Durock Medium Tactile vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The Durock Medium Tactile is a tactile switch with a distinct flavor that sets it apart. It offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility, giving users a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it has a unique jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon represents an excellent example of a linear switch. This switch stands out with its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, which contribute to a smooth and effortless typing experience. Both switches have their own standout qualities, making them attractive options for different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision based on your specific requirements and desires.

By the numbers

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$2.80 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Medium Tactile and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This choice allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound when typing. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting in their keyboard setup. Both switches offer similar qualities in terms of their top housing material, ensuring that users will experience comparable results when it comes to sound and lighting.

Moving on to the bottom housing, both the Medium Tactile and Sea Salt Lemon switches utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housing material and provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. By incorporating nylon in the bottom housing, both switches ensure that users will experience a consistent and satisfying typing experience with a focus on producing a rich and immersive sound.

Although the top and bottom housings have different materials in these switches, they still both contribute to the overall sound profile. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, as this is the part that directly interacts with the keypress. Meanwhile, the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. By understanding the role of each housing material, users can choose between the Durock Medium Tactile and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches based on their preferred sound profile, whether they prioritize a sharper and crisper sound (polycarbonate) or a deeper and fuller sound (nylon).

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences. The actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is currently unavailable, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Medium Tactile switch, making it more sensitive and responsive in terms of actuation.

In terms of bottom out force, the Medium Tactile switch has a heavier force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed down. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams, resulting in a softer and more gentle touch when fully depressed.

Considerations for weight preference come into play here, as some users may prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. The Sea Salt Lemon switch, with its lighter actuation and bottom out force, would be a suitable option for those seeking a lighter touch and the ability to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, for users who prefer a more substantial and sturdy typing experience, the Medium Tactile switch with its heavier actuation and bottom out force would be a better choice.

In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Durock Medium Tactile switch remains unknown, it is clear that the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a lighter touch with its lower actuation and bottom out forces. Users seeking a heavier and more substantial typing experience would find the Medium Tactile switch suitable.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it becomes clear that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom will be identical. Consequently, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and keypress experience provided by these switches. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer the same travel distance, ensuring a consistent typing experience for users.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a unique jelly-like sound signature. Although more specific details about the sound are not provided, it can be inferred that the Medium Tactile switch produces a distinct and perhaps softer sound compared to other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that it likely produces a bass-heavy and mellow tone, offering a more soothing auditory experience. It's important to note that the sound of a switch also depends on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch combines several descriptors to create a well-rounded tactile experience. It is referred to as an accented switch, meaning it provides a significant amount of tactility without being overwhelming or scratchy. Additionally, it is characterized as stepped, indicating a two-stage tactile sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The switch is also described as mild and polished, offering a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is also classified as mild, providing a comfortable and approachable typing experience. However, no additional details are provided regarding the specific feel of the Sea Salt Lemon switch.

Considering all the available information, it is clear that both the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer desirable qualities. In terms of sound, the Medium Tactile switch provides a unique jelly-like sound signature, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch offers a low-pitched and mellow tone. When it comes to feel, both switches are classified as mild, ensuring a gentle typing experience. The Medium Tactile switch further enhances the feel with its accented, stepped, and polished characteristics. Although specific details about the Sea Salt Lemon switch's feel are not provided, it is safe to assume that it offers a similar approachable and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct qualities, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences and typing style.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile is the way to go. Its jelly-like sound signature adds to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is a great choice. Its progressive spring and dry-lube design make it a pleasure to type on. In terms of sound, the Medium Tactile offers a sound signature that is yet to be described. The Sea Salt Lemon, on the other hand, has a low-pitched sound which features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. When it comes to feel, the Medium Tactile is accented and stepped, providing a medium tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. It also offers a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Sea Salt Lemon, on the other hand, provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon depends on your preference for tactility, bottom out force, sound, and overall feel.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

KTT Sea Salt Lemon Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more