Durock Light Tactile vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Light Tactile and the Cherry MX Red are two popular options that offer distinct typing experiences. The Durock Light Tactile stands out for its gentle tactility, providing a soothing typing experience with a jelly-like sound signature. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red is known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a more robust typing experience. While the Light Tactile is categorized as ['Neutral', 'Mild', 'Polished'], the MX Red falls under ['Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured']. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Light Tactile and the Cherry MX Red switches utilize nylon as a component of their housing material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound than stiffer plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use nylon, making it a classic choice for switch housing material. However, the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in contrast to the MX Red's nylon top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the Light Tactile switch creates a more clear and resonant sound due to its stiffness, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a switch with a unique sound profile.
The difference in housing materials between the Light Tactile and the Cherry MX Red extends to their top and bottom housings. While the Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, the Cherry MX Red utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing. This split in housing materials results in a more complex sound profile for the Light Tactile, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing having a greater effect on the sound when releasing a key. In comparison, the Cherry MX Red's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing creates a more uniform typing experience, with the softer plastic contributing to a consistent sound profile across the entire switch.
Overall, both the Durock Light Tactile and the Cherry MX Red switches offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Light Tactile's combination of polycarbonate and nylon creates a mix of sharper, higher-pitched sounds from the top housing and deeper, fuller sounds from the bottom housing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red's consistent use of nylon throughout its housing results in a more uniform and consistent sound profile. Whether you prefer the distinctive sound of the Light Tactile with its dual housing materials or the consistent typing experience of the Cherry MX Red, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that contribute to their overall sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is clear that the Light Tactile switch is heavier in both aspects. The Light Tactile switch has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, offering a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Cherry MX Red switch may be the better option. However, for users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch would be the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in that aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience a similar amount of travel before the key registers. Both switches provide a consistent typing experience, with a satisfying amount of key travel. Whether you choose the Durock Light Tactile or the Cherry MX Red, you can expect a smooth and comfortable typing experience with the same travel distance.
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 Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Durock Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various settings and users. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound, providing a deep and rich auditory experience. The choice of keycaps and keyboard can also affect the overall sound produced by the switches.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a gentle and refined feel when compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as textured or scratchy, offering noticeable friction when pressed. This can be a preference for some users seeking a more tactile typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, angelic feel, and jelly-like sound signature, making it a unique and soft option in the world of mechanical switches. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Red switch offers a slightly heftier feel, deeper sound profile, and robust typing experience, appealing to users looking for a more tactile and responsive switch. Both switches have their own distinct qualities, and choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference based on sound, feel, and typing experience desired.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch or the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a gentler tactility and a softer sound profile, the Light Tactile switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile, the MX Red switch could be the way to go. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your individual typing preferences and what kind of typing experience you are looking for.
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