KTT Semi Mute vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the KTT Semi Mute and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a multitude of options to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Two popular choices on the market are the KTT Semi Mute and the SP-Star Duck switches. The KTT Semi Mute is a linear switch, best known for its completely silent operation, making it perfect for those who value a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. With its advanced dampening technology and linear actuation, these switches offer a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches are tactile switches, providing a more subtle tactile typing experience. Typing on these switches offers a gentle tactility, and the sound profile is clean and crispy. Both switches have their own merits depending on your preferences - the Semi Mute excels at providing a quiet and undisturbed typing experience, while the Duck offers a satisfying tactile feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15mm spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Semi Mute and the SP-Star Duck, specifically the polycarbonate top and bottom housings, provide similar benefits and characteristics for keyboard enthusiasts. Both switches utilize polycarbonate to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate plastic in both top and bottom housings contributes to a clear and resonant sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects, making it an ideal choice for those who plan to incorporate illumination into their keyboards.
However, while the qualities of polycarbonate are similar for both top and bottom housings, the location of these materials in the switch affects the typing experience differently. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the characteristics of the polycarbonate bottom housing can influence the overall typing sound and the sensation felt when the key reaches its bottom position. On the other hand, the top housing, which is responsible for the sound when a key is released, plays a more prominent role in the auditory feedback during key release.
Overall, the KTT Semi Mute and the SP-Star Duck share similarities in their housing materials, specifically the use of polycarbonate in both top and bottom housings. These choices result in comparable benefits, such as improved sound profiles and the potential for RGB lighting. However, the individual impacts of the top and bottom housings on the typing experience differ, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing is more influential in the sound during key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, we find some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the Semi Mute is 43 grams, while the exact actuation force of the Duck is not available. Both switches, however, have a bottom out force of 58 grams, which falls into the medium range.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter switch to enable longer typing or gaming sessions comfortably. In this aspect, the Semi Mute would be the lighter option with its 43-gram actuation force. On the contrary, others may desire a heavier force for a more substantial typing experience. For these users, both the Semi Mute and the Duck would provide similar results with their shared bottom out force of 58 grams.
To summarize, while the actuation force of the Semi Mute is known and lighter, the exact actuation force of the Duck remains unknown. Nevertheless, both switches offer a medium level bottom out force, providing comparable outcomes for those seeking a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing a keyboard. In the case of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, both 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 same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that the typing experience with both switches will be consistent in terms of the distance you feel. Therefore, it can be said that the travel distance of the KTT Semi Mute linear switch matches that of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, resulting in a comparable experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 Semi Mute switch is known for its muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making them ideal for those who value a noise-free environment, especially during late-night sessions. The Duck switch, on the other hand, is also described as having a neutral sound profile. It produces a moderate level of sound, suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use them at home or work. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the KTT Semi Mute and the SP-Star Duck switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The Semi Mute is described as having a buttery feel, which indicates a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. These switches offer a mild typing experience, providing a gentle and approachable feel for most users. Similarly, the Duck switches are also described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the Duck switches are considered polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. This could be due to the materials used or factory lubing, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, both the KTT Semi Mute and SP-Star Duck switches offer qualities that make them comfortable and gratifying to type on. They have a similar neutral sound profile that minimizes noise while typing. Both switches also provide a smooth and fluid typing experience, with a buttery and mild feel. If you are specifically looking for a completely silent operation, the Semi Mute switch would be a better choice. However, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience, the Duck switches would be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on your personal preferences and typing requirements.
Conclusion
In closing, to determine whether you would want to choose the KTT Semi Mute linear switch or the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the Semi Mute is the ideal choice. Its advanced dampening technology and linear actuation provide a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience, the Duck switches are perfect. They offer a gentle tactility with a clean and crispy sound profile. Both switches have a bottom out force of 58 grams, which is considered medium. Therefore, if you want a switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, either switch would be suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced and whether you plan to use them at home or work. Lastly, both switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with the Semi Mute being described as "buttery" and the Duck having a "mild" and "polished" feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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