both switches offer a similar sound experience, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps. Therefore, whether you choose the Gold Pink or the Lupine, you can expect a similar clacky sound profile.
Moving on to feel, the TTC Gold Pink switch is known for its buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished qualities. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with a gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue. The Lupine switch, in comparison, offers a mild and polished feel. Both switches provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, with a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. The slight difference between the two lies in the feathery and subtle qualities of the Gold Pink switch, which further enhances its light and comfortable typing feel. However, overall, the feel of both switches falls within a safe and middle-ground zone.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that both the TTC Gold Pink and the Durock Lupine switches offer comparable subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both provide a clacky sound profile and a gentle typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish. Whether you choose the Gold Pink or the Lupine, you can expect a light and lively typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a light and lively typing experience, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch would be a great choice for you. With their low bottom out force of 45 grams and a light actuation force of 37 grams, these switches provide a fast and effortless typing experience, making them perfect for rapid typing or gaming. They also offer a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a more medium bottom out force of 62 grams and a two-stage long spring design that provides a consistent weight distribution on the press and a powerful upward movement on the rebound, the Durock Lupine linear switch would be a better fit for you. They also have a classic clacky sound profile. In terms of sound, the Gold Pink provides a subtle sound profile, while the Lupine offers a neutral sound profile that can be a bit high-pitched. In terms of feel, the Gold Pink is described as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished, while the Lupine is described as mild and polished. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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