Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the difference between tactile and linear switches can greatly impact your typing experience, and two notable options are the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Durock Piano. The Cherry MX Purple RGB switch, developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, is recognized for its refined tactile feedback, featuring a medium-strength bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a tactile sensation while still requiring some level of speed in their typing. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch offers a completely different experience with its linear design, characterized by a smooth and gliding push feel, along with a deep, creamy sound signature. The Piano switch is highly regarded for its enjoyable typing experience, particularly for those who prefer an uninterrupted keystroke without the feedback of a tactile bump. While the Cherry MX Purple caters to those who appreciate tactile cues, the Durock Piano is ideal for users seeking a silky, quiet typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Durock Piano in terms of housing materials, both switches utilize distinct types of plastics that contribute to their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features nylon for both its top and bottom housings, which is a renowned material in the keyboard switch industry. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend for its top and bottom housings. While the exact composition of this blend remains a mystery, it is known that POM typically offers a solid and satisfying typing experience, equating to a notably deep sound profile similar to that of nylon.
The difference in housing materials significantly influences how each switch feels and sounds during operation. The MX Purple RGB’s all-nylon construction imparts a cohesive sound, where both the top and bottom housings work in harmony to provide a rounded auditory profile when typing. This harmony allows users to expect a consistent acoustic performance across the key's action and release. In contrast, the Durock Piano, with its proprietary POM blend, may split the auditory characteristics between its top and bottom housings, potentially creating distinct sound experiences based on how each component interacts. Despite this variation, the POM material still aligns with the objectives of sound absorption and richness in tone, reflecting some of the appealing qualities found in nylon.
Ultimately, even though the materials of the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Durock Piano differ, they both aim to provide satisfying sound profiles. Both nylon and POM tend to absorb sound, albeit to different extents and with unique acoustic characteristics. If users seek a similar typing experience between the two switches, they will find that both can effectively produce a deep and resonant sound, yet the nuances may cater to different preferences. Those who appreciate the softer touch of nylon might gravitate towards the Cherry MX Purple RGB, while enthusiasts looking for a unique twist on sound may favor the Durock Piano’s POM blend.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch with the Durock Piano linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom-out forces. The Cherry MX Purple RGB requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the bottom-out force is unknown, leaving us without specific data for that metric. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch has an undisclosed actuation force but features a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Given these details, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the lighter option when it comes to actuation force, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. The Durock Piano switch, with its heavier bottom-out force, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. If the actuation force for the Durock Piano were known and found to be equal to or heavier than the 45 grams of the Cherry MX Purple, users could expect a more pronounced tactile feedback, whereas a lighter actuation may lead to quicker keystrokes with less fatigue.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that their actuation distances are the same. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience an identical distance traveled before bottoming out. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect similar tactile feedback and responsiveness, making them suitable for those who prefer a consistent keystroke experience. Ultimately, the equal travel distances ensure that both switches will deliver comparable performance in terms of key press feel and depth, thereby providing an aggregated typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a balanced auditory experience that is pleasant enough for everyday use, although specific details about its sound profile are not provided. In contrast, the Durock Piano linear switch provides a deeper and richer "bassy" sound profile during key presses, characterized by its lower frequency range. This gives it a distinctive depth that adds a layer of auditory satisfaction to your typing experience. It’s essential to note that the overall sound will also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but it is clear that the Piano switch has a more pronounced sound signature.
Regarding feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is known for its refined tactile experience, featuring a medium-strength bump that offers immediate feedback when pressed. This tactile sensation is designed to be enjoyable and satisfying for typists and gamers alike, providing a solid connection to each keystroke. In comparison, the Durock Piano switch is described as "silky," delivering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This means that while the Purple switch focuses on a tactile bump for feedback, the Piano switch emphasizes a seamless glide with minimal resistance. This difference could affect how each switch suits various typing styles, with the MX Purple ideal for those who appreciate tactile feedback, while the Piano appeals more to users who value smoothness.
In conclusion, both Cherry MX Purple RGB and Durock Piano linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences catering to different preferences. The Purple switch excels in providing tactile feedback with its medium-strength bump, while the Piano switch is favored for its silky smoothness and deeper sound profile. Ultimately, choosing between these two may come down to whether you prefer a tactile feel versus a more linear, smooth typing sensation, as both can enhance your mechanical keyboard experience but in distinctly different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a tactile feedback experience that provides a satisfying bump without requiring much force, the MX Purple RGB may be the better choice for you. This switch excels in delivering a refined tactile sensation, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more engaging typing experience while still maintaining speed and lightness in key presses. On the other hand, if you're seeking a smooth and consistent typing experience with a heavier feel, the Durock Piano switch stands out as an excellent option. Its medium-heavy bottom out force, combined with its silky-smooth feel and deep, creamy sound signature, makes it particularly enjoyable for users who prefer linear switches that offer a rich auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should consider the importance of tactile feedback versus smoothness, alongside the sound profile that enhances your typing atmosphere. Whether you prioritize tactile sensation or a fluid linear feel, both switches provide unique benefits that can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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