Durock Medium Tactile vs. KTT Wine Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Wine Red offer unique experiences for typists. The Medium Tactile switch by Durock boasts a pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a satisfying feedback while typing. It also features a distinct jelly-like sound signature, adding a touch of character to every keystroke. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch from KTT offers a pillowy light feel with a deep and rich sound profile. Its low-pitched and bassy characteristics create a delightful auditory experience while typing. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences. However, let's delve deeper into the details to help you make the best switch choice for your needs.

By the numbers

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

KTT Wine Red Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$2.71 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the KTT Wine Red share similar characteristics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting.

However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Medium Tactile utilizes nylon while the Wine Red sticks to polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing of the Medium Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Wine Red contributes to its overall sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.

While there are differences in the bottom housing material, both switches still deliver high-quality sound profiles due to their respective housing choices. The Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing offers a unique and potentially more rounded sound, while the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing ensures a clear and resonant sound. Therefore, despite the variations, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality from both switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is not available, while the actuation force of the Wine Red switch is 44 grams. This means that the Wine Red switch requires a lighter force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Medium Tactile switch. In terms of bottom out force, the Medium Tactile switch has a force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. In contrast, the Wine Red switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is medium-light.

These differences in actuation and bottom out forces offer distinct typing experiences. Those who prefer a lighter touch and want to type for long periods of time may gravitate towards the Wine Red switch due to its lower actuation force. This would make it ideal for keyboards used in work or gaming scenarios that require prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, users who enjoy a stronger push feel and seek a more substantial typing experience may find the Medium Tactile switch more suitable. Its higher bottom out force could provide a satisfying resistance and feedback during typing.

While the actuation and bottom out forces are not explicitly provided for the Medium Tactile switch, it can be assumed that the actuation force would be similar to or higher than the bottom out force, given the categorization of the switch as medium-heavy. Therefore, it can be inferred that the Medium Tactile switch would likely require a stronger force for triggering keystrokes compared to the Wine Red switch, resulting in a potentially weightier typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing feel.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect to get similar results with both of these switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is best known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. Although no specific information is provided about the sound of the switch, based on the description, it can be inferred that the Medium Tactile switch offers a unique sound experience that combines the tactile feedback with a softer, possibly more cushioned sound profile.

On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch is described as having a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. Specifically, it is characterized as having a bassy sound and being low-pitched. This suggests that the Wine Red switch will provide a more resonant and lower-frequency sound during key presses.

When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as an accented switch with medium levels of tactility. It is not hypertactile nor scratchy, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, it is mentioned that the switch feels stepped, indicating a two-stage tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. Lastly, the switch is described as mild and polished, suggesting a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Unfortunately, no specific information is given about the feel of the KTT Wine Red switch. However, based on the description of being pillowy light, it can be inferred that the switch offers a softer and possibly smoother typing experience compared to the Medium Tactile switch.

In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile switch offers a balanced and pronounced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature. It has an accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel, providing a comfortable and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch offers a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile with a pillowy light type feel. While the specific qualities of the Wine Red switch are not described, it is likely to provide a softer typing experience. Although different in sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring an enjoyable and personalized typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts.

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 switch is the one for you. It offers a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile with a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a pillowy light type feel, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is the better choice. It provides a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, offering a deeper and more mellow tone. While the Medium Tactile offers features like accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel, the specific feel characteristics of the Wine Red switch are not described. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for bottom out force, tactility, sound profile, and feel. Consider these factors when choosing the switch that will best suit your typing style and preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

KTT Wine Red Linear

$2.71 per 10

Learn more