KTT Mallo vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the KTT Mallo and the Durock Piano mechanical keyboard switches, you're faced with a decision between tactile feedback and smooth linear action. The KTT Mallo offers a delicate tactility that provides just the right amount of feedback without being too pronounced, making it a well-balanced option for typists. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its smooth and gliding linear feel, coupled with a deep and creamy sound signature. While the Mallo boasts a versatile neutral sound signature, the Piano offers a unique and pleasant typing experience due to its proprietary material blend. 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
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Mallo features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend top housing that offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While both materials contribute to the overall sound of the switch, polycarbonate is more transparent, making it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. On the other hand, the POM blend in the Piano switch remains a bit mysterious in its composition but delivers a rich and deep sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the KTT Mallo uses a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Durock Piano employs a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing, contributing to the switch's uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While the materials differ, both offer qualities that enhance the overall typing experience, showcasing the importance of both top and bottom housing in determining the sound and feel of a switch.
In summary, the KTT Mallo and Durock Piano showcase the impact of different housing materials on the sound profile of mechanical switches. While the Mallo utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, resulting in a clear and resonant sound combined with a deep and full sound, the Piano's proprietary POM blend for both top and bottom housing delivers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel, as each housing material offers its own distinct advantages.
Weight
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it medium-light, while the Piano has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Both switches have an unspecified actuation force. The difference in bottom out force means that the Mallo would provide a lighter typing experience compared to the Piano, which offers a heavier and more substantial feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch to type for longer periods, the Mallo may be the preferred choice. In contrast, individuals seeking a more pronounced push feel may lean towards the Piano. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing experience and weight sensitivity.
Travel distance
Both the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This consistency in travel distance between the two switches allows for a similar tactile experience regardless of which switch is being used. The equal travel distance of 4 mm ensures that users can expect a familiar feel when using either the Mallo or the Piano switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 it comes to sound, the KTT Mallo tactile switch is known for its neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments without being obtrusive. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a deep and rich bassy sound during key presses, providing a more immersive auditory experience. Both switches excel in different aspects of sound, with the Mallo exhibiting a more versatile and neutral sound profile, while the Piano delivers a more indulgent and creamy sound signature. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the understated elegance of the Mallo or the resonant depth of the Piano to enhance their typing experience.
In terms of feel, the KTT Mallo tactile switch offers a feathery and mild typing experience, with a gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the Mallo switch provides a subtle tactile feedback that is comfortable for most users. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch boasts a frictionless and silky smooth typing experience, minimizing any resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Piano switch delivers a luxurious typing feel that enhances the overall smoothness of each keystroke. Whether users prefer a light and gentle typing experience with the Mallo or a smooth and effortless feel with the Piano, both switches offer unique tactile sensations that cater to different typing preferences.
In conclusion, the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Mallo excels in providing a versatile and neutral sound profile with a gentle tactility, the Piano stands out for its deep and rich bassy sound signature and frictionless typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Mallo offering a balanced and subtle typing experience, while the Piano delivers a more indulgent and luxurious feel. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, depending on their preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider your preference for tactility and typing experience. Opt for the Mallo if you value a subtle tactility, medium-light typing feel, and a neutral or subdued sound profile. This switch would be ideal for those looking for a versatile option that strikes a balance between feedback and typing comfort. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile, the Durock Piano linear switch would be more suitable. Its gliding push feel and creamy sound signature make it a pleasant choice for those who prioritize a fluid typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for tactility, typing feel, and sound profile.
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