TTC Gold Silver vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The TTC Gold Silver and the Durock Koala are both exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, providing a swift and decisive keystroke with a solid bottom-out. On the other hand, the Koala offers a tactile experience with a pronounced bump that doesn't overpower the entire keystroke. While the Gold Silver focuses on speed, sound, and fluidity, the Koala strikes a balance between tactile feedback and a subtle resonance. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gold Silver and the Durock Koala both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to other housing materials. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches' polycarbonate top housings are translucent, making them perfect for use with RGB lighting. The similarities in the top housing materials of these switches mean that users can expect similar sound profiles and aesthetics when using either of these switches.
In contrast, the Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder bottom housings. Similarly, the Durock Koala also features a nylon bottom housing, providing users with a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel. Both switches' nylon bottom housings contribute to the overall typing experience by affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, while the Gold Silver and the Durock Koala share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, they differ in their bottom housings, with both switches featuring nylon bottom housings that offer a unique sound profile and typing experience. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials of these switches provide users with a well-rounded typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key. Whether choosing the Gold Silver or the Durock Koala, users can expect a mix of sharp, resonant sounds from the polycarbonate top housing and deep, full sounds from the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role. The Gold Silver has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Koala switch has an actuation force that is not specified but has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The Gold Silver switch has the lighter actuation force, while the Koala switch has the heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer unique benefits based on the force required, with the Gold Silver being lighter and the Koala offering a heavier typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, we find that the Gold Silver has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Koala has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Koala has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Silver. The Gold Silver's 3.5 mm is ideal for those who prefer a slightly shorter travel distance, which can result in faster response times, making it popular among gamers. On the other hand, the Koala's 4 mm travel distance is better suited for individuals who prefer a more substantial key press feel, as it offers a bit more depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance - whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more substantial key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver for $2.90.
The Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched profile, offering a deep and satisfying sound with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch also provides a low-pitched sound profile with a moderate actuation force, ensuring a mellow tone without being overly loud. Both switches cater to a wide range of users, whether beginners or advanced, seeking a pleasant auditory experience while typing. The choice of keycaps and keyboard board will also influence the overall sound produced by these switches.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is polished and silky, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance. Its mild and subtle characteristics offer a gentle typing feel suitable for various users. Conversely, the Durock Koala switch is also polished but accentuated, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming. Additionally, its stepped design offers a more nuanced tactile feedback compared to traditional tactile switches. While the Gold Silver switch offers a safe, middle-ground typing experience, the Koala switch provides a unique tactile feel for those who prefer a more pronounced bump during typing.
In conclusion, both the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch have their distinct qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Gold Silver excels in rapid responsiveness and smooth key travel, accompanied by a thocky and low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Koala strikes a balance between tactility and smoothness, offering an accented and stepped typing experience with a low-pitched sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience for all users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the Durock Koala tactile switch, it all comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, smooth keystrokes, and a resonant sound, then the Gold Silver switch may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that provides a pronounced bump without being overly loud, then the Koala switch is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a linear or tactile typing feel, as well as the specific characteristics of sound and feel that each switch offers. Consider your typing style and preferences carefully before making your choice.
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