Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the SP-Star Duck - two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique and distinct tactile typing experiences. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is renowned for its sharp tactile feel, thanks to its unique blend of PBT top and bottom housing. It provides a rare and premium typing experience with its strong downstroke and even sharper upstroke tactile bumps, creating a hypertactile sensation. Typing on these switches produces a satisfyingly sharp, short, snappy, and punchy sound, coupled with a medium-heavy feel and an abrupt bottom-out. On the other hand, the Duck switches offer a more subtle tactile typing experience, perfect for those seeking a gentler touch. With a clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switches provide a mild and buttery tactile feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the SP-Star Duck differ in their housing materials, with the Moyu Black utilizing PBT for both its top and bottom housing, while the Duck incorporates polycarbonate for both. PBT, though relatively unseen in switch housings, offers a neutral sound profile in the case of the Moyu Black. It provides a sound that is neither very crisp nor dull. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top and bottom housing of the Duck creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, if RGB lighting is a priority, polycarbonate is more favorable due to its translucency.
While the top and bottom housing materials vary between the Everglide Moyu Black and the SP-Star Duck, their impact on the overall feel and sound of the switch differ as well. The bottom housing, which in the case of the Moyu Black and the Duck is comprised of PBT and polycarbonate respectively, plays a larger role in determining the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing, whether PBT or polycarbonate, has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction showcases how the utilization of different housing materials can result in varying tactile experiences when using these switches.
Despite these differences, there are also similarities between the Everglide Moyu Black and the SP-Star Duck when it comes to their housing materials. Both PBT and polycarbonate offer a neutral sound profile, although polycarbonate tends to be sharper and crisper. Additionally, both materials have their advantages in terms of aesthetics and functionality. Polycarbonate, with its translucent nature, is especially useful for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, while PBT is known for its durability and resistance to discoloration. Therefore, while the housing materials may differ between the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of overall performance and functionality.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, there are notable differences. The Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an actuation force of 50 grams, which is lighter compared to the Duck, where the actuation force is unavailable. However, both switches have a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, with the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) requiring 67 grams and the Duck requiring 58 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to allow for longer periods of typing or gaming without fatigue. In this aspect, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) would be a suitable choice due to its lower actuation force. On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, a heavier switch is preferred. In this case, the higher actuation force of the Duck would provide a more satisfying keystroke.
Although there is limited information available regarding the actuation force of the Duck switch, it is evident that the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the bottom out force is comparable between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile 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 key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results and experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
The SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is described as having a resonant sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a higher-pitched sound that is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that the sound produced by these switches is moderate and suitable for most purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you're using them at home or work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is described as having an accented and sharp tactile sensation. Accented switches provide a medium amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. The sharp tactile bump of the Moyu Blacks is prominent and can be distinctly felt with each keypress. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is described as having a mild, buttery, and polished feel. A mild switch offers a gentle typing experience, and the buttery feel suggests a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the polished finish of the Duck switches provides a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Moyu Blacks provide a resonant sound profile with a sharp and impactful tactile sensation. They offer a distinctive and punchy typing experience. On the other hand, the Duck switches offer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. Their mild, buttery, and polished feel delivers a smooth and approachable typing sensation. Both switches have their own unique attributes, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences. However, it's important to consider other factors such as keyboard and keycap choices that may also influence the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when making a decision between the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a sharp and distinctive tactile feel, with a medium-heavy actuation force and an impactful bottom-out experience, the Moyu Blacks would be an excellent choice for you. The unique blend of PBT housing contributes to its premium typing experience, and the even sharper upstroke bump creates a hypertactile sensation. Furthermore, the resonant sound profile adds to the immersive auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and gentle tactile typing experience, with a medium actuation force and a clean sound profile, the Duck switches would be more suitable. The mild feel, combined with the buttery smooth and polished finish, offers a safe middle-ground typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Overall, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches provide a sharper and more intense tactile and auditory experience, while the Duck switches offer a milder, smoother, and more refined typing sensation. Consider your preferences for key feel, sound, and typing style to determine which switch will best suit your needs.
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