KTT Lightning vs. Durock Piano

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the KTT Lightning and the Durock Piano, both of which belong to the linear switch category. The KTT Lightnings are renowned for their speed, making them an excellent choice when split-second decisions can determine victory or defeat. Typing on these switches offers a smooth and slick feel, accompanied by a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Pianos are known for their proprietary material blend, resulting in an incredibly pleasant typing experience. Users describe a gliding push feel while typing and a deep, creamy sound signature. Although these generalities give us a basic understanding of each switch's characteristics, diving deeper into their unique features will help you decide which switch is best suited for your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Lightning Linear

Durock Piano Linear

$3.41 per 10

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the Durock Piano, it is evident that they differ in several aspects. The Lightning's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, its translucency makes it perfect for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, although specifics about the blend remain undisclosed. So, while the Lightning's polycarbonate top housing emphasizes clarity and resonance, the Piano's POM blend top housing focuses on providing a deep and satisfying sound experience.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Lightning employs a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to the softer nature of nylon, it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound. Conversely, the Piano incorporates its own proprietary POM blend for the bottom housing, which, similar to the top housing, is described as offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Although specifics are not disclosed, it can be assumed that the Piano's POM blend bottom housing aims to provide a similar depth and satisfaction as its top housing.

When the top and bottom housings differ in a switch, their respective qualities influence different aspects of the typing experience. Pressing down on the switch allows the user to feel the impact of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Thus, the bottom housing of both the Lightning and the Piano plays a significant role in the overall tactile experience. Conversely, the top housing's impact on the sound is more prominent when releasing a key. Therefore, while the bottom housing materials have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing materials dictate the sound produced when letting go of a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are notable differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Lightning requires a mere 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Piano's actuation force remains unknown. This makes the Lightning significantly lighter in terms of actuation force. Moving on to bottom out force, the Lightning requires 50 grams to fully press the key down, whereas the Piano has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it slightly heavier. Therefore, if one prefers a lighter typing experience, the Lightning would be a suitable choice, while those who desire a more substantial push feel may opt for the Piano. It is worth noting that without knowing the specific actuation force of the Piano, it is difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of actuation force. However, based solely on the bottom out force, the Piano can be considered medium-heavy, while the Lightning can be considered light. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics, providing options for individuals with varying preferences.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the KTT Lightning and the Durock Piano linear switches differ in length. The Lightning has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Piano has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, providing a deeper depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Lightning's 3.0mm travel distance is shallower and is favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, opting for the Lightning with its shorter travel distance would be ideal. However, if you enjoy a deeper and more substantial keypress, the Piano with its longer travel distance would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preference and desired typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the KTT Lightning linear switch is best described as clacky, high-pitched, and chirpy. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and snappy sound, characterized by a crisp, bright, and percussive tone. This unique acoustic signature sets the Lightning switches apart from others. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a bassy sound profile. When pressed, these switches produce a deeper and richer sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to feel, the KTT Lightning linear switch provides a subtle typing experience. These switches have a gentle resistance that is not feather-light but still maintains a light typing feel. Additionally, the sound signature of the Lightning switches is not resonant, making them suitable for shared spaces. Furthermore, the Lightning switches are polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish. This smoothness allows for reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience.

In contrast, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience. These switches provide an extremely smooth and effortless feel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The silky nature of the Piano switches enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience, ensuring minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys.

Considering the available information, it is clear that the KTT Lightning and Durock Piano linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Lightning switches provide a clacky sound profile with a subtle and polished typing experience, while the Piano switches offer a bassy sound signature with a frictionless and silky feel. Depending on the user's preferences, one may find the Lightning switches more suitable for gaming scenarios where milliseconds matter, while the Piano switches may be preferred for a pleasant and smooth typing experience. However, it's important to note that individual preferences can greatly influence the subjective evaluation of mechanical keyboard switches, and it is recommended to try both switches firsthand to determine the best fit.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that prioritizes speed and precision, the KTT Lightning linear switch is the way to go. With a light bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches are perfect for situations where milliseconds can make a difference in gaming or competitive typing. Typing on Lightning switches provides a slick and clacky feel, adding to the overall responsiveness. On the other hand, if you value a pleasant typing experience, the Durock Piano linear switch is a great choice. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, these switches offer a medium-heavy feel that is satisfying for everyday use. The proprietary material blend of the Piano switches provides a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, giving a premium feel to your typing. Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Lightning and Durock Piano switches depends on whether you prioritize speed and precision or a pleasant typing experience, respectively.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Lightning Linear

$3.41 per 10

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Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more