TTC Gold Silver vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the Durock Light Tactile switch, we see two distinct options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Gold Silver is praised for its rapid responsiveness, providing a decisive bottom-out with each keystroke and a resonant sound signature. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a softer touch compared to more pronounced tactile switches. While the Gold Silver emphasizes speed, sound, and fluidity, the Light Tactile provides a subtle and polished typing experience. Each switch has its own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
52g
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 TTC Gold Silver and the Durock Light Tactile both share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material choice is ideal for switches planned to be used with RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects. However, the Gold Silver also features a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Light Tactile's polycarbonate bottom housing, which creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature.
While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, the differences in their bottom housings significantly impact the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches. The Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Light Tactile's polycarbonate bottom housing leads to a duller and rounder sound. This split in housing materials affects the typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a larger role in the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and Durock Light Tactile play a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. While they both feature polycarbonate for the top housing, the Gold Silver stands out with its nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Light Tactile's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. Understanding how these different materials impact the overall typing experience can help enthusiasts make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Durock Light Tactile switch, with 45 grams versus 52 grams. This means that the Gold Silver switch will require less force to register a keystroke. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Silver switch is unknown, while the Durock Light Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy. The difference in weight between the two switches may appeal to different preferences among users. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gold Silver switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Light Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Silver switch. In general, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying keystroke for some users. Both switches offer different options for different preferences, with the Gold Silver providing a shorter travel distance and the Light Tactile offering a slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Silver switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deep and satisfying sound when pressed. The neutral sound profile of this switch makes it versatile for various environments and preferences. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users. The Light Tactile switch provides a jelly-like sound signature that complements its gentle tactility, offering a unique auditory experience during typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is praised for its polished and silky typing experience, thanks to its smooth and refined finish. The mild and subtle resistance of this switch provides a gentle typing feel that is approachable to most users. In contrast, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a similar mild typing experience with its polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches fall within a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel, catering to users who prefer a more gentle and refined typing experience.
Overall, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch excels in rapid responsiveness and precision with a resonant sound signature, providing a seamless blend of speed, sound, and fluidity in every keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility and angelic feel, accompanied by a jelly-like sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience with unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the TTC Gold Silver and Durock Light Tactile switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, consider the specific characteristics that align with your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, a solid bottom-out, and a resonant sound signature, the Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler tactility, a jelly-like sound profile, and a smoother typing experience, the Light Tactile switch from Durock could be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
Mentioned in this article
