Kailh Box White vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introduction:
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer distinct typing experiences are the Kailh Box White and the Durock Piano. The Box White is well-known for its clicky nature, providing maximum audio feedback with a satisfying crunch and an accentuated tactility reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out as a linear switch that offers a smooth and seamless typing experience. Its proprietary material blend ensures a gliding push feel, accompanied by a deep and creamy sound signature. While the Box White focuses on a resonant and high-pitched feedback, the Piano offers a bassy and frictionless typing experience. These general descriptions provide an initial understanding of what each switch has to offer. However, let's delve deeper into the intricacies of these switches to help you choose the one that suits your preferences best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Durock Piano switches offer different characteristics that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box White creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, offering a clear and resonant tone. In contrast, the POM blend top housing of the Piano produces a deep and satisfying sound profile, though the exact details of the blend are unknown. While the materials differ, both switches are designed to provide a pleasing auditory experience, making them suitable for those looking for switch options with distinct sound qualities.
The housing materials used for the bottom housings of the Kailh Box White and the Durock Piano also contribute to their sound characteristics. The Box White's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Piano's proprietary POM blend bottom housing offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, although specific details of the blend are unspecified. Despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to enhance the auditory experience by providing a distinct sound when typing.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall switch sound, it is important to note that the qualities brought by each housing material are divided between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing of a switch, such as the Box White's nylon housing, primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that when you press down on the switch, you will feel the impact and experience the sound characteristics of the bottom housing. Conversely, the top housing, in this case, the polycarbonate housing of the Box White, has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences, both switches prioritize the quality of the sound produced, ensuring a satisfying auditory experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Kailh Box White has an actuation force of 50 grams, making it relatively light and requiring less force to register a keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Piano's actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to compare directly. However, both switches have a bottom out force measurement available. The Kailh Box White has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is slightly higher than its actuation force, indicating a more pronounced push feel when fully pressed. In contrast, the Durock Piano has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Kailh Box White.
Considering the weight factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Kailh Box White clicky switch more suitable. Its lower actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without much strain. This characteristic also makes it ideal for bringing to work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Durock Piano linear switch could be a better option. Its slightly higher bottom out force provides a more satisfying keystroke response for users who prefer a heavier switch.
In summary, the Kailh Box White clicky switch offers a lighter actuation force and a slightly lighter bottom out force compared to the Durock Piano linear switch. However, since both switches fall into the medium to medium-heavy category of force requirements, individuals seeking similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out force may find these switches to be fairly comparable.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have different travel distances. The Box White has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Piano has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Piano switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Box White.
In terms of preference, the 4.0mm travel distance of the Piano switch falls within the more traditional range, providing a sense of familiarity. On the other hand, the 3.6mm travel distance of the Box White offers a slightly shorter distance, making it a popular choice among gamers who desire faster response times.
Choosing between the two depends on personal preference. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Box White's shorter travel distance may be more suitable. However, if you enjoy a deeper key press feel, the Piano's longer travel distance might be the preferred option. Whichever option you choose, both switches will provide satisfying feedback and performance for your typing needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box White comes in at $2.76 per 10 switches.
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 Kailh Box White clicky switch provides a resonant and high-pitched auditory experience. Typing on these switches produces a clean and sharp sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a deep, creamy and bassy sound profile. These switches create a lower frequency range, providing a sense of depth and richness similar to bass tones. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel, the Kailh Box White switch offers a polished and refined typing experience. The smooth and polished finish of these switches results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing a sleek and pleasurable typing sensation. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience. These switches minimize resistance and friction when pressing the keys, ensuring effortless and fluid key travel.
Based on the available information, it is clear that the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The Box White provides an immersive auditory experience with its resonant and high-pitched sound profile, while also offering a polished and refined feel. On the other hand, the Durock Piano delivers a deep, creamy and bassy sound signature accompanied by a frictionless and silky typing experience. It is important to consider personal preferences and priorities when choosing between the two. However, if you are looking for a similar result to the Box White's sound and feel, the Durock Piano may provide comparable satisfaction with its deep and smooth characteristics.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering the choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your individual preferences and typing style. If you value maximum audio feedback and enjoy a tactile experience while typing, the Box White switch is the way to go. It offers a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a satisfying crunch similar to stepping on autumn leaves. The sound profile is clean and sharp, giving you a resonant and high-pitched auditory experience. Additionally, the Box White switch has a polished feel, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more pleasant and smooth typing experience with a deep and creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano linear switch is a great choice. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Piano switch falls into the medium-heavy category. It offers a gliding push feel and a bassy sound profile resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Piano switch is known for its frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the audible and tactile feedback provided by the Box White switch or the smooth and effortless typing experience offered by the Durock Piano switch. Consider your personal preferences for sound and feel, and choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style. Both switches have their unique characteristics, ensuring a enjoyable and customized typing experience.
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