TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Gold Red Pro and Durock Piano are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility, providing a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that is suitable for any environment. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, delivering a smooth and creamy typing experience with a deep sound profile. While the Gold Red Pro is categorized as polished, thocky, and low-pitched, the Piano is described as bassy, frictionless, and silky. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on the specific feel and sound that you prefer; 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
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock Piano feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing offers a satisfying and deep sound profile. In terms of aesthetics, the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting effects, while the Piano's POM blend top housing adds a sleek and stylish look to the switch.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Gold Red Pro utilizes a nylon material, known for creating a deep and full sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Piano features a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, offering a similarly satisfying and deep sound profile. While the specific details of the blend are unknown, it is evident that both switches prioritize sound quality through their choice of bottom housing material.
In conclusion, although the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock Piano have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, both switches are designed to provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Whether it's the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Gold Red Pro or the proprietary POM blend top housing of the Piano, each switch offers distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red Pro and the POM blend bottom housing of the Piano both contribute to a deep and satisfying sound profile, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing feel and sound of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is clear that they have different characteristics when it comes to actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Red Pro has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, while the Piano's actuation force is unknown. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Red Pro has an unknown bottom out force, while the Piano has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gold Red Pro, as it requires less force for actuation. On the other hand, the Durock Piano would be more suitable for those who enjoy a heavier push feel while typing. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock Piano linear switches, we find that the Gold Red Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Piano offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them favorable choices for those seeking faster response times, particularly gamers. However, the slight difference in travel distance may result in a slightly more abrupt feeling with the Gold Red Pro compared to the Piano. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the level of depth and responsiveness desired in a keyboard switch.
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 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a neutral and low-pitched sound profile with a thocky quality, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as having a bassy sound profile that is deep and rich during key presses. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Gold Red Pro being more balanced and the Piano delivering a more resonant tone.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro is polished, silky, mild, and subtle, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and minimal sound resonance. In comparison, the Durock Piano switch is noted for being frictionless and silky, offering an effortless typing experience with fluid key travel. Both switches excel in providing a pleasant tactile sensation, with the Gold Red Pro focusing on a polished feel and the Piano prioritizing a frictionless experience.
Overall, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch each have their own strengths in sound and feel. The Gold Red Pro offers a versatile and adaptable option with a neutral sound profile and polished typing feel, making it suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out with its proprietary material blend for a creamy sound signature and frictionless typing experience, catering to those who prefer a deep and rich sound with effortless key travel. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality performance, and users can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and satisfaction when using either option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch or the Durock Piano linear switch, your decision should be based on your priorities in typing experience. If you value a versatile switch that offers a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Gold Red Pro may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano could be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by which features are most important to you and align with your typing preferences. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so consider what factors are most important to you when making your selection.
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