TTC Gold Silver vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Silver and the Durock Piano both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver is renowned for its rapid responsiveness, providing a solid bottom-out and resonant sound signature with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its pleasant typing experience, offering a smooth and creamy sound signature thanks to its proprietary material blend. While the Gold Silver focuses on speed, sound, and fluidity, the Piano emphasizes a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound. 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
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
NPI
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of TTC Gold Silver and Durock Piano differ in terms of their top and bottom housing materials. The Gold Silver uses a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Piano features a proprietary POM blend top housing that offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While both materials aim to enhance sound quality, they achieve this in slightly different ways - with polycarbonate focusing on clear and resonant sounds, and POM blend providing a deeper, more satisfying tone.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Gold Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile through its softer plastic properties. Meanwhile, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, also known for offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Both materials contribute to the overall sound experience of the switch, with nylon creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the deep and satisfying tones produced by the POM blend.
When comparing the impact of top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it becomes evident that each material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience. The bottom housing material has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material impacts the sound when releasing a key. While the specific qualities of polycarbonate and POM blend may differ, they both aim to enhance the typing experience by providing distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Silver requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the unknown force of the Piano. On the other hand, the Piano has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the bottom out force of the Gold Silver is unknown. Both switches offer different advantages to users based on their preferences. The lighter actuation force of the Gold Silver may be preferred by those looking for a smoother typing experience for extended periods, while the heavier bottom out force of the Piano provides a more robust and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Durock Piano linear switch. The Gold Silver switch offers a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers who value speed and precision. On the other hand, the Piano switch provides a slightly deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Despite their differences in travel distance, both switches offer smooth linear action for a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference for travel distance and typing 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 Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 is best described as having a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile. This results in a deep, rich, and satisfying sound with a moderate actuation force requirement. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is characterized by a bassy sound signature, offering a deeper and richer tone during key presses. The sound of both switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Silver is known for its polished, silky, mild, and subtle typing experience. These qualities contribute to a smooth and refined typing feel, with reduced friction and a gentle resistance. Similarly, the Durock Piano offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, giving users an extremely smooth and effortless feel when pressing the keys. Both switches prioritize smoothness and comfort in typing, providing a pleasant experience for users.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Silver and Durock Piano linear switches offer slightly different sound and feel characteristics, both switches aim to provide users with a smooth and satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the rapid responsiveness and resonant sound of the Gold Silver or the gliding push feel and deep sound of the Piano, you can expect a high-quality performance from either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider the specific qualities and preferences you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, a solid bottom-out feel, and a resonant sound signature, the TTC Gold Silver may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and pleasant typing experience with a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what characteristics you value most in a switch and how they align with your typing preferences.
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