Durock Medium Tactile vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Medium Tactile and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. The Durock Medium Tactile is renowned for its balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, making it a top choice for those who appreciate a pronounced tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switches offer a distinct gliding feel and a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With their medium-weight and unique POM stem, they provide a rich, bassy, and decadent typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Medium Tactile and the Everglide Sunset Yellow differ in their choice of housing materials, which directly impacts the sound profiles they produce. The Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This makes it ideal for those seeking a more defined and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and muted sound profile. This creates a unique, soothing typing experience that may appeal to those who prefer a quieter switch.

When it comes to the bottom housings, the Medium Tactile opts for a nylon material while the Sunset Yellow utilizes POM. The nylon bottom housing in the Medium Tactile contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing in the Sunset Yellow delivers a similarly deep and muted sound, aligning with the top housing to ensure consistency in the typing experience.

Overall, while their top and bottom housing materials differ, both switches strive to provide a pleasant and unique typing experience. The Medium Tactile with its polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and more resonant sound profile, while the Sunset Yellow with its POM top housing creates a deeper and muted sound. Similarly, their respective bottom housings, nylon and POM, contribute to a fuller and rounded sound. So, while they may have unique characteristics, both switches can provide satisfying results based on individual preference in sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it becomes evident that there are notable differences between the two. The actuation force of the Durock Medium Tactile switch is unavailable, while the actuation force of the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch is 43 grams. Therefore, there is a clear distinction in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke, with the Sunset Yellow requiring a lighter touch.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile switch boasts a force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, positioning it in the medium-light range. Consequently, there is a noticeable variation in the force needed to press the keys all the way down.

In terms of weight, both switches have their own advantages. The Everglide Sunset Yellow's lighter actuation force of 43 grams makes it preferable for individuals who desire a lighter typing experience, allowing them to effortlessly type for longer periods of time. This lighter weight can be beneficial for users who require a keyboard for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch's heavier bottom out force of 65 grams provides a stronger push feel, resulting in a more substantial typing experience. For users who prefer a keyboard with a more pronounced tactile feedback and a satisfying resistance, the Durock switch would be the preferable choice.

In conclusion, the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch differ significantly. The Durock switch offers a medium-heavy bottom out force, while the Sunset Yellow switch presents a medium-light bottom out force. Additionally, the actuation force of the Durock switch is currently unknown, while the Sunset Yellow switch has a lighter actuation force. Therefore, individuals looking for a lighter typing experience may opt for the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch, while those seeking a more substantial and resilient typing experience may prefer the Durock Medium Tactile switch.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is 4.0 mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In terms of the travel distance, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is longer than the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Durock switch is more traditional, offering a deeper keypress feel. On the other hand, the 3.2mm travel distance of the Everglide switch is shorter, making it suitable for gamers who prioritize faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is best described as having a jelly-like sound signature. This means that the sound produced when typing on these switches is smooth and slightly soft, resembling the texture and consistency of jelly. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch is known for its captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. It offers a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, making typing on these switches a truly indulgent experience. The sound is characterized by a lower frequency range, similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, it is important to note that the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a balanced and pronounced tactility. It is often described as accented, meaning that it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. Additionally, it can also be considered as a stepped switch, which means that it has a two-stage feeling with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. These qualities create a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and approachable feel to most users.

On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch has its own unique feel due to its POM stem and proprietary factory lube method. The combination of the POM stem and lube contributes to a distinct gliding sensation when typing, as if your fingers effortlessly melt into each keystroke. This switch can be described as creamy and frictionless, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. Similar to the Durock Medium Tactile, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch also offers a polished feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches possess distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Medium Tactile exhibits a jelly-like sound signature with balanced tactility, while the Sunset Yellow produces a captivating sound profile with a rich and bassy tone. In terms of feel, the Medium Tactile offers an accented and stepped experience, while the Sunset Yellow delivers a creamy, frictionless, and polished sensation. Both switches provide unique typing experiences, catering to different preferences. However, it is important to remember that the actual sound and feel may also depend on factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Conclusion

To wrap 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 switch would be a great choice for you. Its jelly-like sound signature adds a unique touch to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switch is perfect for you. Its rich, bassy, and decadent sound will make typing an indulgent experience. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow switch's POM stem and proprietary factory lube method provide a distinct gliding feel, contributing to a highly responsive typing experience. Overall, whether you prioritize a pronounced tactile feedback or a smooth and buttery typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more