Cherry MX Orange vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Orange and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various switches, such as the Cherry MX Orange and the Durock Piano, both of which are linear switches favored for their smooth key actuation. The Cherry MX Orange stands out for its revival of the original MX Orange switches, enhanced with MX2A generation improvements that cater to those seeking a reliable and familiar typing experience. On the other hand, Durock Piano switches are celebrated for their unique proprietary material blend, offering a gliding push feel coupled with a rich, creamy sound signature that enhances the overall typing experience. While the MX Orange is ideal for users who value a classic and dependable linear switch, the Durock Piano appeals to those who prioritize a luxurious tactile experience and auditory enjoyment. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Orange and the Durock Piano, we observe distinct compositions that influence their respective sound profiles. The MX Orange utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housings, a material celebrated for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature. This softness allows nylon to absorb vibrations effectively, leading to a sound that is notably rounder and less harsh. In contrast, the Durock Piano employs a proprietary POM blend for both its top and bottom housings, which also aims to deliver a satisfying and deep sound profile. While the exact composition of the POM blend remains unspecified, its reputation suggests a balance of responsiveness and acoustic characteristics reminiscent of harder plastics, though potentially softer due to the blend.
The symmetrical choice of housing materials in both switches (nylon for the MX Orange and POM for the Piano) signifies that each switch yields unique auditory experiences based on their respective materials. The MX Orange's nylon housing contributes consistently to both the keystroke and release sounds, enhancing the overall tactile and auditory feedback while maintaining a muted warmth. Conversely, the Piano's POM blend, though not disclosing its precise formulation, claims to provide a distinctive sound that may share the nylon's rich qualities but could introduce variations due to the differences in plastic composition and molecular structure. Therefore, while both switches aim for acoustic satisfaction, they derive their qualities from fundamentally different materials.
Ultimately, the interplay of top and bottom housing materials in both switches illustrates how sound and feel can be shaped by their respective compositions. For the Cherry MX Orange, the uniformity of nylon means it projects a cohesive sound profile throughout the keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano, with different material attributes in its proprietary blend, might create subtle variations in sound during key release and bottoming out, leading to a richer tapestry of auditory feedback. Users may appreciate that while they might achieve comparable sound satisfaction from either switch, the nuanced differences could influence personal preferences based on typing style or acoustic tastes.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, the actuation and bottom out forces reveal distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Cherry MX Orange boasts an actuation force of 55 grams, making it a relatively moderate option for users who appreciate a balanced typing experience. However, the bottom out force for this switch is unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding its overall resistance. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch does not specify an actuation force but has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classified as medium-heavy. This indicates that, while the MX Orange is lighter in terms of actuation force, the Durock Piano is heavier at the point of bottoming out. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions might prefer the Cherry MX Orange, while those who enjoy a firmer keystroke response may gravitate towards the heavier feel of the Durock Piano switch.
Travel distance
Both the Cherry MX Orange linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch exhibit the same travel distance of 4 mm, which means that users will experience a similar feel when pressing down on the keys of either switch. This uniformity results in consistent performance between the two options, allowing for a comparable typing experience. Regardless of the slight differences in design or materials, the equal travel distance ensures that both switches will deliver similar results in terms of keystroke depth and overall responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
In terms of sound, the Cherry MX Orange switch is largely characterized by its subdued and balanced audio profile, making it a solid option for those who prefer a more restrained auditory feedback during their typing sessions. This contrasts with the Durock Piano switch, which boasts a distinctly bassy tone that brings a deep and rich sound during key presses. The Piano switch's low-frequency resonance contributes to an immersive typing experience, offering a more pronounced auditory satisfaction compared to the MX Orange, which tends to be quieter and less intrusive. However, it's important to keep in mind that factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps can also significantly influence the overall sound experience.
When discussing feel, the Cherry MX Orange switch is appreciated for a smooth and consistent keystroke, fostering a pleasant typing experience, although specifics about its tactile sensation are not explicitly defined. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch excels in its feel, as it is described as frictionless, enhancing the fluidity of each key press and reducing any sense of resistance. Additionally, the silky nature of the Piano switch amplifies the overall smoothness in typing, creating a seamlessly enjoyable experience. This results in a distinct tactile quality that may appeal to those seeking a more refined and effortless touch when compared to the MX Orange.
In conclusion, while both the Cherry MX Orange and the Durock Piano switches offer their own unique attributes, they cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The MX Orange is ideal for users who value a balanced sound and a smooth keystroke without excess auditory feedback, while the Durock Piano caters to those who enjoy a deeper sound profile and an extraordinarily smooth typing experience. If you prefer a rich sound combined with a frictionless feel, the Piano might be the better choice, while the MX Orange would suit those who prefer a more understated approach without sacrificing overall quality.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between Cherry MX Orange linear switches and Durock Piano linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a nostalgic typing experience and are drawn to a balance of smoothness with a solid bottom-out feel, the MX Orange might be your go-to switch. These switches have a unique heritage and offer a satisfying experience that harkens back to their original design ethos. On the other hand, if you prioritize a luxurious, frictionless typing sensation with rich, bassy acoustics, the Durock Piano switches are an excellent choice. They provide an exceptionally smooth and creamy typing feel, which can be particularly appealing for heavy typists or gamers who appreciate a deeper sound profile. Consider what aspects matter most to you, whether it’s a connection to historical designs or a modern sensory experience, and you'll find the right switch to elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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