Cherry MX Brown vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Brown and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a tactile mechanical keyboard switch, both the Cherry MX Brown and the SP-Star Duck are excellent options to consider. The MX Brown switches are renowned for their subtlety, providing a light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. On the other hand, the Duck switches offer a more subtle tactile typing experience, with a clean and crisp sound profile. The MX Brown is categorized as textured, bassy, and low-pitched, while the Duck is described as neutral, mild, buttery, and polished. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and appeal, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Cherry MX Brown and the SP-Star Duck have contrasting housing materials. The MX Brown features a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Duck has a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The choice of housing material greatly influences the sound profile of the switch. The nylon housing of the MX Brown produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate housing of the Duck creates a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer plastic composition, leading to a more clear and resonant sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate housing of the Duck offers a unique advantage. Its translucency allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for gamers and enthusiasts who want to customize their keyboards with vibrant lighting effects. Conversely, the MX Brown's nylon housing is not transparent and does not provide the same visual appeal when it comes to showcasing lighting effects. However, if RGB lighting is not a priority, both switches can still deliver similar typing experiences with their respective housing materials.
When it comes to the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that pressing down on the switch will give you a better sense of its characteristics. Conversely, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of a switch can result in a distinctive combination of sound profiles, offering users a personalized typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the MX Brown switch is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Duck switch's actuation force is unavailable, but its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 58 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the MX Brown would be a suitable choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for individuals who need to type for extended periods, such as for work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Duck switch with its slightly heavier bottom out force may be preferred. The increased force required for bottoming out can provide a satisfying push feel, enhancing the overall typing experience.
It is important to note that while the actuation force and bottom out force may differ between these two switches, the overall results can still be similar. Both switches fall within the medium weight range, providing a tactile feedback during keystrokes. Ultimately, personal preference and typing style will determine which switch is the better fit, as some individuals may find the MX Brown's lighter actuation force more comfortable while others may appreciate the Duck's slightly heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will offer a similar experience when pressing down on the keys. The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, and in this case, both switches travel the same distance. Therefore, whether you choose the Cherry MX Brown or the SP-Star Duck, you can expect to have a comparable tactile experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 per 10 switches.
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 Cherry MX Brown switches are best described as having a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. This means that the sound produced during key presses is deeper and richer, similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches have a more neutral sound profile. They do not have a distinct characteristic in terms of pitch or tone, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, Cherry MX Brown switches are described as having a textured feel. This means that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys, providing a tactile feedback to the user. Some users prefer this subtle texture, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. On the other hand, SP-Star Duck switches offer a mild, buttery, and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic indicates a gentle typing experience that most people would find approachable. The buttery and polished qualities imply a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This results in a sleek and effortless typing sensation.
Overall, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. They provide a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, along with a textured feel when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches also provide a subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. Their feel is described as mild, buttery, and polished, offering a safe middle-ground zone for most users. While there are differences in sound and feel between the two switches, both can provide similar results in terms of a subtle tactile typing experience. The specific choice would depend on individual preferences and the overall keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a subtle tactile typing experience with relatively light key presses, the Cherry MX Brown switches are a great choice. They offer gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, providing a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. These switches also have a bassy sound profile, giving off a deeper and richer tone during key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile experience, the SP-Star Duck switches are perfect. They offer a gentle tactility and a clean and crispy sound profile. The Duck switches also have a mild feel, providing a more gentle typing experience. Additionally, the Duck switches are described as buttery and polished, meaning they offer a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics and it depends on your personal preference in terms of typing feel, sound, and tactility.
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