TTC Gold Red vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come to mind are the TTC Gold Red and the Durock Piano. The Gold Red linear switches are renowned for providing a buttery smooth typing experience accompanied by a light-medium level of resistance. They offer a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switches stand out due to their unique material blend, resulting in one of the most pleasant typing experiences. Users can expect a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature when using these switches. While both switches share qualities such as smoothness and a silky feel, they also have distinctive characteristics. The Gold Red offers a more neutral and polished typing experience, while the Piano provides a bassy sound and a frictionless feel. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Standard
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 Red and the Durock Piano have significant differences that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Gold Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend top housing, offering a satisfying and deep sound profile. While the exact details of this blend are unknown, it delivers a uniquely distinct auditory experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Gold Red adopts a nylon material that enhances the switch's sound profile with a deeper and fuller tone. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound overall. Similarly, the Piano employs a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing. While specific details are undisclosed, this blend contributes to the switch's satisfying and deep sound signature. Both switch models effectively utilize their respective bottom housing materials to create a distinctive auditory experience when pressing down on the keys.
Although the top and bottom housings differ between the Gold Red and the Piano, it is important to note that these materials effectively complement each other in creating the overall sound profile. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the keys, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the variations in housing materials, both the Gold Red and the Piano aim to provide an enjoyable and unique typing experience, each with its own specific qualities.
In summary, the TTC Gold Red and the Durock Piano employ different housing materials that contribute to their individual sound profiles. The Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound, while the Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing offers a satisfying and deep auditory experience. In terms of the bottom housing, the Gold Red features a nylon material for a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend for a uniquely enjoyable sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches optimize their respective housing materials to create a distinct typing experience, emphasizing either the bottom-out or release sound, respectively.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, one noticeable difference is the actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Red has a relatively light actuation force of 43 grams, making it easy to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the exact actuation force for the Piano switch is unknown. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Red is 50 grams, which indicates that it requires a slightly heavier press to fully activate the switch. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This means that the Piano switch will provide a more substantial typing experience, requiring a stronger push feel compared to the Gold Red. Weight-wise, both switches offer different options. The Gold Red is lighter, suitable for those who prefer extended typing sessions, while the Piano switch provides a heavier feel, appealing to users seeking a more robust typing experience. However, it is important to note that without the exact actuation force for the Piano switch, it is difficult to draw a direct comparison between the two.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the length that the switch travels from the top to the bottom when it is pressed down. This distance is felt by the user when they press a key. Both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when either of these switches is pressed down, they will travel a distance of 4 mm before reaching the bottom. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, and you can expect similar results when using either of them.
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 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 Red linear switch is best known for its buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. When it comes to sound, the Gold Red produces a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. This means that when the keys are pressed and released, you can expect a deep, rich, and satisfying sound that is more bass-heavy and mellow in tone. It provides a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you use it at home or work.
On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch stands out for its proprietary material blend that offers one of the most pleasant linear typing experiences. The Piano switch provides a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. While the specific descriptors of sound are not mentioned, we can infer that the Piano switch produces a bass-heavy and rich sound, thanks to its resemblance to bass tones.
In terms of feel, the Gold Red switch offers a mild, silky, and polished experience. These switches provide a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and polished key travel. The subtle resistance and non-resonant sound make them suitable for shared spaces. Similarly, the Piano switch is characterized by its frictionless and silky feel, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gold Red and Durock Piano switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches provide a smooth and silky typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile. While the specific sound and feel descriptors may differ, the overall experience is comparable. However, it is important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Ultimately, whether you choose the Gold Red or Durock Piano switch, you can expect a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. The Gold Red switch provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Its snappy sound profile adds a touch of personality without being too ostentatious. The Gold Red switch is best suited for those who prefer a mild, silky, subtle, and polished feel, offering a safe middle-ground typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In terms of sound, the Gold Red switch produces a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound, making it suitable for various environments.
On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch stands out for its proprietary material blend, offering one of the most pleasant typing experiences. It provides a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, characterized by a bassy tone. The Piano switch is ideal for those who prioritize a frictionless and silky feel, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the TTC Gold Red and the Durock Piano switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience. Consider whether you prefer a lighter or medium-heavy bottom out force, and whether you prioritize a buttery smooth and snappy feel or a gliding push feel. Additionally, think about the sound profile you prefer, whether it be a thocky, low-pitched, neutral sound or a deeper and richer bassy sound. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and find the switch that best suits your typing needs.