Light Soviet Khaki vs Desert Khaki

How close are they?

ΔE 9.6, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Desert Khaki is a little lighter, more saturated, warmer than Light Soviet Khaki.

Can I use Desert Khaki instead of Light Soviet Khaki?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 10). Desert Khaki is a little lighter, more saturated, warmer than Light Soviet Khaki.

Can I use Light Soviet Khaki instead of Desert Khaki?

The same difference applies the other way round: Light Soviet Khaki is a little darker, more muted, cooler.

ΔE is the colour difference between our two swatch estimates: under about 6 is close, over about 15 is loose. Real paints also differ in finish, coverage and how they thin, so test before you commit.