KTT Mallo vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Mallo and Durock Medium Tactile both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The KTT Mallo is lauded for its subtle and refined design, providing a gentle tactile feedback that is not overwhelming. With a medium-light typing feel and a neutral sound signature, the Mallo strikes a balance that appeals to a range of typists. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile is known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. While the Mallo leans towards a more subdued and versatile typing experience, the Durock Medium Tactile offers a more accentuated and polished feel. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities, making them suitable choices depending on individual preferences. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Mallo and the Durock Medium Tactile, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Despite both switches using polycarbonate for their top housing, the differences may lie in their bottom housing material.
The KTT Mallo and the Durock Medium Tactile both feature a bottom housing made of nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches allows for a unique typing experience that emphasizes a deeper sound profile.
While the housing materials for the top and bottom differ between the KTT Mallo and the Durock Medium Tactile, both switches offer a balanced combination of qualities from their respective materials. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is significant, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released, adding to the overall typing experience. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a distinct sound profile and typing experience based on their choice of housing materials.
Weight
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it a medium-light switch, while the Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, which means they may have similar results when it comes to triggering a keystroke. The lighter bottom out force of the Mallo may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Medium Tactile may be favored by those seeking a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force and overall typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the two switches, both will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. With a travel distance of 4 mm, both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback while typing. This similarity ensures that users will get consistent results when using either switch, as the travel distance remains the same for both the Mallo and the Medium Tactile switches. Therefore, whether you choose the KTT Mallo or the Durock Medium Tactile switch, you can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo switch offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments without being overpowering. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, with the Mallo leaning towards a more neutral and subtle sound, while the Medium Tactile has a pronounced and distinctive jelly-like sound.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo switch is known for its feathery and mild typing experience, offering a light actuation force that reduces finger fatigue and provides comfort for extended typing sessions. It also has a subtle resistance with a gentle typing feel. The Durock Medium Tactile switch, on the other hand, is described as accented and stepped, providing a balanced tactility that is prominent yet not overwhelming. Additionally, it has a polished finish for a smooth and refined typing experience. Both switches offer different typing experiences, with the Mallo focusing on a light and gentle feel, while the Medium Tactile provides a prominent tactility and polished finish.
Overall, the KTT Mallo and Durock Medium Tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Mallo provides a neutral and subtle sound with a feathery and mild typing experience, while the Medium Tactile has a pronounced jelly-like sound and a balanced tactility with a polished finish. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, catering to a range of typists seeking different qualities in their mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, both switches offer a level of quality that ensures a pleasant and comfortable typing experience for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, you should opt for the Mallo if you prefer a lighter typing experience with subtle tactility and a neutral sound profile. The Mallo provides a balanced typing feel that is gentle on the fingers, making it suitable for extended typing sessions in various environments. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is ideal for those seeking a more pronounced tactility and a slightly heavier bottom out force. The Medium Tactile offers a jelly-like sound signature and a polished finish for a refined typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.
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