TTC Neptune vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Neptune linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch stand out for their unique characteristics. The Neptune is renowned for its innovative internal structure, offering a smooth and almost frictionless typing experience akin to indulging in chewy treats like mochi or tapioca pearls. On the other hand, the Duck switch provides a more subdued tactile sensation with a clean and crisp sound profile. While the Neptune excels in providing a "matte" feel and ultralight typing experience, the Duck switch offers a gentle tactility and subtle keypress feedback. Both switches are categorized as polished and mild, making them suitable for different preferences in typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
41g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the TTC Neptune and the SP-Star Duck both utilize polycarbonate in either the top or bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiff plastic, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, making it a popular choice for both the top and bottom housing. The Neptune's POM top housing, on the other hand, creates a more muted and deeper sound profile, offering a unique auditory experience compared to the sharper sound of polycarbonate.
In terms of sound production, the housing materials of the Neptune and Duck play a significant role in the overall sound output of the switches. The top housing material, whether POM or polycarbonate, affects the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and feel upon pressing a key. Despite their differences in sound profiles, both switches benefit from the unique qualities of their respective housing materials, providing users with a variety of auditory experiences to choose from. Whether one prefers the deeper, muted sound of POM or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate, both options offer distinct advantages in sound production.
While the TTC Neptune and SP-Star Duck differ in their choice of housing materials, they both aim to provide users with a satisfying typing experience. The contrast between the POM top housing of the Neptune and the polycarbonate top housing of the Duck showcases the range of options available to keyboard enthusiasts. Whether one prefers the more subdued sound of the Neptune or the sharper sound of the Duck, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to individual preferences. Overall, both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch, highlighting the diversity of options available to consumers in the mechanical keyboard market.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is evident that the Neptune is lighter in both aspects. The Neptune has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Duck has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 58 grams. The Neptune offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a more gentle touch when typing for extended periods. On the other hand, the Duck provides a slightly heavier bottom out force, giving users a more substantial typing feel. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing force – lighter for the Neptune and slightly heavier for the Duck.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the TTC Neptune linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, we find that the Neptune has a shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Duck has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. Both are within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance may not be noticeable to all users, but for those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Neptune may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a bit more depth in their key presses may find the slight increase in travel distance of the Duck to be more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and desired keyboard feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 Neptune linear switch is known for its low-pitched, muted, neutral, subdued, and thocky sound profile. These qualities create a refined and unobtrusive auditory experience, perfect for those looking for a quiet typing environment. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of typing scenarios. Both switches provide a pleasant sound experience, but the Neptune's unique combination of low-pitched and thocky characteristics may appeal to those seeking a more distinct auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Neptune linear switch is characterized by its buttery, gummy, frictionless, mild, and polished qualities. These features result in a smooth and textured typing experience, reminiscent of chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls. In comparison, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a mild, buttery, and polished feel, providing a gentle and seamless typing sensation. Both switches excel in delivering a comfortable and approachable tactile experience, with the Neptune's gummy and frictionless qualities adding a unique touch to its typing feel.
Overall, the TTC Neptune linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch both offer exceptional qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Neptune stands out for its innovative internal structure, creating a smooth and almost frictionless glide with a springy resistance feel. On the other hand, the Duck switch provides a subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile. Whether you choose the Neptune for its unique matte feel or the Duck for its gentle tactility, both switches are sure to enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you're looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Neptune linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, consider the following guidelines based on their unique characteristics. If you prefer a light bottom out force and a typing experience that feels smooth, almost frictionless, and reminiscent of chewy delights like mochi, then the Neptune switch is the way to go. The Neptune offers a matte feel and a muted sound profile, making it ideal for swift and effortless typing with a refined auditory ambiance. On the other hand, if you seek a medium bottom out force and a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switch is your best bet. The Duck provides a gentle tactility and a neutral sound profile. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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