Durock Medium Tactile vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer different typing experiences are the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Orange. The Medium Tactile switch is highly regarded for its unique tactile feedback, striking a balance between a pronounced tactile bump and a smooth keystroke. Additionally, it is known for its jelly-like sound signature, adding a touch of character to your typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch is praised for its bouncy and frictionless feel, thanks to its 22mm long spring and polycarbonate milky top housing. With a low-pitched sound profile and excellent factory-lubing, this switch offers a refined and fluid key travel. Both switches have their own distinct qualities, providing users with options based on personal preference. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you determine which switch is the best fit for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Orange switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aspect. Therefore, both the Medium Tactile and the Orange switches offer similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing.
However, the main difference lies in the bottom housing material. The Medium Tactile employs nylon for its bottom housing, imparting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, absorbs more sound, resulting in a slightly duller and rounder sound. This material choice influences the overall typing experience, creating a distinct tactile feeling and auditory feedback when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the Orange switch features a polycarbonate bottom housing, aligning with its top housing material. Therefore, the sound and feel of the Orange switch will be consistent throughout, with a sharper and crisper sound profile.
In summary, while both the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Orange switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, their bottom housing materials differ. The Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the Orange's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharper and crisper sound characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, as well as the desired aesthetic with RGB lighting in consideration.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Durock Medium Tactile has an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to directly compare to the Orange switch's 46 grams of actuation force. However, the Durock Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy keypress. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch has a lower bottom out force of 53 grams, making it medium-light.
Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the KTT Orange as it requires less force to activate, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing or prolonged gaming sessions. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile would provide a slightly heavier push feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience.
Although the specific actuation force for the Durock Medium Tactile is unavailable, if it is similar to the KTT Orange's 46 grams, then users can expect similar results in terms of sensitivity to keypresses. However, the Durock Medium Tactile's higher bottom out force indicates a slightly heavier keystroke overall. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, it is clear that they have different distances. The Medium Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Medium Tactile offers a slightly deeper press compared to the Orange switch.
In terms of tradition, a 4 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shallower. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. For those seeking a more responsive typing experience, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Orange switch may be more suitable. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer a deeper press. In such cases, the Medium Tactile switch with its longer 4 mm travel distance would be the preferred option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 Medium Tactile switch is best known for its jelly-like sound signature, providing a unique auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, delivering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished. It offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, providing a balanced tactile typing experience. The switch also has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Conversely, the KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy and frictionless feel. It provides a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel with rebound. Additionally, the switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction.
Considering the available information, the Medium Tactile switch excels in terms of its unique sound signature and the balance it strikes between tactility and smoothness. It provides a pronounced yet balanced tactility, creating an enjoyable typing experience. With its jelly-like sound signature and accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel, the Medium Tactile switch is a preferred choice for those seeking a tactile switch that is not overwhelming and offers a refined typing experience.
On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch stands out for its low-pitched sound profile and bouncy, frictionless feel. It offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, accompanied by a spring-like feedback sensation and fluid key travel. The switch's polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing contribute to its slick and frictionless typing experience.
While the Durock Medium Tactile and KTT Orange switches differ in their sound and feel characteristics, both provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences. The Medium Tactile switch offers a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, while the KTT Orange switch delivers a low-pitched sound profile with a bouncy, frictionless feel. Depending on personal preference, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy tactile switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile would be a great choice for you. It offers a refined and polished typing experience, thanks to its accented and stepped feel, as well as its factory lubing for reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light linear switch with a low-pitched sound profile and a slick, frictionless typing experience, the KTT Orange switch would be the ideal option. Its bouncy feel and frictionless nature provide a spring-like feedback and effortless keypresses. Ultimately, the decision between these switches boils down to personal preference - whether you prioritize tactility and sound or a smooth and bouncy typing experience. It's important to consider your typing style, preferences, and the overall feel you're seeking in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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