TTC Gold Pink vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the Durock Medium Tactile 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 Pink and the Durock Medium Tactile. The Gold Pink is a linear switch, known for its light and effortless typing experience. With an actuation force of just 37g, these switches are some of the lightest available. They offer a satisfying feedback in the form of a clacky sound, making them particularly appealing for rapid typists or gamers. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile is a tactile switch that stands out for its unique flavor. It features a pronounced yet balanced tactility, giving users a different typing experience. Additionally, it has a jelly-like sound signature, adding to the overall tactile feel. Both switches have their merits, offering different levels of feedback and sound profiles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and the Durock Medium Tactile both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housings. This shared characteristic means that users can expect similar results when it comes to sound profile and aesthetics. Polycarbonate's stiffness creates a crisp and resonant sound profile, resulting in a higher-pitched and sharper sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, whether you choose the Gold Pink or the Medium Tactile, you can experience the benefits of a clear polycarbonate top housing.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Gold Pink and the Medium Tactile employ nylon as their material of choice. This common feature leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the Gold Pink or the Medium Tactile, you can enjoy the enhanced acoustic experience that nylon brings to the switch.
Although the top and bottom housings differ between the two switches, their respective qualities contribute to different aspects of the overall typing experience. When pressing down on either switch, the characteristics of the bottom housing become more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. This differentiation allows users to customize their typing experience based on their preferences, as they can choose a switch with a bottom housing that provides their desired bottom-out sound, while still benefiting from the consistent sound produced when releasing keys thanks to the shared polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch to the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold Pink has a relatively light actuation force of 37 grams, meaning it requires a gentle push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is unavailable grams, making it difficult to determine the specific force required. However, the bottom out force of the Medium Tactile switch is 65 grams, indicating a heavier typing experience.
Considering weight, the Gold Pink offers a lighter typing experience, which can be advantageous for typing for extended periods or engaging in long gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who prefer a stronger typing experience. This can offer a satisfying tactile feedback and may be preferred by individuals seeking a more pronounced keystroke sensation. While the actuation force information for the Medium Tactile switch is not available, it can be inferred that it leans towards a medium-heavy force, given its higher bottom out force in comparison to the Gold Pink. Therefore, users can expect contrasting experiences when typing with these switches, with the Gold Pink being lighter and the Medium Tactile being heavier or more substantial.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. In terms of the overall travel distance, both switches provide a similar experience to the user. Therefore, there is no significant difference between the two switches in terms of 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 Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile 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 known for its clacky sound, providing a satisfying level of feedback. The Durock Medium Tactile switch, on the other hand, has a jelly-like sound signature. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gold Pink switch is described as having a buttery feel, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It is also characterized as mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. These qualities make it comfortable for extended typing sessions and reduce finger fatigue. In comparison, the Medium Tactile switch is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, and it also offers a gentle typing experience.
Considering all the available information, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Gold Pink switch provides a light and lively typing experience with a clacky sound, while the Medium Tactile switch offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound. If you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience, the Gold Pink switch would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a more tactile feel with a different sound signature, the Medium Tactile switch would be a good option. It's important to consider personal preferences and the overall typing experience desired when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a light and lively typing experience with a fast and effortless keystroke, the TTC Gold Pink linear switches would be the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams and an actuation force of 37 grams, these switches offer a buttery and feathery feel, reducing finger fatigue and providing a comfortable typing experience for extended periods. With their clacky sound and polished finish, the Gold Pink switches deliver a satisfying level of feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced yet balanced tactility in your switches, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switches would be more suitable. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy touch and an accented or stepped tactile feedback. They also have a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice between TTC Gold Pink and Durock Medium Tactile depends on your preference for typing experience, with the former prioritizing speed and effortlessness, and the latter emphasizing a prominent yet balanced tactility.
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