SP-Star Duck vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Duck and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck switches are a perfect choice. These switches provide a subtle tactility while typing, resulting in a clean and crispy sound profile. Categorized as "Neutral", "Mild", "Buttery", and "Polished", the Duck switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a linear switch that provides a unique and indulgent typing experience, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches are worth considering. With their Creamsicle-colored appearance, these switches offer a captivating sound profile that resembles the collision of mahjong tiles. Their medium-weight and distinct gliding feel, thanks to the POM stem and proprietary factory lube method, make them suitable for a wide range of users. Categorized as "Bassy", "Creamy", "Frictionless", "Polished", and "Thocky", the Sunset Yellow switches provide a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Duck and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Duck utilizes a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, making it resonate more clearly. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch features a POM top and bottom housing, resulting in a unique and pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side. The POM material produces a more muted sound profile compared to polycarbonate.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of a switch, their respective materials play a significant role in the overall sound and feel. With the Duck switch, the polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, creating a sharper impact. However, the polycarbonate top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, producing a more distinct and resonant sound. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow switch's POM bottom housing offers a deeper, more muted experience when bottoming out, while the POM top housing affects the sound during key release, delivering a unique and pleasing tone.
While the housing materials of the SP-Star Duck and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches result in different sound profiles, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience. Both polycarbonate and POM materials provide distinct advantages and sonic characteristics. Whether it be the sharper and crisper sound of the Duck's polycarbonate or the deeper and more muted sound of the Sunset Yellow's POM, users can expect an improved audio feedback while typing. Furthermore, both switches prioritize the aesthetics of their housings, with Duck offering the option for RGB lighting through its translucent polycarbonate top housing. Overall, users seeking a specific sound profile and visual appeal can find suitable options in either switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, there are some notable differences. The actuation force of the Duck switch is unavailable, while the Sunset Yellow switch has an actuation force of 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Duck switch requires 58 grams, which can be considered medium, whereas the Sunset Yellow switch requires 51 grams, falling into the medium-light category.
Weight is an important consideration when selecting switches, as it can significantly impact the typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Sunset Yellow's actuation force of 43 grams provides a smoother and more effortless keystroke, allowing for longer typing sessions without excessive fatigue. The medium-light bottom out force of 51 grams in the Sunset Yellow switch also contributes to a softer landing when pressing the keys fully down.
On the other hand, some users prefer a stronger and more substantial typing experience, and for them, the Duck switch might be more suitable. Although the actuation force of the Duck switch is unknown, the bottom out force of 58 grams is heavier than that of the Sunset Yellow switch. This heavier force can provide a satisfying tactile feedback and a more deliberate keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer a more forceful typing sensation.
In summary, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a heavier bottom out force compared to the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, while the actuation force of the Duck switch remains undisclosed. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on one's personal preference for lighter or heavier typing experiences.
Travel distance
The SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2mm. In terms of travel distance, the Duck offers a slightly longer distance compared to the Sunset Yellow. The Duck's 4.0mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper and more substantial feeling when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow's 3.2mm travel distance is shallower and more responsive, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you enjoy a deeper, more substantial keypress, the Duck is the option for you. However, if you prioritize a shorter travel distance and faster response times, the Sunset Yellow would be the better choice. Regardless, both switches offer a unique tactile experience, ensuring satisfactory results for keyboard enthusiasts.
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 Everglide Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
When it comes to sound, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch offers a clean and crispy profile. The sound is described as neutral, which means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for most users and purposes. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch presents a captivating and indulgent sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. Its bassy sound offers a deeper and richer experience with lower frequency tones. It is also characterized as thocky, producing a satisfying deep "thud" or soft "knock" when pressed and released. The specific sound of a switch can vary depending on other factors such as the keyboard's design and the keycaps chosen.
When discussing the feel of the switches, the Duck tactile switch provides a mild and approachable typing experience. It falls into a safe middle-ground zone with its gentle tactility, making it suitable for users of all levels. It is also described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow linear switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience. It feels smooth and buttery, allowing for effortless keystrokes. Like the Duck switch, the Sunset Yellow switch also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches ensure a sleek and polished typing experience.
Considering the available information, the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Duck switch provides a neutral sound profile and a mild, buttery, and polished typing experience. It is perfect for those seeking a more subtle tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a bassy and thocky sound profile, capturing the richness of mahjong tiles colliding. It provides a creamy and frictionless typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes. Overall, both switches guarantee a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a more subtle tactile typing experience, the SP-Star Duck tactile switches would be perfect for you. These switches offer a gentle tactility when typing, resulting in a clean and crispy sound profile. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, they provide a medium level of resistance that is suitable for most users. The Duck switches are described as having a mild, buttery, and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you desire a captivating sound profile and a unique typing experience, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches would be a great choice. These Creamsicle-colored switches offer a rich and bassy sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding. With a bottom out force of 51 grams, they provide a medium-light level of resistance that many users find comfortable. The Sunset Yellow switches are described as creamy, frictionless, and polished, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Duck tactile switches and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a more subtle tactile typing experience with a clean sound profile, go for the Duck switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a captivating sound profile and a unique gliding feel, the Sunset Yellow switches are a great option. Consider the sound and feel characteristics described above to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences.
Mentioned in this article
