TTC Gold Pink vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink 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 Pink and the Durock Piano, both being linear switches. The Gold Pink is best known for its incredibly light actuation force of 37g, making it ideal for those seeking a fast and effortless typing experience. With a satisfying clacky sound, these switches offer a light and lively typing sensation, perfect for both rapid typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, which provides a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. Offering a bassy and frictionless experience, the Piano switch is exceptionally pleasant to type on. 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
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Partial box
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
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Pink and the Durock Piano switches differ in their composition, which leads to distinct sound profiles. The Gold Pink features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Piano has a proprietary POM blend top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the specifics of the POM blend used in the Piano switch are undisclosed but result in a uniquely satisfying and deep sound. While both materials contribute to an enhanced sound experience, the Gold Pink's polycarbonate generates a more defined and high-pitched sound, while the Piano's POM blend offers a deeper and more satisfying tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Gold Pink utilizes a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. Similarly, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, which also results in a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Both bottom housings enhance the sound experience of the switches, albeit in different ways. The nylon bottom housing of the Gold Pink generates a deeper and fuller sound, while the exact characteristics of the POM blend in the Piano switch contribute to its satisfying and deep sound.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound of the switches, it is important to note that they play different roles. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on the switch, the properties of the bottom housing become more apparent. On the other hand, the top housing has more impact on the sound emitted when releasing a key. Therefore, even though the housing materials differ, both the Gold Pink and the Piano switches provide excellent sound profiles due to the unique qualities brought by their top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we can observe notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Pink switch has an actuation force of 37 grams, providing a light and effortless keystroke trigger. In contrast, the actuation force of the Piano switch is currently unknown, making it difficult to directly compare. However, in terms of bottoming out, the Gold Pink switch has a force of 45 grams, which is relatively light and results in a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Piano switch boasts a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, falling into the medium-heavy range. Those who prefer a lighter switch may find the Gold Pink more suitable for extended typing sessions or extended gaming, as it allows for comfortable and sustained use. However, individuals seeking a more substantial and responsive typing experience may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Piano switch.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel 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 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 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 Gold Pink switch is known for its clacky sound, providing a satisfying level of feedback during key presses. This sound profile offers a lively and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Piano switch is described as having a deep and creamy sound signature, which creates a pleasant typing atmosphere. The deep and rich bass tones associated with the Piano switch contribute to its unique sound profile. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gold Pink switch is referred to as buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished. The buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild characteristic of the switch means it offers a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics, making it approachable for most users. The feathery aspect of the Gold Pink switch highlights its light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The subtle switch provides a gentle resistance and light typing feel without a resonant sound, making it suitable for shared spaces. Lastly, the polished feature indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Comparatively, the Piano switch is described as frictionless and silky in terms of feel. The frictionless characteristic ensures an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The silky texture of the Piano switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and reduces resistance during key presses and releases.
In conclusion, the Gold Pink and Piano switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Pink switch provides a clacky sound profile and offers a buttery, mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Piano switch offers a deep and creamy sound signature, along with a frictionless and silky feel. Depending on the user's preferences and typing style, each switch can provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience. However, it is important to consider other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience, the TTC Gold Pink linear switch would be the better choice for you. With its low bottom out force of 45 grams and an actuation force of 37 grams, these switches provide a fast and easy typing experience. They are perfect for rapid typing or gaming and offer a satisfying level of feedback with their clacky sound. The Gold Pinks also have a range of descriptors like "buttery," "mild," "feathery," "subtle," and "polished," which indicate a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, if you value a pleasant and gliding typing feel, the Durock Piano linear switch would be more suitable. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches provide a deep and creamy sound signature. The Pianos are described as "bassy" and "silky," indicating a rich sound profile and an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for typing feel and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
