Durock Medium Tactile vs. SP-Star Yanyu

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Yanyu. The Durock Medium Tactile is highly regarded for its unique flavor of tactile feedback. With a pronounced yet balanced tactility, it delivers a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, it produces a distinct jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is favored by those seeking a more delicate typing experience, especially during prolonged typing sessions. Its material blend contributes to a crisp sound profile. While these generalities make them both appealing in their own right, let's dive deeper into their characteristics to help you decide which switch suits you best.

By the numbers

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Yanyu switches differ significantly. The Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic material also allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the Yanyu's top housing is made of a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE. This blend provides a sound profile that is pleasant, but not particularly sharp. It leans towards the brighter side, offering a different auditory experience compared to the Medium Tactile.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Medium Tactile utilizes a nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu also incorporates a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its bottom housing. Again, this unique blend creates a distinct sound profile that is pleasant but not sharp. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to the differences in their bottom housing materials.

It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials significantly impact the overall sound and feel of a switch. The Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing affects the sound when a key is released, while the nylon bottom housing brings depth to the bottom-out sound and feel. Similarly, the Yanyu's blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the top and bottom housings respectively, contributes to the unique sound characteristics of each action. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a pleasurable typing experience, showcasing the diversity in housing materials available to cater to individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force between the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The actuation force for both switches is unknown, but the Durock Medium Tactile has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the SP-Star Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams, which is lighter.

Considering weight, some users prefer lighter switches, as it allows them to type for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who bring their keyboard to work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. For these individuals, switches with heavier forces would be more suitable.

It is important to note that without the available information on actuation force for both switches, a direct comparison in terms of actuation force cannot be made. However, based on the provided data, it is evident that the Durock Medium Tactile has a heavier bottom out force compared to the SP-Star Yanyu.

In conclusion, while the actuation forces are unknown, the Durock Medium Tactile offers a medium-heavy bottom out force, whereas the SP-Star Yanyu provides a lighter bottom out force. Choosing the right switch ultimately depends on personal preference, whether one prefers a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or a heavier switch for a more robust typing experience.

Travel distance

Both the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom of the switch. It is worth noting that both switches provide a comfortable tactile feel, thanks to the tactility of the Durock Medium Tactile and the smooth linear action of the SP-Star Yanyu. Therefore, regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a similar experience in terms of travel distance and overall typing feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Medium Tactile is best described as having a jelly-like sound signature, which suggests that it produces a soft and slightly bouncy sound when pressed and released. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is known for its crisp sound profile, indicating that it creates a more precise and clear sound. While the specific sound qualities of the Yanyu are described as "Neutral" and "Thocky," the Medium Tactile's sound is not explicitly mentioned. However, both switches' sound profiles can be affected by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used, so it is important to consider these variables as well to achieve the desired auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Durock Medium Tactile is characterized by several descriptors. It is considered "accented," meaning it provides a noticeable but not overwhelming amount of tactility. Additionally, it can be described as "stepped," which suggests that it offers a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The Medium Tactile is also labeled as "mild" and "polished," indicating a gentle and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is described as both "mild" and "polished," suggesting a similar gentle and smooth typing experience. It is also referred to as "feathery," implying that it requires very little force to actuate, which reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Yanyu is further described as "subtle," indicating a gentle resistance and a suitable sound signature for shared spaces. Ultimately, both switches offer a pleasant and approachable typing experience, with the Yanyu emphasizing lightness and the Medium Tactile focusing more on a balanced tactility.

In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile and the SP-Star Yanyu switches have their own unique subjective qualities. The Medium Tactile is known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. It offers an accented and stepped feel, creating a medium tactile experience that is not overwhelming. Meanwhile, the Yanyu provides a delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile. It is characterized by its mild and polished feel, offering a softer tactile experience and reduced friction. Both switches have a mild sound profile suitable for most purposes. While there may be slight differences in sound and feel, using either of these switches will yield similar satisfying results. Ultimately, it is important to consider personal preferences, as well as the other factors like keyboard board and keycaps, to choose the switch that best suits one's typing needs and preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pronounced yet balanced tactility, the Durock Medium Tactile would be a great choice for you. Its jelly-like sound signature adds to a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that is perfect for long typing sessions or a more delicate typing experience, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is a suitable option. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, it provides a feathery feel and reduces finger fatigue. Additionally, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for tactility and typing experience. So, choose the Durock Medium Tactile for a medium-heavy tactile feel and pronounced sound, or opt for the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch for a lighter touch and delicate typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Medium Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Yanyu Linear

$5.80

$5.40 per 10

Learn more