TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Red Pro and Durock Sea Glass both offer their own unique characteristics to consider. The Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility and ease of use, providing a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature that is suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock stands out for its eye-catching pastel colors and proprietary material blend, offering a distinct typing experience with a weightless feel and uniquely hollow sound. Each switch has its own strengths and qualities that make them appealing choices for different preferences and needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Durock Sea Glass switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with clear and resonant characteristics, ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a unique sound profile that is bright yet not overly sharp. This difference in material composition results in distinct auditory feedback for users of both switches.
While the Gold Red Pro utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, the Sea Glass incorporates the same blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing for a pleasant and slightly bright sound. The softer nature of nylon in the Gold Red Pro switch absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound upon typing. On the other hand, the unique blend in the Sea Glass switch maintains a balanced sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards brightness. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience for users of each switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gold Red Pro and the Durock Sea Glass switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and tactile feedback. While the Gold Red Pro emphasizes a sharper, clearer sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Sea Glass offers a unique blend of materials in both the top and bottom housings for a pleasant yet slightly bright sound. Both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience through their housing materials, providing users with a variety of options to suit their personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Red Pro is lighter in terms of actuation force at 43 grams, compared to the Sea Glass at 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Sea Glass is heavier at 62 grams, while the bottom out force of the Gold Red Pro is unknown. This means that the Sea Glass provides a slightly heavier typing experience overall. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Gold Red Pro, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may favor the Sea Glass. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red Pro and Durock Sea Glass linear switches both have a travel distance of 3.8mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key using either switch, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same. As a result, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key travel with both switches. Whether you choose the Gold Red Pro or the Sea Glass, you can be confident in getting consistent and satisfying results when it comes to the travel distance of the switches.
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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 is characterized as having a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying tone that is neither too loud nor too soft. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch features a hollow sound signature with a distinct dryness and airiness, providing a unique auditory experience. While the Gold Red Pro leans towards a more neutral sound, the Sea Glass offers a more unconventional and lightweight sound profile due to its proprietary material blend.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch is known for its polished and silky typing experience, providing a smooth and refined key press that minimizes friction and enhances overall typing comfort. Described as mild and subtle, these switches offer a gentle typing experience suitable for various preferences. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switch is highlighted by its frictionless and feathery feel, offering an effortless and fluid typing experience with minimal resistance. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switch series provides a weightlessness that defies expectations, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Overall, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch boasts a versatile and adaptable nature, making it suitable for a wide range of typing environments such as gaming, office work, and leisurely typing sessions. With its neutral sound profile and polished typing experience, the Gold Red Pro offers a reliable and consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch series stands out with its unique pastel color options and distinct sound and feel characteristics. With a focus on providing a frictionless and airy typing feel, the Sea Glass switches offer a refreshing and unconventional typing experience that may appeal to those looking for something different in their mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and can cater to different preferences, providing a satisfying typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your preferences and needs. If you appreciate a versatile switch that offers a seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Gold Red Pro may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a switch with a unique dry and airy typing experience, along with a weightlessness that defies expectations, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock might be more suited to your tastes. Ultimately, both switches offer different qualities that cater to a variety of users, so make your decision based on what aligns best with your typing style and environment.
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