SP-Star Duck vs. Gateron Type L
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Duck and the Gateron Type L switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the SP-Star Duck and Gateron Type L offer unique typing experiences for users. The Duck switch boasts a subtle tactile feel with a clean and crispy sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a gentle typing experience. On the other hand, the Type L switch from Gateron is known for its lightness and easy-to-press keys, providing users with a smooth and feathery typing experience. While both switches offer their own advantages, such as the Duck's buttery and polished feel and the Type L's subdued and easy-to-press nature, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
N/A
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
58g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the SP-Star Duck and the Gateron Type L, it is evident that the Duck utilizes polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, while the Type L uses nylon for both. The Duck's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon housing of the Type L results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound to create a rounder tone. While the Duck's housing materials emphasize clarity and resonance, the Type L focuses on creating a more muted and softer sound experience.
The use of different housing materials in the SP-Star Duck and the Gateron Type L influences the overall sound and feel of the switches. With polycarbonate top and bottom housing in the Duck, the emphasis is on producing a clear and resonant sound profile, while also allowing for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the nylon housing of the Type L prioritizes a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder tone. Despite these differences, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by utilizing specific properties of their housing materials to create distinct sound profiles.
Ultimately, the choice between the SP-Star Duck and the Gateron Type L housing materials comes down to personal preference and desired typing experience. The Duck's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, suitable for those who prefer a higher-pitched tone and clear resonance. Meanwhile, the Type L's nylon housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, appealing to individuals who enjoy a softer and more muted typing experience. Whether you prioritize clarity, resonance, depth, or fullness in your typing sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Duck has a bottom out force of 58 grams, while the Type L is lighter with a bottom out force of 45 grams. The actuation force for the Duck is not specified, while the Type L has an actuation force of 38 grams. This means that the Type L requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Duck. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of use, the Type L switch may be more suitable. On the other hand, the Duck switch provides a more substantial typing feel with its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches provide a similar experience when pressing down on a key. The tactile feedback and smooth linear action of the Duck and Type L switches make them ideal choices for those who prefer a shorter travel distance for typing or gaming purposes. Overall, while both switches offer the same travel distance, they each provide unique characteristics in terms of actuation force and feedback that may influence a user's preference between the two.
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 Gateron Type L comes in at $4.70 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, both the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch fall under the category of neutral switches, meaning they have a moderate sound profile that can be suitable for most typing environments. However, the Type L switch is also described as having a subdued sound, which makes it produce a more dampened and subtle sound compared to the Duck switch. Keep in mind 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, the Duck switch is known for its mild and buttery typing experience, offering a gentle and smooth keystroke that can be approachable to most users. The switch is also described as polished, providing a sleek and refined typing sensation. On the other hand, the Type L switch is characterized as feathery and easy-to-press, offering an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience with minimal finger fatigue. These qualities make the Type L switch comfortable for extended typing sessions, whether for gaming, school, or work purposes.
Overall, both the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Duck switch provides a more gentle tactile typing experience with clean and crispy sound, the Type L switch stands out for being the lightest in its series, requiring only 45g to bottom out, and delivering a sound signature towards the deeper end of the acoustic spectrum. Depending on your preferences for typing feel and sound, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you get similar results in terms of overall quality.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Duck tactile switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a more gentle tactile typing experience with a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, the SP-Star Duck switch may be the right choice for you. The Duck switches offer a clean and crispy sound profile with a subtle tactility that is perfect for various typing tasks. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter switch with a bottom out force of 45 grams and a deeper sound signature, the Gateron Type L linear switch might be more suitable. The Type L switch is part of an innovative project that combines classic design elements with modern factory lubing practices, providing a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom out force. Choose the switch that best fits your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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