Durock Light Tactile vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Durock Light Tactile and the TTC Silent Red. The Durock Light Tactile switch is known for its gentle tactility, offering a pleasant contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches provides an angelic tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is designed for those seeking a quiet and smooth typing experience. These switches have a muted sound profile, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. Additionally, the Silent Reds offer a consistent and smooth feel throughout, with a padded bottom-out feel for enhanced comfort. While these general attributes provide a snapshot of each switch's qualities, diving deeper will help you better determine which one is the perfect fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the TTC Silent Red switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous if you plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, the Light Tactile and Silent Red switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and compatibility with RGB lighting due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches. The Light Tactile switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate and absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a deep and full sound profile. The nylon bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Overall, while the top housings of the Light Tactile and Silent Red switches provide similar qualities in terms of sound and compatibility with RGB lighting due to their polycarbonate composition, the differentiation lies in their bottom housings. Both switches use a nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. However, the impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable during key presses, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction allows for slight variations in overall sound and typing experience between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Light Tactile switch is slightly heavier as it requires an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy range.
For those looking for a lighter typing experience, the Silent Red switch might be more suitable as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, as it allows for less strain on the fingers. However, for individuals who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Light Tactile switch might be a better choice. The slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a stronger push feel, which can enhance the overall typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance.
In conclusion, while the Light Tactile and Silent Red switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, both fall within the medium-heavy range. The Light Tactile switch is slightly heavier, offering a stronger push feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience, while the Silent Red switch is lighter, making it suitable for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that the Light Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7mm. The difference may seem negligible, but it can actually make a significant impact on the user experience.
A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered more traditional and provides a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Silent Red's travel distance of 3.7mm is slightly shallower, catering to those who prefer a more responsive typing experience. This shorter travel distance is particularly favored by gamers who require faster response times in their gameplay.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference. If you value a deeper and more robust feel when typing, the Durock Light Tactile switch with its longer travel distance would be the preferred option. However, if you prioritize swift responsiveness and a more immediate feedback, the TTC Silent Red switch with its shorter travel distance would be the better choice. Both switches offer their unique advantages, allowing users to tailor their typing experience according to their individual needs. Regardless of the choice made, both switches deliver satisfying tactile feedback and are capable of enhancing typing efficiency.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 Durock Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound, suitable for use in various settings such as home or work. It has a jelly-like sound signature, which adds a unique touch to the typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, making it perfect for office or shared living spaces where noise is a concern. The Silent Red switch minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. With its mild tactility, it offers a gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. The switch has a safe, middle-ground feel that strikes a balance between being too pronounced and too subtle. Additionally, the Light Tactile switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. This reduces friction and ensures smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Similarly, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a mild and polished feel. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, often referred to as "buttery." This switch delivers a seamless, effortless, and consistent typing sensation throughout. Like the Light Tactile switch, the Silent Red switch is also mild, ensuring a gentle typing experience. It is designed to be comfortable, with a padded bottom-out feel that maximizes comfort during prolonged typing sessions.
Overall, both the Durock Light Tactile and TTC Silent Red switches offer high-quality subjective qualities. While the Light Tactile switch is known for its gentle tactility and jelly-like sound signature, the Silent Red switch focuses on providing a smooth and seamless typing experience with its muted sound profile. Both switches have a mild feel and are polished, ensuring a refined and comfortable typing experience. Whether you prefer a more tactile and non-traditional sound with the Light Tactile or a quieter and buttery feel with the Silent Red, these switches offer similar results in terms of overall pleasant typing experiences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prioritize a gentle tactility and a unique jelly-like sound signature, the Light Tactile switch from Durock is the way to go. It offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and provides a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, if you desire a smooth and silent typing experience, especially for office or shared living spaces, the TTC Silent Red switch is the perfect choice. With its muted sound profile and consistent feel from top to bottom, you can enjoy a comfortable and noise-free typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
