TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are a few key factors to consider. The Gold Red Pro is lauded for its versatility, offering a smooth typing experience and a neutral sound profile that is well-suited for any environment. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile stands out with its pronounced yet balanced tactile feedback and unique jelly-like sound signature. While the Gold Red Pro may be a better choice for those looking for a seamless typing experience in a variety of settings, the Durock Medium Tactile is ideal for users who prioritize tactile feedback and a more distinct typing feel. 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
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intending to incorporate RGB lighting. However, the differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housing material. The Gold Red Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a similar immersive sound experience for typists.
Despite both switches sharing the same top housing material, their bottom housing materials play a crucial role in defining their unique sound profiles. The Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile that complements its polycarbonate top housing. Conversely, the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing provides a similar deep and full sound experience, adding consistency to the overall typing experience. While the top housing influences the sound upon key release, the bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock Medium Tactile play a significant role in shaping the sound profiles of these switches. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, it is the choice of nylon for the bottom housing that sets them apart. The Gold Red Pro's nylon bottom housing produces a duller and rounder sound profile, while the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing offers a similar immersive sound experience. Understanding how each housing material affects the sound and feel of the switch can help enthusiasts make an informed decision based on their preferences for typing experience.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Durock switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Gold Red Pro's bottom out force is unknown. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on their weight characteristics. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Red Pro may appeal to those who prefer typing for longer periods of time without fatigue, while the heavier bottom out force of the Durock switch provides a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Gold Red Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Medium Tactile switch. The difference may not be significant, but it could impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch when typing or gaming. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched characteristics, offering a deep and satisfying sound profile that is not too loud or too quiet, making it suitable for a variety of environments. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as having a jelly-like sound signature, which suggests a unique and slightly softer typing experience compared to the Gold Red Pro. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Gold Red Pro leaning towards a more neutral and versatile sound and the Medium Tactile providing a softer and potentially more eccentric auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red Pro switch is praised for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle characteristics, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and minimal friction. Conversely, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished, providing a tactile typing experience with a noticeable bump that is not overwhelming or too subtle. While the Gold Red Pro focuses on delivering a polished and mild keypress, the Medium Tactile offers a more tactile feel with a distinct bump during the keystroke.
In conclusion, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red Pro excels in versatility and adaptability, providing a neutral sound signature and a smooth typing experience suitable for various settings. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile stands out for its pronounced tactility and jelly-like sound, offering a more tactile typing experience with a unique auditory profile. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound and feel, with the Gold Red Pro leaning towards a more versatile and polished typing experience, while the Medium Tactile offers a tactile and distinctive keypress.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering the choice between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, remember that the Gold Red Pro is the ideal pick for a versatile typing experience in any setting. With its neutral sound profile and smooth key press, it caters to a wide range of preferences. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch offers a pronounced tactile feedback and a jelly-like sound signature, making it a unique choice for those who prefer a more distinct typing feel. In summary, if you prioritize adaptability and ease of use, opt for the Gold Red Pro, but if you seek a more tactile and engaging typing experience, the Medium Tactile may be the better fit for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference and typing style.
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