KTT F2 vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the KTT F2 and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT F2 linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The KTT F2 switches are known for their distinct hollow sound signature and medium-light weightiness, providing a comfortable typing experience with a lightly textured feel. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a softer and more polished typing experience compared to sharper tactile switches. While the F2 switches are gentle, mild, neutral, subdued, subtle, the Light Tactile switches fall under neutral, mild, polished. Each switch has its own appeal depending on the user's preference; however, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT F2 and the Durock Light Tactile, one similarity stands out - they both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of polycarbonate. Both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups. Despite this commonality, the two switches diverge when it comes to their bottom housing materials. While the F2 also employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, the Light Tactile utilizes nylon. The F2's bottom housing continues the trend of a clear and resonant sound profile, while the Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature.
The distinction between the housing materials of the KTT F2 and the Durock Light Tactile extends beyond their sound profiles to include their tactile experiences. With the F2 featuring both top and bottom housings made of polycarbonate, users will primarily feel the impact of the stiffer material when pressing down on the switch. This results in a more pronounced bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, providing a duller and rounder typing experience. While the top housing of both switches contributes to the overall sound produced, the bottom housing plays a significant role in shaping the tactile feedback users receive when using these switches.
Overall, the choice between the KTT F2 and the Durock Light Tactile ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. The F2 excels in delivering a sharp and crisp typing experience with its polycarbonate top and bottom housings, ensuring a clear and resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Light Tactile offers a deeper and fuller sound thanks to its nylon bottom housing, providing a distinct typing experience with a rounder sound profile. Whether you prioritize a sharper sound or a more subdued tactile feel, each switch offers a unique option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT F2 linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that the F2 is lighter than the Light Tactile. The F2 has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Light Tactile has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that the F2 will provide a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer longer typing sessions or extended gaming. On the other hand, the Light Tactile offers a more substantial typing feel, appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push when typing. In both cases, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience, whether lighter or heavier is preferred.
Travel distance
The KTT F2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it shorter than the Durock Light Tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The F2 offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch provides a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more robust keypress experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference in terms of keypress feel and response time. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, so choosing between them will depend on individual needs and preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
The KTT F2 comes in at $3.90 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
In terms of sound, both the KTT F2 linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch are categorized as having a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options suitable for various settings. However, the F2 offers a slightly subdued sound, providing a more subtle typing experience compared to the Light Tactile which has a jelly-like sound signature. When it comes to feel, the F2 switch offers a feathery and mild typing experience, with a lightly textured feel adding a tactile nuance to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch is described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth key travel due to factory lubing.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. The KTT F2 linear switch stands out with its distinct hollow sound signature and medium-light weightiness, while the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offers a gentle tactility and polished finish for a smooth typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of quality and comfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when selecting between the KTT F2 linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound profile. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force and a distinct hollow sound signature, the F2 switches may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a gentle tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Light Tactile switches from Durock could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you aim to achieve.
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