Durock Medium Tactile vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular switches worth considering are the Durock Medium Tactile and the TTC Silent Red. The Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its unique tactility and jelly-like sound signature. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished', this switch offers a pronounced yet balanced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is perfect for those who prioritize a quiet typing experience. Categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished', these switches deliver a smooth and seamless typing experience without disturbing others. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your personal needs and preferences.
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
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 Medium Tactile and the TTC Silent Red switches are quite similar. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. This means that both switches will provide a similar sound experience when it comes to the sound produced when the key is released.
However, where these switches differ is in the material used for the bottom housing. The Durock Medium Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the TTC Silent Red also utilizes nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition. The nylon bottom housing of the Medium Tactile and Silent Red absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. When pressing down on these switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel.
In summary, the Durock Medium Tactile and the TTC Silent Red share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharp and crisp sound profile. However, their differences lie in the bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housing of both switches creates a deeper and fuller sound, with the Medium Tactile and Silent Red delivering a slightly different experience due to variations in the composition and design of the nylon housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Durock Medium Tactile's exact grams are unavailable, while the TTC Silent Red requires a force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that the Silent Red is lighter in terms of actuation force. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile has a force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In comparison, the TTC Silent Red has a slightly lower bottom out force of 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category.
For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the TTC Silent Red would be a suitable choice as it requires less actuation force. This is favorable for those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel is desired, the Durock Medium Tactile would be a better option due to its slightly heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, providing a satisfying tactile response during keystrokes. Therefore, while there are variations in actuation force, both switches ultimately deliver similar results in terms of their weighted typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile switch is 4 mm, while the travel distance of the TTC Silent Red switch is 3.7 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Silent Red switch is slightly shorter than the Medium Tactile switch.
A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered to be the most traditional and offers a balanced depth for typing or gaming. On the other hand, a travel distance of 3.7mm is slightly shorter, which can result in faster response times, making it a popular choice among gamers.
If you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the TTC Silent Red switch with its shorter travel distance may be the better option for you. However, it's worth noting that some individuals find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or lack the satisfying depth they desire. In that case, the Durock Medium Tactile switch with its slightly longer travel distance might be the preferred choice.
Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience. Both options offer their own advantages, and selecting the right one will ensure a satisfying and comfortable typing or gaming experience.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its jelly-like sound signature. While the exact sound profile is not described in the provided information, it can be inferred that the switch produces a unique, somewhat muffled sound. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is specifically designed to minimize noise, making it an excellent choice for office or shared living spaces. Described as having a muted sound profile, these switches produce softer and quieter typing sounds compared to regular or clacky switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as having an accented tactility. This means that it provides a prominent but balanced amount of tactile feedback, neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it is described as a stepped switch, meaning it feels milder compared to hypersensitive switches. These stepped switches have some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving typists a more nuanced typing experience. The switch is also categorized as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Lastly, the Medium Tactile switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch provides a buttery feel. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. Similar to the Medium Tactile switch, the Silent Red switch is also classified as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is comfortable for most users. Additionally, it is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is best known for its balanced tactility, jelly-like sound signature, and various descriptors such as stepped, mild, and polished. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch stands out for its smooth and seamless typing experience, muted sound profile, and descriptors like buttery, mild, and polished. While both switches have their unique qualities, they provide similar end results, with a focus on comfort, gentleness, and refined typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile is the ideal choice. It offers an accented and stepped tactile feel, providing a moderate level of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, the Medium Tactile has a bottom-out force of 65 grams, which adds to its medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, the TTC Silent Red is the perfect switch for you. With a muted sound profile, these switches are excellent for office or shared living space use. They offer a buttery and mild typing feel, ensuring a comfortable and effortless keystroke experience. Both switches also feature a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, your decision between the Durock Medium Tactile and TTC Silent Red should be based on your preference for tactility and sound.
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