Durock Light Tactile vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Light Tactile and the TTC Neptune mechanical keyboard switches, one can see the distinct differences in their design and typing experience. The Light Tactile from Durock stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a softer feel compared to other tactile switches on the market. In contrast, the TTC Neptune offers a unique fusion of smoothness and springy resistance, delivering a textured pleasure with every keystroke. While the Light Tactile is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', the Neptune is described as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky'. Depending on your typing preferences, you may lean towards the Light Tactile for its gentle tactility or the Neptune for its innovative internal structure and smooth typing experience. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the POM top housing of the TTC Neptune, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches have unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. On the other hand, the Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Neptune offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Durock Light Tactile and the TTC Neptune offer interesting sound profiles that cater to different typing preferences. The top and bottom housing materials of each switch play a significant role in shaping the sound profile, with polycarbonate and POM offering contrasting tones. While the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and clearer sound, the Neptune's POM top housing creates a unique and more muted sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Light Tactile and the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Neptune each contribute to the overall sound experience in their respective switches.
Overall, the choice between the Durock Light Tactile and the TTC Neptune ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel. The different housing materials used in each switch create distinct sound profiles that will appeal to different users. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound from polycarbonate or a deeper, fuller sound from nylon or POM, both switches offer unique typing experiences. Additionally, understanding the impact of each housing material on the overall sound profile can help users make an informed decision when selecting a switch for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the TTC Neptune linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Light Tactile requires 67 grams while the Neptune only needs 50 grams, making the Light Tactile a bit heavier overall. Those who prefer a medium-heavy typing experience may opt for the Light Tactile, while those looking for a lighter touch may prefer the Neptune. Both switches provide a different typing experience, with the Light Tactile offering a more substantial push feel and the Neptune providing a lighter touch for those who type for longer periods of time.Overall, the Light Tactile switch is heavier while the Neptune switch is lighter, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch is 4.0mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8mm. Both switches have relatively short travel distances compared to more traditional switches. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Neptune for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial feel may opt for the Light Tactile with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keyboard feel.
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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 sound profile that is suitable for most users in various settings, whether at home or in the office. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune switch provides a low-pitched and muted sound that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, contributing to a refined and unobtrusive auditory ambiance. The Neptune's sound signature is unique, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the Light Tactile switch. However, both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Light Tactile being more versatile and the Neptune being more subdued and bass-heavy.
In terms of feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, allowing for a gentle and refined keystroke feel that is approachable to most users. The TTC Neptune switch, on the other hand, provides a buttery and frictionless typing sensation, making every keystroke seamless and effortless. The Neptune also introduces a gummy feel when bottoming out, adding a unique tactile experience to the typing process. Both switches offer a different feel, with the Light Tactile being more mild and polished, while the Neptune provides a smoother and more uniform typing experience with a hint of gummy sensation.
Overall, the Durock Light Tactile switch and the TTC Neptune switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Light Tactile provides a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished typing feel, while the Neptune offers a low-pitched, muted sound and a buttery, frictionless typing sensation with a gummy touch. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the versatile and gentle Light Tactile switch or the unique and smooth Neptune switch for their mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different subjective qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch or the TTC Neptune linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a gentle tactility with a slightly heavier bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the Light Tactile may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a smoother, frictionless typing experience with a lighter bottom out force and a low-pitched, muted sound profile, the Neptune switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision.
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