Keygeek Keygeek Raw vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keygeek Raw and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Raw and the Durock Piano stand out as two popular linear options with unique characteristics. The Keygeek Raw is praised for its distinctive material blend, combining Nylon, UMPE, and Silicon to create a delightfully creamy yet lightweight switch. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is known for its proprietary material blend that offers a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. While the Keygeek Raw is categorized as 'Textured', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle', the Durock Piano falls under 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky'. Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preferences and typing style. 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
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
57.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon & UPE blend
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
UMPE & Si blend
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 Keygeek Raw utilizes a Nylon & UPE blend top housing, which is exclusive to Keygeek Raw switches, while the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend top housing. Both materials are designed to offer a uniquely satisfying sound profile, with the Keygeek Raw focusing on a blend of Nylon and UPE, and the Piano using a proprietary POM blend. While the exact details of the blends are not disclosed, both switches strive to provide a deep and pleasing sound experience for users.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Keygeek Raw features a UMPE & Si blend, unique to Keygeek Raw switches, while the Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend. Both bottom housings are designed to impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. The Keygeek Raw's blend of UMPE & Si aims to provide a specific feel and sound, whereas the Piano's POM blend offers a different but equally satisfying experience. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience, determining the tactile feedback and sound that users will encounter.
Overall, the housing materials of the Keygeek Raw and Durock Piano switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. While the specific blends of Nylon & UPE and POM may differ, both switches prioritize a satisfying sound profile and tactile feel for users. Whether it be the impact on bottom-out sound and feel from the bottom housing or the impact on sound when releasing a key from the top housing, each switch is crafted to enhance the typing experience in its own unique way. Ultimately, choosing between the Keygeek Raw and Durock Piano will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that the Keygeek Raw has a lighter actuation force with None grams compared to the Piano's None grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Keygeek Raw has a force of 57.5 grams, which is lighter than the Piano's 63.5 grams, making the Piano the heavier option. This means that the Keygeek Raw would provide a lighter typing experience, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, while the Durock Piano would offer a more substantial typing feel, better suited for those who prefer a stronger push. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy force range, which would result in similar results when it comes to overall performance, with the key difference lying in the feel of the typing experience.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Raw linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Piano switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Keygeek Raw switch. The 0.6 mm difference may not seem significant, but for some users, it can make a difference in how the key feels when pressed. Gamers who prefer faster response times may lean towards the Keygeek Raw switch with the shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may prefer the Durock Piano switch with the longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose the one that best fits their preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keygeek Raw has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keygeek Raw for $3.51.
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
In terms of sound, the Keygeek Raw linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement suitable for various uses. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch provides a bassy sound with a deeper and richer tone during key presses. When it comes to feel, the Keygeek Raw switch offers a textured feel out of the box, providing a subtle friction that some users may prefer. It also falls into the mild category, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch is frictionless and silky, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. As for overall comparison, while the Keygeek Raw and Durock Piano linear switches have distinct qualities in sound and feel, they both provide unique and enjoyable typing experiences, catering to different preferences. Whether you choose the Keygeek Raw for its neutral sound and textured feel or the Durock Piano for its bassy sound and frictionless, silky feel, you can expect satisfying results from either switch.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Keygeek Keygeek Raw linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, material blend, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a unique material blend for a creamy yet textured typing experience, the Keygeek Raw switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a proprietary material blend for a gliding, deep sound signature with a frictionless and silky typing feel, the Durock Piano switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference and what typing experience you value most.
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