TTC Gold Red vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the TTC Gold Red and the Durock Sea Glass. The Gold Red linear switches are known for providing a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. The switches offer a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that adds a subtle touch of personality to your keyboard. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches by Durock stand out with their captivating selection of five pastel colors. These switches offer a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in their typing experience, thanks to their proprietary material blend. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches feel weightless and are easy to press. Additionally, they produce a unique hollow sound signature. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and Durock Sea Glass switches offer distinct differences in their housing materials, particularly in their top housings. The Gold Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound experience. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it especially suitable for switches intended for use with RGB lighting.
In contrast, the Sea Glass features a top housing crafted from a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE. The resulting sound profile is described as pleasant, not particularly sharp, but leaning towards brighter tones. This blend offers a different auditory experience compared to the Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing. However, the Sea Glass's top housing still allows for the use of RGB lighting due to its translucent properties.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Gold Red employs a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass combines Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing, providing a unique blend that generates a pleasant sound profile, leaning towards brighter tones, just like its top housing.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the TTC Gold Red and Durock Sea Glass switches, the way they affect the overall sound profile is similar. Both switches focus on producing a clear and resonant sound, although with different characteristics. The Gold Red delivers a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer polycarbonate top housing and softer nylon bottom housing. Meanwhile, the Sea Glass offers a pleasant and bright sound profile through the combination of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in both its top and bottom housings. Regardless of the differences, both switches prioritize providing an enjoyable auditory experience.
Weight
Comparing the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, one can observe differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Gold Red has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Sea Glass's slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Gold Red requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Gold Red has a force of 50 grams, while the Sea Glass has a heavier force of 62 grams. This indicates that the Sea Glass requires a stronger push to fully press down the key compared to the Gold Red.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches as they allow for longer typing sessions, making them ideal for use at work or during extended gaming sessions. These individuals may find the Gold Red to be a suitable choice due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Sea Glass would be a better option with its slightly higher actuation and notably heavier bottom out forces.
While the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gold Red and Sea Glass switches differ, both switches provide a comparable typing experience to some extent. This means that if one is looking for a similar result in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, they can opt for either switch depending on their personal preference for lighter or heavier forces.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Red and the Durock Sea Glass linear switches have slightly different travel distances. The Gold Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the more traditional length, while the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers who want faster response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying and immersive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and needs. If you value a more responsive key press, the Sea Glass with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable option. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing, the Gold Red with its longer travel distance might be the better choice.
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 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
The Gold Red linear switch is best known for its buttery smooth typing experience and light-medium level of resistance. When pressed, these switches produce a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality without being too ostentatious. In terms of sound, the Gold Red is described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral, offering a deep, rich, and satisfying sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone.
On the other hand, the Sea Glass linear switch series by Durock stands out for its captivating selection of five pastel colors and distinct typing experience. These switches emanate a dryness, wispiness, and airiness due to their proprietary material blend. Despite having a 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations. Typing on these switches reveals a uniquely hollow sound signature.
Although the subjective qualities of the two switches differ, both the Gold Red and Sea Glass switches offer a smooth typing experience. The Gold Red switch is mild, silky, subtle, and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Sea Glass switch is frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced finger fatigue.
In conclusion, while the sound profiles and typing experiences of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch differ, both switches provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The Gold Red offers a snappy sound profile, while the Sea Glass has a uniquely hollow sound. The Gold Red switch feels mild, silky, subtle, and polished, while the Sea Glass switch is frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. Depending on personal preference and the desired typing experience, either switch can deliver satisfying results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be a great choice. These switches offer a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, which adds a touch of personality without being too loud. In terms of feel, the Gold Red switches are described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in your typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch is the way to go. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, thanks to their frictionless nature. The Sea Glass switches also offer a uniquely hollow sound signature, adding a unique touch to your keyboard.
In terms of sound, the Gold Red switches have a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile. This makes them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work. As for the Sea Glass switches, there is no specific information provided about their sound characteristics.
Overall, if you prioritize a smooth and gentle typing experience with a light-medium resistance, the Gold Red switches are a great option. However, if you're looking for a typing experience with a distinct dryness and weightlessness, the Sea Glass switches are worth considering. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and the kind of typing experience you are looking for.
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