Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Raw and the Durock Medium Tactile present two distinct options for enthusiasts. The Keygeek Raw stands out for its unique material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a creamy yet lightweight switch with a slightly textured feel. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. While the Keygeek Raw falls under the categories of 'Textured', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle', the Medium Tactile is categorized as 'Accented', 'Stepped', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. These general descriptions offer a glimpse into the characteristics of each switch, but diving deeper into their specific features and performance will ultimately help you make the best decision for your typing experience.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
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 Medium Tactile switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall performance. The Keygeek Raw features a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, while the Durock Medium Tactile utilizes a polycarbonate top housing. The Nylon & UPE blend of the Keygeek Raw is exclusive to the brand, offering a unique sound profile that may differ from more common materials. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the Durock Medium Tactile provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it stand out for those looking for a distinctive typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Keygeek Raw switches feature a UMPE & Si blend, while the Durock Medium Tactile switches utilize a nylon bottom housing. The UMPE & Si blend is exclusive to the Keygeek Raw switches, providing a unique typing experience that may differ from other switches on the market. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Durock Medium Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This difference in bottom housing materials can have a noticeable impact on the overall typing feel and sound of the switches.
While the housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and the Durock Medium Tactile switches offer unique qualities, both switches are designed to provide an exceptional typing experience. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings allows for a split in the qualities each material brings to the switch. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile from a polycarbonate top housing or a deeper, fuller sound profile from a nylon bottom housing, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the typing experience you are seeking.
Weight
The Keygeek Raw linear switch and Durock Medium Tactile switch have different actuation forces and bottom out forces. The Keygeek Raw has a bottom out force of 57.5 grams, while the Durock Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, but since they are both within the medium range for bottom out force, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of force required for key presses. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Keygeek Raw for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the stronger push feel of the Durock Medium Tactile for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing force.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Durock Medium Tactile switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Keygeek Raw would provide a quicker and more responsive typing experience, making it a preferred choice for gamers or those looking for speed. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may feel more comfortable and less abrupt for individuals who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of uses without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature, which may be unique and appealing to some users. Both switches offer different sound characteristics that can complement various setups and personal preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch provides a textured and mild typing experience, thanks to its slightly textured feel and lightweight construction. This can be comfortable for users who prefer a smoother typing experience without excessive friction. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offers an accented and stepped tactile feel, providing a prominent yet balanced tactility that is not overwhelming. Additionally, the polished finish of the Durock switch contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer different tactile feels that cater to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Keygeek Raw provides a neutral sound profile and a textured, mild typing experience, the Durock Medium Tactile offers a jelly-like sound signature and an accented, stepped tactile feel. Depending on individual preferences and typing styles, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Overall, both switches provide quality options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific sound and feel for their setups.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, material blend, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique material blend that provides a creamy yet lightweight feel, the Keygeek Raw linear switch is a great option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force and a tactile switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences, so carefully consider what features matter most to you when making your decision.
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