Keygeek Keylin vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Keylin and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Keylin and the Durock Piano both shine as exemplary linear options, each offering unique qualities that cater to varying user preferences. The Keylin switch, renowned for its innovative molds, delivers a premium typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and an exceptional smoothness that enhances overall feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch captivates users with its proprietary material blend, offering a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature that adds a satisfying auditory element to typing. While both switches provide a seamless linear experience, the Keylin emphasizes a crisp and vibrant acoustic profile, whereas the Piano focuses on a bassy, silky texture and sound. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prefer the lively feel of the Keylin or the soothing glide of the Piano. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
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
21mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Keylin and the Durock Piano, one can identify both similarities and notable differences that affect their overall sound profiles. The Keylin utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a classic choice in the world of mechanical switches. This material is favored for its softer nature, contributing to a deeper, fuller sound profile by absorbing vibrations and creating a rounder, duller audio signature. In contrast, the Durock Piano employs a proprietary POM blend for both its top and bottom housings. Although the precise formula of the POM blend remains undisclosed, it is designed to provide a similarly satisfying depth of sound. The choice of materials suggests that while both switches focus on delivering rich audio experiences, the Keylin’s nylon and the Piano’s specialized POM may yield different nuances in sound and feel.
Delving deeper into the materials' impact, the different characteristics of nylon and the POM blend play critical roles in how each switch performs on a tactile and auditory level. The nylon housing of the Keylin is likely to enhance the bottom-out sound due to its softer properties, while still contributing to a smooth release sound. In contrast, the Piano's POM blend is engineered to create a satisfying sound that could resemble the Keylin's but might provide a sharper or more focused clarity, as POM generally has a denser and harder quality. This suggests that while the Keylin’s nylon may result in a more cushioned sound experience, the Piano’s POM could offer a refined auditory sharpness, catering to users who appreciate more defined auditory feedback.
Ultimately, despite the material differences, both the Keygeek Keylin and Durock Piano switches are designed to deliver satisfying and rich sound profiles. If one is looking for similar auditory results, they can find a common ground in the focus on depth and quality of sound each material is intended to achieve. The nylon of the Keylin creates a warm and enveloping soundscape, while the POM blend of the Piano aims for a uniquely profound auditory experience. Depending on personal preference, users may have to weigh the softer and deeper characteristics of nylon against the potentially crisper and more distinct sound offered by POM. Thus, while the materials differ, the fundamental goal—providing satisfying auditory feedback during use—remains aligned.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there is a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Keylin features a light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch, with an unknown actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, provides a more substantial typing feel that caters to those who prefer a firmer push. This difference indicates that while the Keylin is designed for comfort and prolonged use, making it the lighter option, the Durock Piano will appeal to users who favor a heavier, more tactile experience. Consequently, if the actuation force of the Durock Piano were known and found to align with the Keylin's, it would imply similar actuation experiences, despite the latter's lighter overall feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Keylin features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Piano extends slightly further to 4 mm. This makes the Keylin the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers who prefer quicker response times due to the reduced distance required for activation. On the other hand, the Durock Piano, with its longer travel distance, might be favored by users who enjoy a more substantial keypress that offers a deeper, more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth in a keyboard switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin 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 considering the sound profiles of the Keygeek Keylin and Durock Piano linear switches, the Keylin is noted for rich acoustics that contribute to its overall typing experience. While specific sound characteristics are not detailed, the emphasis on richness suggests a pleasant auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Durock Piano switches are recognized for their deep, creamy sound signature that leans towards a bassy tone. This combination creates a satisfying auditory experience, characterized by a deeper timbre that many users find appealing. Ultimately, both switches aim to create an immersive audio experience, though the Piano’s sound is explicitly described as deeper and more bass-oriented.
In terms of feel, the Keylin switch offers exceptional smoothness, providing a premium typing experience that minimizes resistance during key presses. This smoothness optimizes the overall typing experience, making it enjoyable for extended use. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches are characterized by a gliding push feel, which facilitates effortless key presses and contributes to an overall silky typing sensation. Both switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, but the Piano's gliding aspect offers a unique texture that may appeal to those who enjoy a fluid motion while typing.
In conclusion, while both the Keygeek Keylin and Durock Piano linear switches deliver an impressive typing experience, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Keylin focuses on rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, making it ideal for those who appreciate a luxurious typing feel and sound. Meanwhile, the Piano excels with its deep, bassy sound and silky touch, appealing to users who prioritize auditory depth and a gliding motion in their typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you will find enjoyable characteristics in either switch that contribute to a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Keygeek Keylin linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, you should consider both your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a typing experience characterized by rich acoustics and smoothness, the Keylin switch may be the better choice for you. Its 48-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or fast-paced gaming, where quick key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you favor a heavier feel and appreciate a switch with a deeper, bassy sound and silky smoothness, the Piano switch is likely to suit your needs better. With a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a more deliberate resistance that can enhance tactile feedback while typing. In essence, the Keylin excels in a light and smooth experience, while the Piano delivers a satisfying, medium-heavy feel paired with a unique auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize ease and speed, or a more pronounced typing feedback with a richer sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
