KTT Ash Gray vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Ash Gray and the SP-Star Duck. The Ash Gray switch is renowned for its tactile response, striking a perfect balance between a light touch and a crisp actuation. It offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback without feeling overwhelming or providing a "sandy" sensation. On the other hand, the Duck switches provide a more subtle tactile typing experience, with a gentle tactility that is pleasing to the fingertips. The sound profile of the Duck switches is clean and crispy. Both switches fall under the category of being easy-to-press and having a mild tactility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
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 KTT Ash Gray and the SP-Star Duck both feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiff plastic, creating a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for RGB lighting in switches. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar sound and visual experience due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
However, where these switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Ash Gray utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Duck's bottom housing is also made of polycarbonate. This means that the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the qualities of the polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper and crisper experience compared to the Ash Gray's nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when the key is released. With the Ash Gray's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, you can expect a mix of sharpness and depth in the sound profile, creating a unique typing experience. In contrast, the Duck's use of polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing will result in a consistently sharp and resonant sound throughout the typing process. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of the desired sound profile and the influence of different housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Ash Gray switch has an actuation force of 38 grams, while the exact actuation force of the Duck switch is unknown. However, both switches have a medium level of heaviness, making them suitable for individuals who prefer a balance between a lighter and heavier typing experience.
In terms of bottom out force, the Ash Gray requires 53 grams of force, whereas the Duck switch requires 58 grams. This means that the Ash Gray switch is slightly lighter when bottoming out compared to the Duck switch.
Considering weight is important for various reasons. Some individuals prefer lighter switches as it allows them to type for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. This is especially beneficial for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel. For such individuals, switches with heavier forces would be ideal.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is known and lighter than average, the actuation force of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is unknown. However, both switches have a medium heaviness which provides a good balance between a lighter and heavier typing experience. The Ash Gray switch has a lighter bottom out force compared to the Duck switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, we can see that the Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Duck has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, the Duck falls within the standard range of 4.0 mm, while the Ash Gray is slightly shallower at 3.5 mm. Gamers, who prioritize faster response times, often prefer shorter travel distances, making the Ash Gray a suitable choice in this regard. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel may find the longer travel distance of the Duck more satisfying. In summary, while the Ash Gray offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, both switches provide comparable results depending on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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
The Ash Gray tactile switch is designed to provide a tactile response that is substantial yet unobtrusive, offering a light touch with a crisp actuation. This switch offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming, but still noticeable. In terms of sound, the Ash Gray switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, or if you plan to use it at home or work. The feel of the Ash Gray switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This switch enhances the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel.
The SP-Star Duck tactile switch, on the other hand, is known for providing a more subtle tactile typing experience. It offers a gentle tactility when typing, with a clean and crispy sound profile. In terms of sound, the Duck switch is also described as having a neutral sound profile, similar to the Ash Gray switch. The feel of the Duck switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that most people will find approachable. It is also described as buttery and polished, which means it provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, both the Ash Gray and SP-Star Duck tactile switches offer a similar neutral sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, with the Ash Gray switch offering a light touch and crisp actuation, while the Duck switch offers a more subtle tactility. The Ash Gray switch has an easy-to-press feel, reducing finger fatigue and enhancing the typing experience, while the Duck switch has a mild, buttery, and polished feel, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Overall, both switches offer high-quality typing experiences with their own unique characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a light touch and a crisp actuation, the KTT Ash Gray switch would be the ideal choice for you. It offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is not too overwhelming but still noticeable. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch has an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. As for sound, the Ash Gray switch is described as neutral, making it suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck switch would be a great option. These switches offer a gentle tactility when typing and have a clean and crispy sound profile. The Duck switch has a moderate bottom out force, which provides a medium feel during key presses. Moreover, the Duck switch is described as mild, making it approachable to most users with its safe middle-ground qualities. It also has a buttery and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience.
Ultimately, both the KTT Ash Gray and the SP-Star Duck switches have their unique characteristics and are suitable for different preferences. Consider your typing style, desired tactile feedback, and sound profile to determine which switch would be the best fit for you. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience and are great options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
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