KTT Kang White vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Kang White and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer unique features and experiences are the KTT Kang White, a linear switch, and the Durock Light Tactile, a tactile switch. The Kang White switch is renowned for its exquisite representation of a linear switch, resulting in a dazzling typing sound. Additionally, its self-lubricating material ensures an unparalleled smoothness during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its super gentle tactility, providing a welcome contrast to the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches offers an angelic tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. The Kang White is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Neutral', while the Light Tactile is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Both switches offer unique advantages, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The KTT Kang White and Durock Light Tactile share similar housing materials, with polycarbonate being used for the top housing in both switches. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a more distinct auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, adding to the visual appeal of the switches.
However, the differences between the two switches lie in their bottom housing materials. The Kang White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Light Tactile also uses nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This gives the Kang White a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the Light Tactile, which may appeal to those looking for a more muted typing experience.
When it comes to the overall feel of the switch, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The impact and sound when bottoming out a key will be influenced more by the qualities of the bottom housing. Therefore, the nylon bottom housing in both switches will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key will be influenced more by the qualities of the top housing. Thus, the polycarbonate top housing in both switches will create a sharper and crisper sound when the key is let go.
In conclusion, while the KTT Kang White and Durock Light Tactile share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, their differences lie in their nylon bottom housing materials. The Kang White offers a slightly duller and rounder sound profile due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Light Tactile provides a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches will deliver a distinct and resonant sound experience due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate in their top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The Kang White has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the Light Tactile requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams. This means that the Kang White will be easier to trigger with a lighter touch, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Kang White requires 58 grams of force, while the Light Tactile demands 67 grams. This indicates that the Light Tactile has a stronger push feel and provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a heavier switch. Overall, the Kang White can be considered lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, while the Light Tactile falls on the heavier side. If a user desires a similar result, they should choose either both switches with light actuation and bottom out forces or both switches with heavier forces to attain a consistent typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Kang White linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both the Kang White and the Light Tactile switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light 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 Light Tactile for $4.25.
The KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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 KTT Kang White switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, which provides a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This switch also has a neutral sound profile, meaning it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate overall sound. The Light Tactile switch from Durock also has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the Light Tactile switch offers a jelly-like sound signature that gives it a unique characteristic, while the Kang White switch is more dazzling in its typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Kang White switch does not have any specific descriptors or descriptions provided. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch is described as offering a mild typing experience, providing a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This means that the Light Tactile switch falls into a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of its feel. Additionally, the Light Tactile switch is also described as being polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the KTT Kang White and Durock Light Tactile switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kang White switch has a low-pitched sound profile and a dazzling typing sound, while its feel remains unknown. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch has a neutral sound profile with a jelly-like sound signature and offers a mild and polished typing experience.
While both switches have a neutral sound profile, they provide distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. Therefore, if you are looking for a linear switch with a poppy sound and unparalleled smoothness in typing, the Kang White switch would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a tactile switch with a gentle tactility, angelic feel, and a jelly-like sound, the Light Tactile switch would be a great option. Depending on your preferences, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, although they offer different qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium bottom out force and a dazzling typing sound, the KTT Kang White switch would be a great choice for you. Its self-lubricating material provides an unparalleled smoothness when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a gentle tactility, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be a better option. Its angelic tactility and jelly-like sound signature offer a unique typing experience. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and are suitable for most intents and purposes. However, if you prefer a more gentle typing experience with a polished finish, the Light Tactile switch would be a better fit. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing sound, feel, and tactility.