Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Durock Light Tactile. The Keygeek Raw is a linear switch that stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a delightfully creamy yet lightweight switch. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile is a tactile switch known for its gentle tactility, providing a smooth and polished typing experience with a jelly-like sound signature. Those looking for a slightly textured feel and the ability to hand-lube their switches may be drawn to the Keygeek Raw, while individuals seeking a softer tactile experience may prefer the Durock Light Tactile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Keygeek Raw and the Durock Light Tactile both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. The Keygeek Raw features a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, while the Light Tactile uses a polycarbonate top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Light Tactile housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the Keygeek Raw's blend, which may offer a different typing experience. Both materials offer their own advantages, with polycarbonate being stiffer and more resonant, while the Keygeek Raw's blend may provide a different tactile feedback.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Keygeek Raw utilizes a UMPE & Si blend, whereas the Durock Light Tactile uses a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a different typing experience compared to the UMPE & Si blend of the Keygeek Raw. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This difference in material can significantly impact the overall typing feel and sound of the switch.
Overall, the choice between the Keygeek Raw and the Durock Light Tactile will ultimately come down to personal preference and typing experience. While the top housing materials may offer differing sound profiles, the bottom housing materials also play a crucial role in the overall typing feel. It is important to consider how each material affects the sound, feel, and overall performance of the switch when making a decision. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile of polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound profile of nylon, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that they both fall into the medium to medium-heavy category in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Keygeek Raw has an actuation force of None grams, making it lighter in terms of force needed to trigger a keystroke compared to the Light Tactile, which has an actuation force of 52 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw requires 57.5 grams, while the Light Tactile requires 67 grams, making the Light Tactile the heavier option in terms of force needed to fully press the key. In terms of weight considerations, those who prefer a lighter feel may lean towards the Keygeek Raw for longer typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a stronger push may opt for the heavier Light Tactile for a more substantial typing experience.Overall, both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, but ultimately provide a similar level of performance depending on the user's preference in force.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Keygeek Raw would provide a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers who need fast reactions. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch with its longer travel distance may offer a more satisfying and tactile typing experience for those who appreciate a deeper keypress. Both switches have their own advantages depending on personal preference, with the shorter travel distance of the Keygeek Raw providing a faster response and the longer travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile offering a more deliberate keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing or gaming preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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.
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, both the Keygeek Raw and the Durock Light Tactile switches fall into the neutral category, offering a moderate sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The actual sound produced will also depend on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Moving on to feel, the Keygeek Raw switch provides a slightly textured feel that may be preferred by those who enjoy a bit of friction when typing. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a more gentle and polished typing experience, with a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and ensures a sleek key travel.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. While the Keygeek Raw provides a textured feel and a neutral sound profile, the Durock Light Tactile offers a more gentle and polished typing experience with a neutral sound as well. Depending on personal preference for typing feel and sound, both switches cater to different tastes, ensuring that users will find a switch that suits their individual needs. Ultimately, whether you choose the Keygeek Raw or the Durock Light Tactile, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with similar results in terms of performance and versatility.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Keygeek Raw linear switch or the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a slightly textured and lighter switch that you can customize with your own lubing techniques, the Keygeek Raw may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a gentle, jelly-like tactile feel and a polished, smooth typing experience, the Durock Light Tactile switch could be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what qualities are most important to you when making your decision.
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