Jerrzi Coral vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking to choose between mechanical keyboard switches, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch both offer unique typing experiences. The Coral switch is renowned for its crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, providing a balanced blend of sophistication and stellar performance. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a more subtle tactile typing experience with a gentle tactility and clean, crispy sound profile. While the Coral switch is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Silky', the Duck switch falls under 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Each switch caters to different preferences and typing styles, making them both appealing choices depending on individual needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Coral and the SP-Star Duck both utilize polycarbonate material for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the Coral incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Duck sticks with polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, emphasizing a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout.
The difference in housing materials between the Jerrzi Coral and the SP-Star Duck results in variations in sound profiles and typing experiences. While both switches benefit from the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate in the top housing, the Coral's use of nylon for the bottom housing offers a deeper and rounder sound compared to the Duck's consistent sharpness with polycarbonate. The choice of housing material significantly impacts the overall typing feel and sound, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Coral and SP-Star Duck demonstrate how the choice of housing materials can greatly influence the sound profile and typing experience of a switch. While both switches share the benefits of polycarbonate for the top housing in terms of sharpness and clarity, the Coral's use of nylon for the bottom housing creates a deeper sound profile not found in the Duck. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound and feel can help enthusiasts select the switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is evident that the Coral has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Duck's actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Duck has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams compared to the Coral, whose bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Coral would provide a lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force, while the Duck would offer a more substantial feel with its higher bottom out force. It is worth noting that both switches are different in terms of their force requirements, so choosing between them would depend on individual preferences for typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Coral may be the better choice, while those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke may lean towards the Duck. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Duck has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Coral, which means that it may provide a slightly more substantial feel when typing or gaming. However, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for users who prefer quicker response times. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a shorter or slightly longer travel distance is preferred for the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
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
When it comes to sound, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch offers a low-pitched resonance that provides a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it a pleasant option for those who prefer a more soothing typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch presents a neutral sound profile that is clean and crispy, catering to a wider range of users due to its moderate actuation force requirement. Depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, the sound of both switches can vary, but overall, you can expect a different auditory experience with each.
In terms of feel, the Jerrzi Coral switch is renowned for its silky smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In comparison, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground for most users. With a buttery and polished feel, the Duck switch offers seamless and effortless keystrokes, ensuring a refined and sleek typing sensation. While the Coral switch focuses on delivering a luxurious and nuanced feel, the Duck switch prioritizes a gentler and more universally appealing tactile experience.
In conclusion, the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Coral switch excels in providing a lower-pitched and silky smooth typing feel, while the Duck switch presents a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience desired. Whether selecting the Coral or Duck switch, both options promise a high-quality typing experience tailored to specific preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Jerrzi Coral linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience with a lower-pitched sound profile, the Jerrzi Coral switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile typing feel with a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various environments and skill levels, the SP-Star Duck switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and needs.