Durock Light Tactile vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Durock Light Tactile and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, look no further than the Durock Light Tactile and the Durock Piano. These switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Light Tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactility, offering a refreshing alternative to the more common sharp tactile switches available. Typing on these switches delivers a heavenly tactile experience accompanied by a satisfying jelly-like sound. On the other hand, the Durock Piano excels in providing a smooth and gliding typing experience. Its proprietary material blend contributes to a deep, creamy sound signature, enhancing the overall typing sensation. Both switches offer unique qualities, but let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision based on your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
52g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Light Tactile and the Durock Piano differ in their housing materials, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of the polycarbonate top housing makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend top housing, which offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While we do not have specific details about the POM blend, it is known to provide a deep and immersive sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Light Tactile incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Piano features a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, though the exact details of this blend are unknown. However, similar to the POM blend top housing, the Piano's bottom housing is also said to contribute to a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile.
When both top and bottom housings differ in a switch, their respective qualities are split between the bottom-out sound and feel and the sound upon releasing a key. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, so choosing a switch with a specific bottom housing material can greatly influence the typing experience. Conversely, the top housing influences the sound that is produced when a key is released. Therefore, selecting a switch with a specific top housing material is crucial for achieving the desired sound response.
In conclusion, while the Light Tactile and the Piano may have different housing materials, they each offer distinct advantages in terms of sound profiles. The Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Piano's proprietary POM blend top and bottom housings contribute to a uniquely satisfying and deep sound experience. Whether one is looking for a more clear and resonant sound or a deeper and immersive sound, both switches provide excellent options.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the Light Tactile switch is lighter with an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while specific information about the actuation force of the Piano switch is unavailable. However, the Piano switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Light Tactile switch.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Light Tactile switch would be the better option, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces make it easier to type on for longer periods of time. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is preferred, the Piano switch with its slightly heavier bottom out force may provide a satisfying push feel.
It is worth noting that without knowing the exact actuation force of the Piano switch, it is difficult to directly compare it to the Light Tactile switch. However, based on the available information, both switches can be considered to have medium-heavy bottom out forces. Therefore, if a user prefers a heavier typing experience, they can expect similar results from both switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired weight of the switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when choosing between different switches. In the case of the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, they both share the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a similar travel distance of 4 mm. So, in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key, both switches will provide a comparable experience. Both the Durock Light Tactile and the Durock Piano offer a moderate travel distance that strikes a balance between sensitivity and tactile feedback. Whether you prefer the tactile feel of the Light Tactile or the smooth linear action of the Piano, both switches will deliver a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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
The Durock Light Tactile switch is best known for its gentle tactility and jelly-like sound signature. When typing on these switches, users can expect an angelic tactility and a softer, more subdued sound profile. This switch provides a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of purposes, whether at home or in a professional setting.
On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. These switches are known for their proprietary material blend, which contributes to a pleasant typing experience. The Piano switch produces a bassy sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range that adds depth and richness to each keystroke.
When it comes to feel, the Light Tactile switch offers a mild typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. These switches provide a gentle typing feel and reduced friction, resulting in smooth key travel. The Light Tactile switch falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users.
Similarly, the Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience. This switch minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing feel. The silky switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, the Durock Light Tactile switch and the Durock Piano switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Light Tactile switch provides a gentle tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, while the Piano switch offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. Both switches offer smooth key travel, with the Light Tactile switch leaning towards a more mild and polished typing experience, while the Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky feel. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, to sum up your decision on whether to choose the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch or the Durock Piano linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you value a gentle tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Light Tactile switch is a great choice. It offers a medium-heavy bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various uses.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, the Piano switch is worth considering. With its medium-heavy bottom out force and bassy sound profile, it provides a unique typing experience that emphasizes richness and depth.
In terms of feel, the Light Tactile switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a safe middle-ground approach that should be comfortable for most users. The Piano switch, on the other hand, boasts a frictionless and silky feel, delivering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience.
Ultimately, the decision between the Durock Light Tactile and Durock Piano switches boils down to your personal preferences regarding tactility, sound, and feel. Consider what typing experience you value the most and choose accordingly. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience overall.
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