TTC Gold Silver vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the TTC Gold Silver and the Durock Lupine mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver is praised for its rapid responsiveness, providing a solid bottom-out and a resonant sound signature that signifies its commitment to swift action. On the other hand, the Lupine offers a smooth typing experience with its two-stage long springs, ensuring consistent weight distribution on the press and a powerful upward movement on the rebound, accompanied by a classic clacky sound profile. While the Gold Silver is characterized by its polished, thocky, low-pitched, and silky feel, the Lupine is known for its neutral, mild, high-pitched, and polished attributes. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and typing style; 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
62g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Gold Silver and the Durock Lupine, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for a more resonant and clear sound, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy RGB lighting. With this similarity in housing material, users can expect similar sound profiles and tactile feedback when typing on either switch.
However, where the Gold Silver features a nylon bottom housing, the Lupine also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon. With both switches using nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent typing experience and sound profile based on the characteristics of this classic switch housing material.
When examining the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it becomes evident that each material brings unique qualities to the switch. The bottom housing material, whether nylon or polycarbonate, plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing material has more influence on the sound produced when a key is released. By understanding how these housing materials affect the sound profile and tactile feedback of the switches, users can make an informed decision based on their personal preferences and typing style.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is clear that they offer different experiences based on weight. The Gold Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. However, the bottom out force of the Gold Silver is unknown, which can make it difficult to determine the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. While the actuation force of the Lupine is unknown, the heavier bottom out force suggests a more tactile typing experience compared to the Gold Silver. Ultimately, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Gold Silver, while those who prefer a heavier, more tactile feel may lean towards the Durock Lupine.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, we can see that the Gold Silver has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Lupine has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Gold Silver being the shorter option. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Gold Silver with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Lupine for its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and whether you prefer a shorter or slightly longer travel distance for your typing or gaming experience.
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 Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine 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, producing a deep and rich tone that is satisfying to the user. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switch offers a neutral sound profile suitable for various environments, with a more high-pitched and crisp sound when pressed. Both switches provide different sound experiences, catering to those who prefer a deep and resonant tone or a sharper and more distinct sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Silver switch is described as polished, silky, mild, and subtle, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance and minimal friction. Conversely, the Durock Lupine switch provides a mild and polished feel, emphasizing smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience. Both switches offer a gentle typing feel, making them approachable to a wide range of users with their middle-ground characteristics and smooth key response.
Overall, the TTC Gold Silver switch excels in providing rapid responsiveness with a solid bottom-out feel and harmonious sound signature, emphasizing speed, sound, and fluidity in each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine switch offers a unique two-stage long spring design for consistent weight distribution and a powerful rebound movement, coupled with a classic clacky sound profile. Despite their differences in sound and feel, both switches cater to users looking for a seamless and satisfying typing experience, ensuring that regardless of the choice, users will achieve a similar level of quality and performance in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the TTC Gold Silver linear switch or the Durock Lupine linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you value rapid responsiveness, a smooth keystroke, and a resonant sound profile, then the Gold Silver may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a consistent weight distribution during key presses, a more powerful rebound movement, and a classic clacky sound profile, then the Lupine switch could be the ideal option. Additionally, if you prefer a low-pitched, thocky sound and a polished, silky typing experience, the Gold Silver might be more suitable for you. Conversely, if you prefer a high-pitched sound and a mild, polished typing feel, then the Lupine switch may be the better fit. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's essential to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision.
Mentioned in this article
