Durock Medium Tactile vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch, and the TTC Speed Silver, a linear switch. The Medium Tactile from Durock stands out with its unique flavor of tactility, combining a pronounced yet balanced feedback with a jelly-like sound signature. Categorized as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished', this switch is perfect for those seeking a pleasant typing experience with tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Speed Silver switches from TTC are ideal for users looking for a fast and precise typing experience. With their light-medium resistance and pristine sound profile, these switches enable quick and effortless actuation thanks to a reduced travel distance. Classified as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', they offer a smooth typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 used in the Durock Medium Tactile and the TTC Speed Silver, namely polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, both contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal when it comes to the polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Durock Medium Tactile and the TTC Speed Silver differ in material but serve a similar purpose. Nylon is used for the bottom housing in both switches, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As a result, typing on switches that utilize nylon bottom housings will provide a distinct tactile and auditory experience. Therefore, while the material may differ, both the Medium Tactile and Speed Silver switches will offer a similar sound when it comes to their nylon bottom housings.
When using switches with different top and bottom housings, such as the Durock Medium Tactile and the TTC Speed Silver, the qualities of each housing material will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The impact of the top housing is felt when you release a key, influencing the sound produced at that moment. Conversely, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the keystroke. Therefore, depending on the specific combination of top and bottom housing materials, each switch will offer a unique typing experience with variations in sound, feel, and responsiveness.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there are several noticeable differences. Firstly, the actuation force of the Durock Medium Tactile switch is unavailable, whereas the TTC Speed Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Speed Silver requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke compared to the Medium Tactile switch.
In terms of the bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Medium Tactile switch.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter actuation force as it allows them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This is particularly useful for keyboards used in work environments or during extended gaming sessions. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier actuation forces.
In summary, the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the TTC Speed Silver switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. While the actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is unavailable, the Speed Silver requires a lighter touch. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force compared to the Speed Silver. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and desired weight.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the TTC Speed Silver switch. A travel distance of 4.0 mm is considered more traditional, while 3.4 mm is more shallow. If you are a gamer looking for faster response times, the TTC Speed Silver switch with its shorter travel distance may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial and deep keystroke, the Durock Medium Tactile switch with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing 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 Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 best known for its jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique and distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it neither has an overly loud nor a particularly quiet sound, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is characterized as having a balanced yet pronounced tactility. It falls into the category of accented, stepped, mild, and polished switches. This means that it provides a notable level of tactile feedback without being overwhelming. The keystroke is smooth and refined, offering a pleasant typing experience. Similarly, the TTC Speed Silver switch is also described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and approachable typing feel. The smooth and refined finish of the switch ensures reduced friction and effortless key travel.
Taking into consideration all the available information, both the Durock Medium Tactile and TTC Speed Silver switches offer desirable qualities for different preferences. If you prefer a switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you value a fast and precise typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a neutral sound profile, the TTC Speed Silver switch would be a suitable option. Both switches provide a smooth and polished feel, ensuring a pleasant typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences and desired typing characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 65 grams, it provides a medium-heavy feel that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, if you value a fast and precise typing experience, the TTC Speed Silver is the perfect choice. With a bottom out force of 55 grams, it offers a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile. Both switches have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your preference for tactility and typing speed. Whether you prefer a pronounced tactility with the Medium Tactile or a quick actuation with the Speed Silver, both switches offer a fantastic typing experience.
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