Durock Medium Tactile vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up are the Durock Medium Tactile and the TTC Silent Brown. The Durock Medium Tactile is highly regarded for its unique and enjoyable tactile feedback. With a pronounced yet balanced tactility, this switch provides a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, its jelly-like sound signature adds to the overall satisfaction of using this switch. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown offers a comfortable typing experience with a lighter level of resistance and a rounded tactile bump. What sets this switch apart is its muted sound profile, which is perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches have their own appeal, making it important to dive deeper into their characteristics to determine which one best suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 Durock Medium Tactile and the TTC Silent Brown both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a similar sound profile of sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a clear and resonant sound, making it suitable for those who prefer a more defined auditory experience. Additionally, both switches' polycarbonate top housing allows for the use of RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. So, if you're looking for switches with similar sound qualities and the option to incorporate vibrant lighting effects, either the Durock Medium Tactile or the TTC Silent Brown would be suitable options.
On the other hand, the housing materials for the bottom of the switches differ. The Medium Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Brown also employs a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer plastic. This softer material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both these switches with nylon bottom housings would offer a more muffled and less crisp sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. If you prioritize a typing experience characterized by a deeper and more immersive sound, the Durock Medium Tactile and the TTC Silent Brown, with their nylon bottom housings, provide excellent choices.
When it comes to the overall impact of the housing materials, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, using switches with different top and bottom housings, like the Medium Tactile and Silent Brown, distributes the qualities of each material between pressing the key and releasing it. By pressing down on the switch, you'll experience the impact of the nylon bottom housing, which contributes to the bottom-out sound. Conversely, the sound when you release a key will be more influenced by the characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing. So, depending on the specific typing experience you desire, understanding the differing impact of the top and bottom housings can help you choose the switch that aligns with your preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is apparent that they have some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the Durock Medium Tactile switch's gram measurement is unavailable, while the TTC Silent Brown requires 45 grams of force. Although the exact figure for the Durock switch is unknown, it can be inferred that both switches have a relatively light actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile switch requires 65 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. Comparatively, the TTC Silent Brown switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, falling into the same medium-heavy category. Therefore, in terms of bottoming out, both switches provide similar results with a slightly heavier force required for the Durock switch.
Considering weight is a crucial aspect. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Durock Medium Tactile or the TTC Silent Brown due to their relatively low actuation forces. These lighter switches allow for longer periods of typing or gaming without strain. Conversely, some users may prefer a more substantial typing experience and may opt for a switch with a heavier force. In this case, the Durock Medium Tactile switch, with a bottom out force of 65 grams, might cater better to their preference.
Overall, while the actuation force differs between the two switches, with the Durock force remaining unknown, it can be assumed that they both offer a light actuation force. As for the bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile switch proves to be slightly heavier than the TTC Silent Brown switch. Thus, individuals seeking a slightly heavier typing experience may lean towards the Durock switch, while those desiring a lighter option can comfortably choose either one.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch have slightly different travel distances. The Medium Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Brown has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the traditional range of travel distances, with 4.0mm being the more common option. Gamers, who often prioritize faster response times, may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Silent Brown switch. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial and deeper key press may lean towards the Medium Tactile switch with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness or depth during typing or gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium Tactile for $4.25.
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 Medium Tactile switch is known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility which results in a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch offers a muted sound profile. A muted switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as having accented tactility. This means that it provides a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it is a stepped switch, which means it has two stages of feeling during the keystroke. There is some pre-travel and/or post-travel, making the switch feel more mild compared to hypertactile switches. It is also considered a mild switch, offering a gentle typing experience suitable for most users. The switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish and ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
The TTC Silent Brown switch, on the other hand, is described as providing a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Similar to the Durock Medium Tactile, it is also a mild switch, offering a gentle typing experience. It is buttery, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Like the Durock Medium Tactile, it is also polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, both the Durock Medium Tactile and TTC Silent Brown switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a rounded tactile bump. While the Durock Medium Tactile has a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the TTC Silent Brown switch has a muted sound profile. Additionally, they both have a mild feel, are polished for smooth key travel, and provide a gentle typing experience. Therefore, if you prefer a quieter sound, the TTC Silent Brown switch would be a suitable choice, while if you enjoy a more pronounced tactility and unique sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be a great option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it provides a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, along with a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch would be more suitable for you. It has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is also medium-heavy. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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