TTC Neptune vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the TTC Neptune and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Neptune and the Durock Piano mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique features that make them stand out in the switch landscape. The TTC Neptune is known for its innovative internal structure that provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience, reminiscent of chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is praised for its proprietary material blend that offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. While the Neptune is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', and 'Muted', the Piano is categorized as 'Bassy' and 'Silky'. Each switch has its own distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound. 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
41g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The TTC Neptune features a POM top housing, creating a pleasing and unique deep sound profile, while its polycarbonate bottom housing generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Durock Piano also utilizes a proprietary POM blend for both the top and bottom housing, providing a satisfying and deep sound profile throughout. The Neptune's use of different materials for the top and bottom housing allows for a split in the qualities each material brings, impacting both the press-down and key release sound and feel. On the other hand, the Piano's consistent use of the POM blend offers a consistent sound profile across the entire switch.
Both the TTC Neptune and the Durock Piano share the characteristic of using POM in their housing materials, albeit in different ways. The Neptune's POM top housing creates a more muted and deeper sound profile, while the Piano's POM blend top housing offers a satisfying and deep sound profile. However, their differences lie in the bottom housing material, with the Neptune using polycarbonate for a sharper and crisper sound profile, and the Piano utilizing its proprietary POM blend for a similarly deep sound. Despite these variations, both switches are designed to provide a unique and pleasing sound experience to users.
In terms of aesthetics, the Neptune's polycarbonate bottom housing provides translucency ideal for RGB lighting effects, while the Piano's POM blend bottom housing maintains the deep sound profile found throughout the switch. The difference in materials used for the top and bottom housings of the Neptune allows for a versatile switch suitable for those looking to incorporate lighting effects. In comparison, the Piano's consistent use of its proprietary POM blend in both top and bottom housings ensures a uniform sound profile that is deep and satisfying. Both switches showcase the versatility and innovation in housing materials to create distinct sound experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The TTC Neptune linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 41 grams compared to the Durock Piano linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Durock Piano has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Neptune has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Neptune will provide a lighter typing experience overall, making it ideal for those looking to type for extended periods without fatigue. On the other hand, the Piano switch will offer a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Both switches have their strengths depending on individual preferences, with the Neptune being better for longer typing sessions and the Piano providing a more pronounced tactile feedback during typing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the TTC Neptune linear switch is 3.8 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Neptune has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Piano. The Neptune's 3.8 mm distance may provide a slightly faster response time, which could be beneficial for gamers looking for quick key presses. On the other hand, the Piano's 4 mm distance may offer a bit more depth and cushioning, which could be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial keypress feeling. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance, making them suitable for those seeking a quicker typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 TTC Neptune linear switch is known for its low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound profile, which contributes to a refined and unobtrusive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is characterized by a bassy sound, offering a deep and rich tone during key presses. Both switches provide unique sound signatures that can enhance the typing experience, with the Neptune focusing on a more muted and neutral tone, while the Piano delivers a deeper and more resonant sound.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Neptune linear switch is praised for its buttery, gummy, and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. The switch provides a textured pleasure with a matte feel, ensuring swift and comfortable typing. Conversely, the Durock Piano linear switch also offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, delivering an exceptionally smooth feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches prioritize a seamless and uniform keystroke, providing a satisfying typing experience for users.
Overall, the TTC Neptune and Durock Piano linear switches offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel, catering to different preferences and typing styles. While the Neptune excels in providing a muted and frictionless typing experience with a unique matte feel, the Piano stands out for its deep and bassy sound profile coupled with a silky and smooth key press. Depending on personal preference and usage scenarios, users can choose between these switches to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to their liking. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience with their individual characteristics, ensuring a pleasurable and satisfying input method for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering the TTC Neptune linear switch versus the Durock Piano linear switch, you would want to choose the TTC Neptune if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a unique matte typing experience with a low-pitched, muted sound profile. The Neptune offers a buttery, gummy, or frictionless feel that enhances the typing sensation. On the other hand, you would opt for the Durock Piano if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a deep, bassy sound profile. The Piano switch offers a gliding push feel and a frictionless or silky typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches would depend on your preference for typing force, sound profile, and tactile feel.
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