TTC Gold Red vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices are the TTC Gold Red and the SP-Star Duck. The Gold Red is a linear switch that offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. This switch has a snappy sound profile that adds a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. On the other hand, the Duck is a tactile switch that provides a more subtle tactile typing experience. It offers a gentle tactility when typing and has a clean and crispy sound profile. While both switches have their appeal, the Gold Red provides a thocky and low-pitched typing experience, whereas the Duck offers a buttery and polished feel. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red and the SP-Star Duck both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a precise audio experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetics of these switches. Overall, the similarities in their top housing material ensure that users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and visual appeal.
While the top housing material remains the same for both switches, their difference lies in the material used for the bottom housing. The Gold Red features a nylon bottom housing, adding a deeper and fuller sound profile to typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the bottom-out sound of the Gold Red switch is slightly duller and rounder, providing a more satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows for a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on the switch. Differences in sound output can be expected due to the contrasting bottom housing materials of these switches.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound experience, the bottom housing plays a significant role. The Gold Red's nylon bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and the tactile feel when pressing down on keys. Its softer nature provides a cushioned sensation, giving typists a more comfortable and smoother typing experience. Conversely, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the SP-Star Duck contributes to a firmer and more responsive tactile feel. The impact of the bottom housing material is most noticeable when pressing down on the switch, creating a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Thus, while the top and bottom housing materials may differ for these switches, they each contribute to the overall feel and sound in their own unique ways.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is clear that they have distinct characteristics. The Gold Red switch has a relatively lighter actuation force of 43 grams, meaning a relatively gentle push will trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Duck switch's actuation force is unavailable, so a direct comparison cannot be made. However, the Gold Red switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Duck switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This indicates that the Duck switch requires a bit more force to fully depress the switch compared to the Gold Red.
Considering weight as an important factor, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Gold Red switch. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. Conversely, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push may find the heavier bottom out force of the Duck switch more suitable.
Overall, while the actuation force of the Gold Red switch is known and lighter compared to the Duck switch, the exact actuation force of the Duck switch remains unknown. However, by examining the bottom out force, it can be concluded that the Duck switch is slightly heavier in this aspect. Therefore, depending on personal preferences and desired typing experience, both switches offer unique advantages for users.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance traveled for both switches. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 switch is described as thocky, low-pitched, and neutral. Thocky switches produce a deep and satisfying sound, similar to a "thud" or a soft "knock." The low-pitched sound profile of the Gold Red switch adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Overall, the sound is moderate and suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use the switch at home or work. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch is also described as neutral in terms of sound. It provides a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. However, specific information about the sound characteristics of the Duck switch is unknown.
In terms of feel, the TTC Gold Red switch is described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished. The mild nature of this switch offers a gentle typing experience, making it approachable to most users. The silky characteristic enhances the smoothness of the typing feel, reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Furthermore, the Gold Red switch has a subtle resistance, providing a light typing feel without being feather-like. The sound signature of this switch is not resonant, making it suitable for shared spaces. The polished finish of the Gold Red switch contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch is also described as mild and polished in terms of feel. It offers a gentle typing experience and a sleek typing experience due to its smooth and refined finish. Information about the specific feel characteristics of the Duck switch, such as its level of resistance and smoothness, is unknown.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer unique subjective qualities. The Gold Red switch provides a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a snappy sound profile. It has a thocky and low-pitched sound, and a mild, silky, subtle, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a more subtle tactile typing experience with a gentle tactility and a clean and crispy sound profile. It has a neutral sound and feel, described as mild, buttery, and polished. While there may be similarities in terms of sound neutrality and polished feel, further information about the Duck switch's specific sound characteristics and level of resistance is unknown. Therefore, if you are looking for a smooth and moderately resistant linear switch with a distinct sound, the Gold Red switch is recommended. However, if you prefer a more subtle tactile switch, the Duck switch may be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a light to medium resistance with a buttery smooth typing experience and a subtle sound profile, then the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be the ideal choice. These switches provide a satisfying "thocky" sound when pressed, with a low-pitched and neutral sound profile. The Gold Red also offers a mild and silky typing feel, with a polished finish for a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle tactile typing experience with clean and crispy sound, then the SP-Star Duck switch is a great option. The Duck switch has a medium resistance with a neutral sound profile, providing a mild and buttery typing feel with a polished finish. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and are suitable for most intents and purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your personal preference for resistance, sound, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
