Durock Medium Tactile vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Medium Tactile and Durock Piano. The Medium Tactile switch offers a unique tactile experience that many users appreciate. With its pronounced but balanced tactility, it provides a satisfying typing experience. Furthermore, its jelly-like sound signature adds to the overall enjoyment. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its exceptional linear switch qualities. Thanks to its proprietary material blend, typing on the Piano switches feels like gliding and offers a deep, creamy sound. The Piano switches are known for their bassy sound profile, frictionless keystrokes, and silky smoothness. These general characteristics provide a good starting point in the decision-making process. However, let's now dive deeper to explore their specific attributes, allowing you to make an informed choice according to your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Durock Piano, we can see some distinct differences. The Medium Tactile makes use of a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend top housing, which offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While we don't have detailed information on the blend, it is clear that the POM blend produces a distinct and rich sound experience.
Meanwhile, when examining the bottom housing, the Medium Tactile employs a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Piano utilizes its own proprietary POM blend for the bottom housing. Although specific details about the blend are unknown, it is clear that the blend contributes to the Piano's uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile.
In terms of functionality, the difference in housing materials between the Medium Tactile and the Piano will impact the sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing is more influential on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when the key is released. Therefore, the choice of housing materials in each switch will contribute to a distinct typing experience, providing users with options based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role. Unfortunately, the specific actuation forces for both switches are unavailable. However, we do know that the bottom out force for the Medium Tactile switch is 65 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the bottom out force for the Piano switch is slightly lighter at 63.5 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches, as this allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. This is especially desirable for those using keyboards for work or engaging in long gaming sessions. However, there are also individuals who prefer a stronger push feel, as it enhances the overall typing experience. These individuals should opt for switches with heavier forces.
In this case, while the actuation forces are unknown, both the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch provide a similar bottom out force, with the Piano switch being slightly lighter. Therefore, individuals seeking a medium-heavy typing experience can expect comparable results from both switches.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel a consistent 4 mm distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a similar experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring consistent feedback and response. Therefore, the travel distance of the Medium Tactile and Piano switches is equal, guaranteeing a familiar typing experience regardless of which switch you choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium 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 Medium 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 Medium Tactile switch is best known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle, making it a great choice for those who prefer a medium tactile switch. Additionally, it has a jelly-like sound signature, which adds to the overall typing experience.
On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is known for its proprietary material blend, which makes it one of the most pleasant linear switches to type on. It offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. The use of this material blend enhances the smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In terms of sound, the Medium Tactile switch doesn't have a specific descriptor mentioned in the given information. However, it is safe to say that it would offer a unique sound signature due to its jelly-like characteristic. The Piano switch, on the other hand, is described as "bassy." This means that it offers a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.
Moving on to the feel, the Medium Tactile switch has multiple descriptors mentioned. It is described as accented, meaning it provides a noticeable amount of tactility without being overly tactile or scratchy. It is also referred to as a stepped switch, indicating that it has a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. The switch is characterized as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, it is described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in smooth key travel with reduced friction.
Similarly, the Piano switch is described as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. It is also described as silky, indicating exceptional smoothness when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Durock Piano switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Medium Tactile switch provides a balanced tactility and has a jelly-like sound signature, while the Piano switch offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. Although the specific sound and feel descriptors for the Medium Tactile switch are not provided, it can be assumed that these switches would offer similar results as mentioned above. It is important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the choice between the Durock Medium Tactile and Durock Piano switches, there are a few factors to consider. The Medium Tactile switch is best known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. It offers a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a satisfying feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Piano switch stands out for its proprietary material blend, which delivers a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. It has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams.
When it comes to sound, the Medium Tactile switch offers a characteristic sound that is yet to be specified. The Piano switch, however, is described as "bassy," providing a deeper and richer sound profile reminiscent of bass tones.
In terms of feel, the Medium Tactile switch combines various qualities, including being accented, stepped, mild, and polished. It provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, and its refined finish ensures a smooth and sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Piano switch is characterized as frictionless and silky, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel.
Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your preferences for tactile vs linear switches and the specific qualities you are seeking in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prioritize pronounced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature or a smooth gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound, both switches have their own unique advantages. Consider your typing style and personal preferences to find the switch that suits you best.
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