Durock Light Tactile vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Light Tactile and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Light Tactile switch from Durock is well-known for its gentle tactility, providing a welcome contrast to the sharper tactile switches typically found in the market. Typing on the Light Tactile switch offers an angelic tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch is perfect for those seeking a delicate typing experience or those who type for extended periods. The Yanyu's material blend creates a crisp sound profile. Both switches fall under the categories of 'Neutral' and 'Mild', but the Yanyu also offers characteristics such as 'Thocky', 'Feathery', and 'Subtle'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Light Tactile and the SP-Star Yanyu differ significantly. The Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which generates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Yanyu has a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing. This unique blend produces a pleasant sound profile that leans towards the brighter side without being overly sharp.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Light Tactile utilizes nylon. Typing on switches with nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softness absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu employs a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing. This blend contributes to the Yanyu's distinct sound profile, providing a pleasant balance that is neither too sharp nor dull.
While the two switches have different housing materials for both their top and bottom, it is important to note that each material brings its own unique qualities to the switch's overall sound and feel. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the switch. In contrast, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite the differences, both switches offer distinct and enjoyable sound profiles, with the Light Tactile leaning towards sharpness and clarity, while the Yanyu emphasizes a pleasing brightness.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are some notable differences. The Light Tactile switch has an actuation force of 52 grams, indicating the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the Yanyu switch's actuation force is unavailable. However, the Light Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating the force required to press all the way down. In contrast, the Yanyu switch has a bottom out force of 43 grams.
The Light Tactile switch offers a medium-heavy actuation force, providing a slightly stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch's actuation force is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Yanyu switch is lighter, requiring less force to fully press down compared to the Light Tactile switch.
The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider when selecting a keyboard. Some users may prefer a lighter switch, like the Yanyu, as it allows for longer typing sessions and is ideal for those who use their keyboards extensively for work or gaming. On the other hand, those who enjoy a stronger push feel might opt for the Light Tactile switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. It is important to choose a switch with a force that aligns with individual preferences and intended usage.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on the key for either switch, you will experience a similar distance of travel. Because both switches have equal travel distances, you can expect comparable results in terms of the distance you feel when using these switches. Therefore, there is no significant difference in the travel distance between the Durock Light Tactile and the SP-Star Yanyu switches.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 provides a gentle and jelly-like sound signature, creating a unique and angelic tactility when typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch offers a crisp sound profile due to its material blend. Both switches are described as having a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for various intents and purposes. However, the Yanyu switch is also described as having a "thocky" sound, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired sound experience, considering other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Durock Light Tactile and the SP-Star Yanyu switches provide a mild and gentle typing experience. These switches offer qualities that stand in a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. The Light Tactile switch is described as having a mild and polished feel, with a smooth and refined finish that ensures reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Yanyu switch, on the other hand, offers a feathery feel with exceptionally light key presses, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is also described as having a subtle resistance and a gentle typing feel, making it comfortable and suitable for shared spaces. Like the sound, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and specific typing needs.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Light Tactile switch provides an angelic and jelly-like sound signature, while the Yanyu switch offers a crisp sound profile with a hint of "thocky" resonance. Both switches provide a mild and gentle typing experience, with the Light Tactile switch having a polished feel and the Yanyu switch offering a feathery and subtle feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences, the desired sound and feel, and considering other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. However, if you are looking for a similar typing experience, both switches share the qualities of being a neutral switch with a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most users and purposes.
Conclusion
To sum up, if gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound signature are important to you, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be the ideal choice. These switches provide a more delicate typing experience and are great for extended typing sessions. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, they offer a medium-heavy actuation force, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users. The Light Tactile switches also have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for use in various environments, whether it is at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch would be a better option for you. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, these switches require less exertion from your fingers, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Yanyu switches have a neutral sound profile, similar to the Light Tactile switches, but they also have a thocky sound characteristic, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed and released.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Light Tactile and SP-Star Yanyu switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound, go for the Light Tactile. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a crisp sound profile, opt for the Yanyu. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer a moderate actuation force requirement and a mild typing feel, making them suitable for most users.
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