KTT Orange vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the KTT Orange and the SP-Star Duck. The KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy feel, frictionless typing experience, and low-pitched sound profile. With its polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing, this switch delivers a slick and refined key travel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a more subtle tactile typing experience. It provides a clean and crispy sound profile, along with a gentle tactility. With its neutral and mild attributes, typing on the Duck switch feels buttery and polished. Both switches have their own unique characteristics, providing different typing experiences. 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
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
Both the KTT Orange and the SP-Star Duck keyboards utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top and bottom housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both keyboards. The relatively stiffer plastic of polycarbonate creates a clear and resonant sound that can enhance the overall typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, making it a practical choice for those who want to add visual flair to their keyboard setup.
Despite the similarities in housing material, the KTT Orange and the SP-Star Duck keyboards may differ in terms of their design and performance. While the qualities of polycarbonate in the bottom housing impact the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound emitted when a key is released. Therefore, depending on the user's preference and typing style, the resulting sound and feel may vary slightly between the two keyboards. It is important to consider these nuances when choosing between the KTT Orange and the SP-Star Duck.
Overall, the use of polycarbonate in both the top and bottom housings of the KTT Orange and the SP-Star Duck keyboards showcases the desire to achieve a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This shared quality ensures that users can expect similar results when typing on either keyboard. However, it is worth noting that the individual design and construction of each keyboard may still offer distinct user experiences. Ultimately, personal preference and specific requirements will play a crucial role in selecting the ideal keyboard for each user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. In terms of weight, the Orange switch is lighter with an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This medium-light weight allows for longer typing sessions and is suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Duck switch has an unavailable actuation force, making it difficult to compare directly. However, its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 58 grams, falling under the medium-weight category. For individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience and a stronger push feel, the Duck switch might be a preferred choice. Although the actuation force for the Duck switch is unknown, it is likely to result in a similar actuation feel as the Orange switch due to both switches falling in the medium-weight range. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on the individual's preference for lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Orange linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have different travel distances, with the Duck having a slightly longer distance. The Orange switch falls into the category of a shorter travel distance, which is often preferred by gamers for its faster response times. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance. It ultimately comes down to personal preference - if you value quick and responsive keystrokes, the Orange switch would be a good choice, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Duck switch. Overall, although the travel distances of the two switches differ, they both offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 KTT Orange switch is known for its low-pitched profile, which means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, which implies a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Orange switch is known for providing a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. The keys have a spring-like feel, offering a lively sensation and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the Orange switch features a smooth and effortless travel, thanks to its factory lubing that minimizes friction. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch is described as providing a mild and buttery typing experience. The switch offers a gentle sensation while typing, and it provides a seamless and uniform keystroke experience. The Duck switch is also mentioned to have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the KTT Orange and SP-Star Duck switches offer different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The KTT Orange switch has a low-pitched sound profile and provides a bouncy and frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch has a neutral sound profile and offers a mild and buttery typing experience with its polished finish. While these switches may have different characteristics, their respective descriptions suggest that both can offer a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange linear switch is the way to go. With its bouncy and frictionless feel, you'll experience a spring-like feedback and a smooth typing experience. The Orange switches are known for their slick and frictionless typing experience, thanks to the excellent factory-lubing. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more subtle tactile typing experience with a medium bottom out force and a neutral sound profile, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is the better choice. These switches offer a gentle tactility and a clean and crispy sound profile. The Duck switches provide a more mild, buttery, and polished typing experience, ensuring a smooth and refined finish. Ultimately, the decision between the KTT Orange linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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