TTC Gold Silver vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver linear switch to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it's evident that each offers a unique typing experience. The Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness, shortened travel distance, and solid bottom-out, providing a satisfying closure with every keystroke. Its resonant sound signature and smooth journey from press to bottom-out make it a seamless blend of speed, sound, and fluidity. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a gentle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, perfect for those seeking a more subtle tactile feel. While the Gold Silver is polished, thocky, and low-pitched, the Duck is described as buttery and polished. 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
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and the SP-Star Duck both feature polycarbonate top housings, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, both switches offer a clear and resonant sound, especially ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Gold Silver pairs its polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the absorption of sound by the softer nylon material. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, continuing the trend of a sharper and crisper sound profile throughout the switch.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing, their choices in bottom housing materials set them apart in terms of sound profile. The Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing provides a softer and more mellow sound experience, emphasizing depth and fullness in typing. In contrast, the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharpness and clarity of the sound profile, ensuring a consistent tone and resonance across the switch. These differences in bottom housing materials impact the overall sound and feel of each switch, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches like the TTC Gold Silver and the SP-Star Duck plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile and typing experience. While both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings for a clear and resonant sound, the Gold Silver's integration of nylon in the bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials determines the overall sound profile and feel of the switch, catering to a variety of preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The Gold Silver also has a bottom out force of None grams, while the Duck has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Gold Silver switch will provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a more substantial typing feel with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push sensation while typing. In terms of actuation force, the Gold Silver provides a known value which could mean a more consistent and predictable typing experience compared to the Duck's unknown actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of typing feel and intensity.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, the Gold Silver has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Duck has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Duck has a slightly longer travel distance than the Gold Silver. In terms of responsiveness, gamers may prefer the Gold Silver with its shorter travel distance for faster response times, while others may find the longer travel distance of the Duck to provide a more satisfying feeling of depth when typing. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distance, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference.
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 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 Silver switch offers a thocky and low-pitched profile, creating a deep and rich sound with each key press. This resonant sound adds to the overall tactile experience of using this switch. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch provides a clean and crispy sound profile, perfect for those looking for a more subtle auditory feedback while typing. Both switches are described as having a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options suitable for various settings.
In terms of feel, the Gold Silver switch is known for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined finish with reduced friction for fluid key travel. The mild and subtle tactile feedback of this switch makes it approachable to most users, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. Conversely, the SP-Star Duck switch provides a mild and buttery typing experience, allowing for effortless and uniform key presses. With a polished finish for smooth key travel, this switch offers a gentle resistance that is suitable for shared spaces.
Overall, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel. The Gold Silver excels in providing a rapid and precise typing experience with a thocky sound profile, while the SP-Star Duck focuses on a subtle tactile feel with a clean and crispy sound. Whether you prefer a more responsive and resonant switch like the Gold Silver or a gentle and buttery switch like the Duck, both options cater to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches depends on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it comes down to your typing preferences. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, a solid bottom-out feel, and a resonant sound signature, then the Gold Silver switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switch may be better suited for you. Consider your typing style and the feel and sound you prefer when making your decision. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your personal preferences and typing needs.
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