Desert Yellow vs Khaki

How close are they?

ΔE 9.0, close: similar, with a visible difference side by side. Khaki is a little darker, more muted, cooler than Desert Yellow.

Can I use Khaki instead of Desert Yellow?

Usually, if you are not matching paint already on the model. Close match (ΔE 9). Khaki is a little darker, more muted, cooler than Desert Yellow.

Can I use Desert Yellow instead of Khaki?

The same difference applies the other way round: Desert Yellow is a little lighter, more saturated, warmer.

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.