Durock Light Tactile vs. KTT Peach
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the KTT Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Durock Light Tactile and the KTT Peach. The Light Tactile switch from Durock is renowned for its gentle tactility, offering a refreshing alternative to the sharper tactile switches typically found on the market. Typing on these switches provides a blissful tactile sensation accompanied by a soft, jelly-like sound. On the other hand, the Peach switches from KTT boast numerous prized characteristics of a linear switch. Users can expect a smooth typing experience akin to flowing syrup, combined with a deep, thocky sound profile. While these general descriptions provide a glimpse into the unique qualities of each switch, it is crucial to delve deeper into their specific attributes to make an informed decision based on your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile and the KTT Peach both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting purposes. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch with a clear housing that enhances the sound and supports RGB lighting, both the Light Tactile and the Peach are excellent options.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Light Tactile and the Peach differ in material, with the former using nylon and the latter also opting for nylon. The nylon bottom housing of these switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. So, whether you choose the Light Tactile or the Peach, you can expect a more immersive typing experience with a satisfying and resonant sound.
It is important to note that the qualities each housing material brings to these switches will be split between the top and bottom housings. When pressing down on either switch, you will feel the impact of the bottom housing more prominently, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the sound produced when letting go of a key will be influenced more by the top housing. This division between top and bottom housing materials allows for a nuanced and dynamic typing experience, ensuring that both the Light Tactile and the Peach deliver satisfying results.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile switch and the KTT Peach switch reveals some interesting differences. The Light Tactile has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams compared to the Peach's 45 grams, making it a bit more resistant to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Light Tactile also has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Peach has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that typing on the Light Tactile switch will require a slightly stronger push both for actuation and bottoming out, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Peach switch offers a lighter touch for both actuation and bottoming out, allowing for a smoother and potentially faster keystroke. It is worth noting that these differences may have an impact on typing comfort and speed, as some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Peach switch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, for those who enjoy a more pronounced and solid keystroke, the heavier forces of the Light Tactile switch would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on personal preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. In the case of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Peach linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of 4 mm. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 per 10 switches.
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 with a jelly-like sound signature. This means that the sound produced is moderate and balanced, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. On the other hand, the KTT Peach switch boasts a low-pitched sound profile, which results in a deep and thocky sound. It has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches provide satisfying sound experiences, but the Light Tactile leans towards a neutral sound, while the Peach switch offers a deeper and more distinctive sound.
In terms of feel, both the Light Tactile and Peach switches provide a mild typing experience. This means that the switches offer a gentle and approachable feel when typing, without any overly pronounced characteristics. They offer a safe and middle-ground zone when it comes to the tactile feedback and actuation force required. However, the Light Tactile switch also features a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is due to the materials used and possible factory lubrication, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. The Peach switch does not mention any specific qualities regarding the feel, so it can be assumed that it provides a standard mild typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Light Tactile and KTT Peach switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Light Tactile switch provides a jelly-like sound signature and a polished, refined feel for a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Peach switch offers a deep, thocky sound profile and a mild typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches fall within the mild category, providing a comfortable and accessible typing experience for users. It is important to consider other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, as they can also impact the sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a switch with a gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile would be an excellent choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams provides a satisfying feeling without being too heavy. Additionally, the Light Tactile is described as having a mild and polished feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. This switch is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, and can be used at home or at work due to its neutral sound profile.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother linear switch with a deep, thocky sound profile, the KTT Peach is the way to go. With a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, this switch provides a syrupy smooth typing experience. The Peach switch is described as having a mild feel, making it approachable for most users. It also offers a low-pitched sound, giving it a bass-heavy and mellow tone.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Light Tactile and the KTT Peach depends on your personal preference for tactility and sound. If you prioritize a gentle tactile feel and a more angelic sound, the Light Tactile is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a thocky sound profile, the Peach switch is the better option. Consider your preferences and typing style to make an informed decision and enjoy the perfect keyboarding experience.
Mentioned in this article
