HMX Game1989 vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the HMX Game1989 and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect linear mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy contenders are the HMX 1989 and the Durock Piano. The HMX 1989, celebrated for its deep thock and robust feel, delivers a satisfying typing experience that many gamers and typists appreciate. It stands out in the HMX Film switch series, offering a unique tactile response that caters to those who enjoy that "thocky" sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Piano switches are renowned for their proprietary material blend, providing a wonderfully smooth typing experience characterized by a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. They are often praised for their “bassy” and “silky” qualities that create a luxurious typing sensation. While both switches offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences—ranging from the resonant thock of the HMX 1989 to the buttery smoothness of the Durock Piano—each serves a distinct purpose in enhancing your typing or gaming experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
T5
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the HMX 1989 and the Durock Piano are distinctly different, each imparting unique characteristics to the overall sound profile of the switches. The 1989 sports a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer properties, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This translucency not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch but also allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, creating an engaging visual presentation. Contrastingly, the Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend in its top housing. Although specific details about this blend are not disclosed, it offers a deeper and more satisfying sound profile, differing fundamentally from the clarity and brightness provided by the polycarbonate material in the 1989.
In terms of bottom housing, the 1989 employs nylon, a classic material recognized for its softer properties. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound more effectively, which results in a fuller and more rounded acoustic experience. By absorbing certain frequencies, nylon creates a muted bottom-out sound that contrasts with the sharper response from the polycarbonate top. The Durock Piano, meanwhile, also utilizes a proprietary POM blend in its bottom housing, which is similarly noted for producing a deep and satisfying sound profile. While both switches use different materials for their top housings, the POM blend in the Piano contributes to a consistent depth in sound that pairs effectively with its own uniquely crafted top housing.
Ultimately, the variation in housing materials between the HMX 1989 and the Durock Piano affects how each switch feels and sounds when used. The polycarbonate's stiffness in the 1989 provides clarity and brightness, while the nylon's softness leads to a more muted and fuller experience. On the other hand, the deep sound produced by the Durock Piano's POM blends results in an enriched tonal quality that elevates the typist's encounter. Therefore, despite their distinct materials, both switches can achieve similarly satisfying results when it comes to sound quality by strategically utilizing the materials’ properties to enhance the switch's performance, with the nuances of each housing playing their respective roles in delivering a unique yet pleasing auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The HMX 1989 has a light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Durock Piano features an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This heavier bottom out force can provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer key feel. Ultimately, while both switches have their distinct characteristics, the HMX 1989 is the lighter option, whereas the Durock Piano is the heavier choice, catering to different preferences among users.
Travel distance
Both the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they offer the same distance from top to bottom when pressed. This equal travel distance suggests that users can expect a similar tactile experience in terms of the amount of keypress travel. Consequently, regardless of the specific switch type, the feel of typing or gaming on them will produce comparable results in terms of the distance the keys travel and the force needed to actuate them. Thus, users can enjoy uniformity in key press behavior between the two switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Game1989 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Game1989 for $3.29.
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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, the HMX 1989 switch is celebrated for its deep, thocky character, often making it a favored choice among enthusiasts who appreciate a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. This quality allows for a rich typing experience, where each keystroke resonates with a satisfying echo. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch offers a bassy sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone when pressed. The bassy nature of the Piano enhances the auditory experience by replicating the depth and warmth often associated with lower frequencies. Both switches can produce satisfying sounds, but while the 1989’s thockiness leans towards a more pronounced impact, the Piano’s sound signature is lush and creamy.
In terms of feel, the HMX 1989 switch provides a tactile experience that is deeply immersive, though specific descriptions of its touch characteristics are not detailed. However, the Durock Piano switch is known for its silky smooth action, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance both when pressing and releasing keys. This smoothness contributes to a highly enjoyable and fluid feel during extended typing sessions. While the feel of the 1989 might not be explicitly described, it's likely to offer a solid experience, and combined with the auditory feedback, it creates an engaging typing environment.
In conclusion, both the HMX 1989 and Durock Piano linear switches deliver unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The deep and thocky sound of the 1989 emphasizes a more pronounced feedback, while the Piano’s bassy and creamy tones provide a pleasant auditory backdrop. In terms of feel, the silky smooth action of the Piano enhances the typing experience, while the 1989 promises a satisfying tactile engagement. Both switches can coexist on the same platform with some similarities in auditory satisfaction, yet they each bring their own distinct qualities to the table, allowing users to choose based on personal preference.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the HMX 1989 linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch depends largely on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter touch and enjoy a deep, thocky sound, the HMX 1989 might be the better fit for you, especially if you engage in gaming or prolonged typing sessions where a softer actuation can reduce finger fatigue. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams allows for a more effortless typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a less strenuous key feel. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more substantial keystroke that provides satisfying feedback, the Durock Piano, with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, could be your go-to choice. Known for its silky smooth action and rich, bassy sound profile, the Piano switch delivers a premium feel and an enjoyable auditory experience that many find gratifying for both typing and gaming alike. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your desired balance of force, sound, and tactile feedback, allowing you to select the switch that aligns with your personal preferences and typing habits.
Mentioned in this article
