KTT Cream Yellow vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The KTT Cream Yellow and the Durock Medium Tactile are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches, each with its own unique features. The Cream Yellow switch is a linear switch that stands out for its clacky sound and bouncy typing feel. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem provide resonant audio feedback, while the lengthened spring adds to its uniquely bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile is a tactile switch that offers a balanced and pronounced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature. This switch has been described as both accented and stepped, providing a mildly tactile typing experience. Both switches have their own merits, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Durock Medium Tactile share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and resonant sound, making it ideal for those seeking a distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for captivating RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cream Yellow and the Medium Tactile feature nylon. This choice of material imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile to the typing experience. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, giving users a tactile and auditory sensation while typing.
Despite these similarities, it is important to note that the Cream Yellow and the Medium Tactile differ in their housing materials. While both switches employ polycarbonate and nylon, the precise properties and characteristics of these materials may vary slightly between the two. This distinction may result in subtle variations in sound and feel when using the switches. It is recommended to test and compare the switches firsthand to determine which housing material better suits your preferences.
In conclusion, the KTT Cream Yellow and the Durock Medium Tactile share significant similarities in their housing materials. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in the top housing, delivering a sharp and crisp sound profile, while nylon in the bottom housing produces a fuller and deeper sound. However, slight variations in the properties of these materials may result in subtle differences in sound and feel between the two switches. Ultimately, choosing between the Cream Yellow and the Medium Tactile would require personal preference and experimentation.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The Cream Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is considered medium, while its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 58 grams. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch has an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to compare directly. However, its bottom out force is 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
Considerations of weight come into play when deciding between these switches. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Cream Yellow switch as its actuation and bottom out forces are relatively light. This lighter feel can be preferable for extended typing sessions or marathon gaming sessions. However, for users who desire a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch may be ideal. Its heavier bottom out force provides a more pronounced tactile feedback and requires a slightly firmer press.
Despite the differences, it's worth mentioning that both switches fall within the medium range in terms of bottom out force. So, while the Cream Yellow may be slightly lighter overall, those who opt for the Medium Tactile switch can still expect similar results in terms of a satisfying tactile experience while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing experience one seeks.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, we find that the Cream Yellow has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Medium Tactile has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers who seek faster response times. Choosing the Cream Yellow with its 3.5 mm travel distance would offer a more responsive typing experience, perfect for those looking for quick key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile's 4 mm travel distance provides a slightly deeper feel, appealing to individuals who prefer a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for either a shorter or longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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.
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 Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the sound signature of the Medium Tactile switch is more jelly-like, although specific details about its sound are unknown. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is described as bouncy. This means that the keys have a lively feel and provide a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The typing experience with these switches is characterized by a distinct rebound when the keys are pressed. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch offers a combination of different qualities. It is accented, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, it is described as stepped, which means it has a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. These switches also fall into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. The Medium Tactile switches are also polished, which means they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow and Medium Tactile switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow switch provides a clacky sound with a short bottom-out distance and a bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature, along with an accented and stepped tactile feel. However, since specific details about the sound quality of the Medium Tactile switch are unknown, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a switch with similar characteristics, the Medium Tactile switch could provide a balanced tactility and a polished, mild typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you prioritize a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, then the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. It has a medium bottom out force of 58 grams and delivers a resonant audio feedback with its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. The Cream Yellow switch also provides a uniquely bouncy typing experience due to its lengthened spring. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and enjoy a pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is worth considering. It offers an accented tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, along with a stepped feel that provides some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switch has a mild and polished finish, resulting in a gentle and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Cream Yellow and the Medium Tactile will depend on your preference for sound, feel, and tactile feedback.
Mentioned in this article
