KTT Peach vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the KTT Peach 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 Peach and the SP-Star Duck. The Peach switch is a linear switch that is best known for its prized characteristics, such as a syrupy smooth typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild, the Peach switch offers a unique and enjoyable typing sensation. On the other hand, the Duck switch is a tactile switch that provides a more subtle tactile typing experience. With a gentle tactility and a clean and crispy sound profile, the Duck switch is perfect for those seeking a different kind of feedback while typing. Categorized as neutral, mild, buttery, and polished, it offers a distinctive typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch is ideal for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The KTT Peach and the SP-Star Duck both use polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting, providing visual appeal to the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and lighting effects from both the Peach and the Duck due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Peach utilizes nylon while the Duck opts for polycarbonate. Nylon offers a different typing experience by producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller, rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Duck aligns with its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The choice of bottom housing material primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Therefore, users can expect a variation in the typing experience, with the Peach offering a deeper sound and the Duck providing a sharper sound upon bottoming out.
In summary, both the KTT Peach and the SP-Star Duck share the advantages of using polycarbonate in their top housing. This choice ensures a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as well as the potential for RGB lighting effects. However, their differences lie in the choice of bottom housing material. The Peach's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Duck's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains the sharp and resonant sound character of its top housing. Thus, users will experience variations in the bottom-out sound and feel between the two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Peach and the Duck will depend on personal preference regarding sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Peach linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The Peach has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the exact actuation force of the Duck is unavailable. Both switches have a medium force required for bottoming out, with the Peach at 53 grams and the Duck at 58 grams.
In terms of weight, lighter switches like the Peach can be beneficial for those who need to type for extended periods, such as for work or long gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force allows for quicker and easier keystrokes, resulting in reduced fatigue during prolonged use. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. This provides a stronger push feel, which gives a sense of control and precision while typing.
In summary, the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Peach linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch show some differences. The Peach has a lighter actuation force, making it suitable for longer typing sessions, while the Duck has a slightly heavier bottom out force, offering a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Peach linear 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 switch, you will feel a consistent 4 mm of travel from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, these two switches provide the same experience, ensuring a uniform tactile feel regardless of which one you choose.
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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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
The KTT Peach linear switch is best known for its syrupy smooth typing experience and deep, thocky sound profile. This switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, which means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the Peach switch is described as having a mild feel, making it a gentle and approachable typing experience for most users.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch is perfect for those seeking a more subtle tactile typing experience. This switch offers a clean and crispy sound profile, which implies a neutral sound with moderate actuation force requirements. Similar to the Peach switch, the Duck switch also has a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that stands in a safe middle-ground zone.
Overall, both the Peach and Duck switches have similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both feature a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of preferences, whether you are a beginner or advanced user. Additionally, they both offer a mild feel, providing a gentle and comfortable typing experience.
It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, while the Peach and Duck switches have their own distinct qualities, the final sound and feel can be further customized based on personal preferences and accompanying accessories. Regardless of the choice between the Peach or Duck switch, both options will deliver satisfying results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a smoother and deeper sound profile, along with a moderate actuation force, the KTT Peach linear switch would be an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams provides a comfortable typing experience, and the syrupy smooth feel is highly desirable. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch would be a perfect fit. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, it falls into the medium category, offering a gentle tactility when typing. Ultimately, both switches provide a mild and approachable typing experience, but the Duck switch has an additional buttery and polished characteristic, ensuring smooth and refined key travel. Consider your personal preference for sound and feel when making your decision between these two exceptional switches.
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