Durock Light Tactile vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Light Tactile and the Gateron Melodic mechanical keyboard switches, one can see distinct differences in their design and characteristics. The Light Tactile switch from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a smooth typing experience with a soft tactile feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic is known for reinvigorating the clicky switch category with its buttery smoothness and crisp, satisfying click sound. While the Light Tactile is categorized as neutral, mild, and polished, the Melodic is described as buttery, resonant, invigorating, and crunchy. Each switch appeals to different preferences, with the Light Tactile providing a gentler typing experience and the Melodic offering a more pronounced tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, both the Durock Light Tactile and the Gateron Melodic utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate helps to create a more clear and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for switches that feature RGB lighting. Visually, the translucent nature of polycarbonate adds to the overall aesthetic of the switches, enhancing the RGB lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and visual experiences from both the Light Tactile and the Melodic due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
On the other hand, the housing materials differ when it comes to the bottom housing of the switches. The Durock Light Tactile utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound that adds to the overall typing experience. Similarly, the Gateron Melodic also uses nylon for its bottom housing, leading to a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches ensures a consistent typing experience with a focus on producing a satisfying sound.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for the Durock Light Tactile and the Gateron Melodic impacts the sound and feel of the switches in different ways. While both switches share the use of polycarbonate for the top housing, the Durock Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing creates a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic provides a similar typing experience with its nylon bottom housing, emphasizing a consistent and satisfying sound when typing. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials in each switch contributes to the overall typing experience and sound profile for users to enjoy.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force compared to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, with 52 grams versus None grams, respectively. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Light Tactile is 67 grams, while the Melodic requires 60 grams. This makes the Light Tactile slightly heavier overall. The differences in force may result in a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. However, for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Gateron Melodic may be the preferred choice due to its lower actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the typing experience desired.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile and Gateron Melodic clicky switches have a similar travel distance of 4 mm, making them both provide a consistent typing experience in terms of keypress depth. While both switches offer the same travel distance, the Durock Light Tactile may have a slightly smoother actuation due to its tactile bump, compared to the Gateron Melodic's clicky sound. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a moderate travel distance, allowing for efficient and satisfying keystrokes.
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 Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Durock Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound experience, with a higher-pitched profile that delivers a clean and sharp auditory feedback reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. The choice between the two switches will depend on the sound preference of the user, with the Light Tactile offering a more versatile option and the Melodic providing a more distinct and immersive sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle tactile feedback that is approachable to most users. The smooth and refined finish, along with reduced friction from factory lubing, ensures a sleek and comfortable typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Melodic switch offers a buttery and invigorating feel, with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that delivers pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. Depending on the typing style and preference of the user, the Light Tactile switch may be chosen for its gentle and polished feel, while the Melodic switch may be preferred for its more invigorating and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile and Gateron Melodic switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Light Tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing experience, while the Melodic switch offers a resonant and crunchy sound experience along with a buttery and invigorating feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics, and the choice between them will ultimately depend on the user's personal preference for sound and feel when typing. Despite their differences, both switches are high-quality options that will provide excellent performance and satisfaction to users seeking a tactile or clicky switch for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Light Tactile or the Gateron Melodic switch, it ultimately boils down to your preference for tactility and sound. If you prefer a gentler tactile experience with a more neutral sound profile, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback with a higher-pitched and crunchy sound profile, the Gateron Melodic switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it ultimately comes down to what feels and sounds best to you.
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