Durock Light Tactile vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Light Tactile and the KTT Mallo mechanical keyboard switches, one can find distinct qualities that set them apart. The Durock Light Tactile is lauded for its gentle tactility, offering a softer and more angelic typing experience compared to sharper tactile switches. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo is praised for its subtlety and finesse, providing just enough tactile feedback without being overwhelming. Both switches are categorized as having a mild tactility, but the Light Tactile leans towards a polished feel while the Mallo exudes a feathery and subdued touch. Each switch offers a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. 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
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile and the KTT Mallo share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Both switches also benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Light Tactile utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than harder plastics. In contrast, the Mallo also uses nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience with a rounder and duller sound profile.
While both the Light Tactile and Mallo switches offer a similar sound profile due to their polycarbonate top housing, the choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of tactile feedback and sound characteristics. The Light Tactile's use of nylon for the bottom housing results in a more impactful bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Mallo's nylon bottom housing contributes to a rounder and duller sound profile, providing a different typing sensation compared to the Light Tactile. Despite these differences, both switches showcase a balance between the top and bottom housing materials, offering users a unique and satisfying typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Durock Light Tactile and KTT Mallo share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, their choice of nylon for the bottom housing sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics and tactile feedback. The Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the impact of typing on the switch. In contrast, the Mallo's nylon bottom housing results in a rounder and duller sound profile, providing a unique typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a well-balanced combination of housing materials that cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Durock Light Tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 52 grams compared to the KTT Mallo switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Mallo switch has a lighter bottom out force of 55 grams, while the Light Tactile switch has a higher bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Light Tactile switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Mallo switch offers a lighter typing feel with a lower bottom out force. Both switches have their own benefits, with the Light Tactile switch being more suitable for those who prefer a heavier key press, and the Mallo switch being ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces of each switch play a crucial role in determining the typing experience and feel of each switch.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile and the KTT Mallo tactile switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent travel distance, providing a similar typing experience for users. Overall, the travel distance of the Durock Light Tactile and the KTT Mallo tactile switches is identical, ensuring that users can expect similar results when using either switch.
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 Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Durock Light Tactile and KTT Mallo switches are considered to have a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options for various typing environments. However, the Mallo switch is also described as having a subdued sound, which means it produces a dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Light Tactile switch is characterized as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Mallo switch is noted for feeling feathery, requiring little exertion to press and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Mallo switch is described as having a stepped tactile feel, offering a more subtle resistance and a sound signature that is suitable for shared spaces.
In conclusion, both the Durock Light Tactile and KTT Mallo switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While they both feature a neutral sound profile, the Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle and polished typing experience, while the Mallo switch excels in providing a feathery feel with a subdued sound. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and sound characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Durock Light Tactile and the KTT Mallo tactile switches, consider your preference for tactility and typing feel. Opt for the Durock Light Tactile if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a gentle tactility that provides a unique typing experience. On the other hand, go for the KTT Mallo if you prefer a switch with a medium-light bottom out force and a subtle tactility that strikes a balanced chord for typists. Additionally, the Mallo's subdued sound signature makes it a versatile choice for various typing environments. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to your personal typing preferences and the typing experience you are looking for.
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