Durock Medium Tactile vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry MX Black. Both switches have their own unique qualities and reasons why you might choose them. The Durock Medium Tactile is beloved for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. It falls under the categories of "Accented", "Stepped", "Mild", and "Polished". On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black is renowned for its textured smoothness, thanks to Cherry's Hyperglide tooling. Typing on these switches offers a familiar deep sound profile. The MX Black switches are categorized as "Low-pitched", "Textured", and "Stiff". These general pointers give you an idea of the qualities each switch possesses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry MX Black switches differ in terms of their impact on the sound profile. The Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, while the MX Black's nylon top housing results in a deeper and fuller sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the softer nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if you prioritize a sharper sound profile, the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing is the better choice, whereas if you prefer a deeper and fuller sound, the MX Black's nylon top housing is more suitable.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Medium Tactile and the MX Black switches use nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to the relatively softer nature of nylon, it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches elicit a similar sound character, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. Therefore, if you value this aspect of sound quality, you can expect similar results from both the Medium Tactile and the MX Black switches in terms of the bottom housing.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when the key is released. Therefore, when considering the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Cherry MX Black switches, you should take into account their respective qualities and how they will contribute to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, we find some notable differences. The Durock Medium Tactile has an actuation force of unavailable grams, while the MX Black has an actuation force of 60 grams. This means that the MX Black requires slightly less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Medium Tactile. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Medium Tactile requires 65 grams, making it slightly heavier than the MX Black, which requires 80 grams.
Considering weight is crucial for various reasons. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, which is ideal for extended periods of typing or gaming, the MX Black may be the more suitable option as it has a lighter actuation force. This lighter force allows for increased typing speed and reduced finger fatigue. Conversely, some individuals prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. For these users, the Medium Tactile with its medium-heavy bottom out force may be a better choice. It provides a satisfying resistance and tactile feedback during typing.
Overall, while the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile and Cherry MX Black differ, both switches offer their own unique advantages. The MX Black provides a lighter actuation force, allowing for faster and more effortless keystrokes, while the Medium Tactile offers a heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Selecting between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch are the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, the user will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, users can expect comparable results from both the Durock Medium Tactile and Cherry MX Black switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
In terms of sound, the Medium Tactile switch from Durock is best known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, accompanied by a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch offers a low-pitched sound profile with a deeper tone. While the Medium Tactile switch's sound is dependent on factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the MX Black switch provides a more bass-heavy and mellow sound experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics.
Moving on to feel, the Medium Tactile switch is characterized as an accented switch, providing a prominent level of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It is also described as stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Additionally, the Medium Tactile switch is considered mild, offering a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. With a polished finish, this switch ensures smooth key travel and reduced friction.
In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch is described as textured, highlighting its noticeable friction when pressed, which some users may prefer. It is also known for being stiff, requiring more force to actuate and bottom out compared to other switches. The MX Black switch offers a classic textured smoothness and a familiar deep sound profile when typing.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile switch stands out for its balanced tactility, jelly-like sound signature, and polished finish providing a refined typing experience. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Black switch excels in providing a low-pitched, bass-heavy sound profile, along with a textured and stiffer feel. Depending on personal preferences, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy switch with a balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile is a great choice. It offers an accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavy switch with a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black is a reliable option. It has a low-pitched sound and a textured feel, with noticeable friction when pressed. Additionally, the MX Black requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, making it suitable for those who prefer a stiffer switch. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for tactile feel and sound profile.
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