TTC Gold Red vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are seemingly endless options to choose from. Two popular choices are the TTC Gold Red and the Durock Light Tactile. While both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, they have distinct features that may make one more appealing to you than the other. The Gold Red is known for its buttery smooth feel and light-medium resistance, providing a satisfying typing experience. It also boasts a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality without being overpowering. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock offers a gentler tactility that sets it apart from the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. With its angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature, typing on the Light Tactile switch is a uniquely pleasant experience. Both switches are characterized by a neutral and mild feel, but beyond these generalities, let's dive deeper into their specific aspects to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
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
Comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Red and the Durock Light Tactile, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This means that they will provide a similar sound profile, characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches are translucent, making them ideal for those who want to utilize RGB lighting in their setup.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Gold Red features a nylon material, while the Light Tactile also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using these switches.
It's important to note the significance of the housing materials in different parts of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. Thus, even though the TTC Gold Red and Durock Light Tactile share similarities in their top and bottom housings, the division of these housing materials will offer varying experiences depending on whether you're pressing down or releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Gold Red switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making it easier to initiate a keystroke. In contrast, the Light Tactile switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams, providing a more solid and deliberate typing experience.
Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Gold Red switch has a lighter force of 50 grams, allowing for a softer landing when fully pressed. Conversely, the Light Tactile switch requires a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, resulting in a more substantial and pronounced keystroke.
Overall, the Gold Red switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch during extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch provides a slightly heavier and more solid feel, catering to individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference and the desired typing sensation.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and smooth experience in terms of travel distance. So, whether you choose the TTC Gold Red or the Durock Light Tactile, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
The Durock Light 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 Light 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 linear switch offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. This means that when the key is pressed and released, it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch has a more neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound profile and actuation force requirement. This makes it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use the keyboard at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of board and keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, both the Gold Red and Light Tactile switches offer a mild typing experience. This means they provide a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The Gold Red switch is described as silky, which means it offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, it has a subtle resistance and a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. Similarly, the Light Tactile switch also has a mild typing experience and a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer pleasant and approachable typing experiences. While the Gold Red switch has a snappy and buttery smooth feel, accompanied by a thocky and low-pitched sound, the Light Tactile switch provides an angelic tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches have a mild typing experience and a polished finish, ensuring smooth and refined key travel. Depending on your personal preferences and the specific sound and feel you are looking for, either of these switches would make a great choice for your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the TTC Gold Red linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer a gentle and silky feel, making them approachable to most typists. The snappy sound profile of the Gold Red adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. In terms of sound, these switches produce a thocky and low-pitched tone, creating a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. Ultimately, the Gold Red switch is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use them at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler tactility, the Durock Light Tactile switch is a perfect option. These switches provide an angelic tactility that is a welcome contrast to sharper tactile switches. Typing on them offers a jelly-like sound signature for a unique auditory experience. The Light Tactile switch has a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. With its mild and polished characteristics, you can expect a smooth and refined typing feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Like the Gold Red, the Light Tactile switch is a versatile option suitable for various users and environments.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and Durock Light Tactile switch have their strengths depending on your preferences. Whether you prioritize a smooth typing experience or a gentle tactility, both switches provide unique qualities that enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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