Durock Light Tactile vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each offering a unique typing experience. Two popular options worth considering are the Durock Light Tactile and the Durock Medium Tactile switches. The Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a welcome contrast to sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. Typing on these switches offers an angelic tactility, accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch captivates users with its pronounced yet balanced tactility, creating a satisfying typing experience. Similar to its counterpart, it also boasts a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches are categorized as 'Mild' and 'Polished,' offering pleasant typing experiences. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your specific preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile and the Durock Medium Tactile both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it especially beneficial for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Light Tactile and the Medium Tactile switches will offer similar sound characteristics and visual effects due to their shared polycarbonate top housing material.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the Light Tactile and the Medium Tactile differ. The Light Tactile features a nylon bottom housing, which creates 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. In contrast, the Medium Tactile also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, leading to a similar deep and full sound profile. Therefore, both switches will share the same qualities brought by the nylon bottom housing material, providing an enhanced typing experience with a distinct sound.
It is important to note that even though the top and bottom housings differ in material between the Light Tactile and the Medium Tactile switches, the qualities of each housing material will still be present in their respective parts. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing will primarily impact the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will primarily affect the sound when keys are released. Therefore, while there may be some variations in sound between the two switches, the overall typing experience will be similar due to the split qualities of the different housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The Light Tactile switch has an actuation force of 52 grams, while the actuation force for the Medium Tactile switch is not mentioned. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which indicates a medium-heavy keypress feel.
Weight plays a crucial role in the typing experience for individuals, and it can affect their performance and comfort. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Light Tactile switch with its 52-gram actuation force may be preferable. This lighter actuation force allows for extended typing sessions, making it ideal for office work or long gaming sessions where endurance is key. On the other hand, some individuals may prefer a more robust and substantial typing experience. For them, the Medium Tactile switch, with its unknown actuation force and 65-gram bottom out force, might be a better choice. The heavier force required for actuation can provide a stronger push feel, satisfying those who prefer a more substantial keypress.
While the actuation force is known for the Light Tactile switch but not for the Medium Tactile switch, it is likely that the difference in actuation force between the two switches is not significant. In terms of bottom out force, both switches require 65 grams of force, which ensures a similar bottoming out experience. Consequently, users can expect comparable results in terms of bottom out force regardless of which switch they choose.
Overall, individuals seeking a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the Durock Light Tactile switch, while those desiring a heavier and more substantial feel may lean towards the Durock Medium Tactile switch. However, without specific information about the actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch, it is difficult to make an exact comparison in terms of actuation force. Nonetheless, both switches offer a medium-heavy bottom out force, ensuring that regardless of the chosen switch, individuals can expect similar results during typing.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile and Durock Medium Tactile tactile switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on a key with either switch will result in a similar sensation and feedback. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying keystroke experience with the same travel distance.
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 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 Durock Light Tactile switch offers a neutral profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Whether you plan on using this switch at home or work, it should provide you with a pleasant typing experience. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps you choose to pair it with. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Durock Medium Tactile switch is not explicitly described, so we can assume that it is similar to the Light Tactile switch in terms of being neutral. Therefore, if you choose the Medium Tactile switch, you can expect similar sound results to the Light Tactile.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. A mild switch provides a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, allowing for comfortable and accessible use. Additionally, the polished finish of this switch contributes to smooth and refined key travel, resulting in reduced friction. Similarly, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. An accented switch provides a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Stepped switches have a two-stage feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Like the Light Tactile switch, the Medium Tactile switch also offers a mild and polished typing experience. As a result, both switches provide a safe, middle-ground typing experience that many users will find approachable and comfortable.
Considering all the available information, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its super gentle tactility and jelly-like sound signature. It offers a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is praised for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. It also provides a neutral sound profile and a similar mild, polished typing experience. While specifics on the sound profile of the Medium Tactile switch are not given, the similarities in the overall descriptions suggest that it will likely deliver comparable results to the Light Tactile switch. Ultimately, both switches offer pleasant typing experiences with different levels of tactility, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a super gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be an excellent choice for you. It offers a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in any setting. Its mild and polished feel provides a more gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is the way to go. Its accented tactility falls between overwhelming and subtle, providing a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it also offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a safe and middle-ground zone for sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Light Tactile and Durock Medium Tactile switches depends on your personal preference for tactility and sound, but both options offer high-quality switches that can enhance your typing experience.
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