KTT Cream Yellow vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow 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 are the KTT Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Duck. The Cream Yellow, a linear switch, stands out with its distinctively clacky sound and bouncy typing feel. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem provide resonant audio feedback, while the lengthened spring enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience, the Duck switches are perfect. They offer a gentle tactility and a clean and crispy sound profile. Categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished', these switches provide a pleasant and smooth typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Duck, we find that both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This choice of material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, making it visually appealing for those seeking customizable lighting effects.
While the top housings are the same, the bottom housings differ between the two switches. The Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing. Similar to the top housing, this choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile.
Given this information, the effects of the housing materials will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether nylon or polycarbonate, will be felt and heard more prominently upon pressing down the switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. As a result, users can expect a combination of the sharper, higher-pitched sound from the polycarbonate top housing and the deeper, fuller sound from the nylon or polycarbonate bottom housing.
In summary, both the KTT Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Duck benefit from polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. However, the Cream Yellow stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Meanwhile, the Duck incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, reinforcing the sharper and crisper sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique auditory experience depending on the direction of key movement.
Weight
When considering the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The actuation force of the Cream Yellow is known to be 50 grams, while the Duck's actuation force remains unknown. Both switches have a bottom out force of 58 grams, making them fall into the medium force category.
In terms of weight, the Cream Yellow is lighter in actuation force compared to the Duck since its actuation force is specified as 50 grams. This lighter actuation force can be beneficial for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing them to type for longer durations. It is suitable for keyboards used in work environments or for extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Duck switch does not provide information about its actuation force, so a direct comparison cannot be made. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 58 grams, resulting in a similar typing experience when fully pressing down the keys.
For those who prefer a more substantial typing feel and enjoy a stronger push, options with heavier actuation forces would be more suitable. Unfortunately, the information for the Duck switch's actuation force is unavailable, so it is difficult to determine if it would provide a heavier push feel compared to the Cream Yellow.
In conclusion, while both the Cream Yellow and the Duck switches have a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, the Cream Yellow switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, which can contribute to a more comfortable and extended typing experience. Without knowledge of the Duck switch's actuation force, it is challenging to provide a comprehensive comparison in this aspect.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch. A switch's travel distance is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance felt when pressing down on a key. Traditionally, a 4.0 mm travel distance is considered standard, while a 3.0 mm travel distance is considered shallow. However, shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. Opting for a switch with a shorter travel distance can provide a more responsive typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, some individuals may find short travel distances to feel abrupt and prefer switches with longer travel distances for a more satisfying depth. Therefore, the choice between the KTT Cream Yellow and the SP-Star Duck is dependent on individual preferences – if you prioritize responsiveness, the Cream Yellow's shorter travel distance may be more suitable, but if you prefer a deeper feel, the Duck's longer travel distance would be the better option.
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 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 Cream Yellow switch is known for its distinctively clacky sound. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, resulting in a crisp, bright, and percussive sound profile. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a more neutral sound profile. It falls in the middle ground, with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. The Duck switch's sound is clean and crispy, providing a more subtle typing experience compared to the Cream Yellow switch. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Overall, while the Cream Yellow switch offers a clacky sound, the Duck switch provides a more neutral and subtle sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Cream Yellow switch is described as bouncy. This switch provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel and a rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a milder typing experience. It falls in a safe middle-ground zone, providing a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the Duck switch is described as buttery and polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This results in a seamless and effortless typing sensation, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Cream Yellow switch offers a bouncy feel, the Duck switch provides a milder, buttery, and polished typing experience.
In conclusion, the Cream Yellow switch is best known for its clacky sound and bouncy feel. It delivers a distinctively sharp and snappy sound, along with a lively and spring-like feedback sensation. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. It provides a milder, buttery, and polished feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a clacky sound and bouncy feel, the Cream Yellow switch would be the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a more subtle sound and a milder, buttery, and polished typing experience, the Duck switch would suit your preferences better.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are seeking a distinctively clacky sound and a uniquely bouncy typing feel, the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. Its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem provide resonant audio feedback, while the lengthened spring adds to the bouncy typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is the ideal option. These switches offer a gentle tactility and a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and skill levels. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel during typing. Each switch offers its own unique characteristics, ensuring an enjoyable and customized typing experience. In the end, by considering the sound and feel qualities described, you can make an informed decision on which switch will best suit your specific needs.
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