KTT Orange vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the market offers a wide range of options to cater to individual preferences and typing styles. Two switches that stand out in this regard are the KTT Orange and the Durock Piano, both of which fall under the linear switch category. The KTT Orange switches are renowned for their bouncy type feel, facilitated by a 22mm long spring. With a polycarbonate milky top housing, a long pole POM stem, and a vivid orange nylon bottom housing, these switches provide a slick, frictionless typing experience accompanied by a low-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Pianos boast a proprietary material blend, resulting in a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. They offer a silky typing experience, thanks to their frictionless nature. While these general characteristics paint a broad picture, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to determine which one will truly suit your individual needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Orange and the Durock Piano use different materials for their top and bottom housings, resulting in variations in sound profiles and overall typing experience. The Orange features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, offering a unique and satisfying deep sound profile. Although the exact details of the POM blend are unknown, it creates a distinct auditory experience.
Similarly, the difference in housing materials extends to the bottom housings of the KTT Orange and the Durock Piano. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Orange contributes to the same characteristics mentioned earlier—the sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the Orange switch. Conversely, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing, which also contributes to the overall typing experience. Despite the lack of specific details, this POM blend is known to provide a uniquely satisfying and immersive sound profile.
It is important to note that when a switch has different materials for its top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing primarily affects the sound produced upon releasing a key. Therefore, the KTT Orange and the Durock Piano showcase distinctive typing experiences due to the distinct materials used in their respective top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Orange requires 46 grams, while the exact force for the Piano is unavailable. Therefore, we are unable to make a direct comparison in this aspect. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Orange requires 53 grams, which can be considered medium-light. In contrast, the Piano demands a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy.
Considering weight as a factor in switch selection is crucial for various reasons. Those who prefer a lighter switch may do so to enable longer periods of typing, making it ideal for work keyboards or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, as it provides a stronger push feel.
While we are unable to provide a specific actuation force for the Piano switch, we can still draw some conclusions. Comparatively, the Orange appears to be the lighter option, considering both its actuation and bottom out forces are lower than those of the Piano. However, if a heavier typing experience is desired, the Piano would be the more suitable choice due to its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the KTT Orange linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Piano switch is slightly longer than the Orange switch. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Piano switch falls in line with the traditional range, providing a more conventional feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Orange switch offers a slightly shorter 3.5 mm travel distance, which is favored by gamers seeking faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive experience, the Orange switch would be the preferable option. However, for individuals who enjoy a deeper, more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, the Piano switch with its longer travel distance may be a better choice. While the two switches differ in terms of travel distance, both offer their own benefits and can provide similar results depending on individual preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 KTT Orange switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is described as having a deep, creamy sound signature. These switches offer a rich and full-bodied sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy and frictionless qualities. The keys have a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving you a lively feel and rebound when pressed. Additionally, the switch offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is described as frictionless and silky. These switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, the KTT Orange and Durock Piano switches have their own unique subjective qualities. The Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, bouncy feedback, and a frictionless typing experience. Meanwhile, the Piano switch provides a deep, creamy sound signature, a frictionless and silky typing experience. Both switches prioritize smoothness and minimize resistance, ensuring a pleasant typing experience. While they may differ in certain aspects, such as sound characteristics, they both aim to deliver a refined and enjoyable typing experience. Regardless of the choice between the two, you can expect similar results in terms of smoothness and absence of friction when typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a bouncy type feel and a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its 53 grams bottom out force and a 22mm long spring, you can expect a slick and frictionless typing experience. The Orange switch features a polycarbonate milky top housing, long pole POM stem, and vivid orange nylon bottom housing, ensuring smoothness and minimizing friction. Additionally, the factory-lubed Orange switch guarantees a refined and fluid key travel. On the other hand, if you value a deep and creamy sound signature, along with a frictionless and silky typing experience, the Durock Piano linear switch would be the better option. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, the Piano switch offers a gliding push feel and a bassy sound profile. Similar to the Orange switch, the Piano switch also provides a frictionless and effortless typing experience, making it a pleasure to type on. Ultimately, both switches excel in different aspects, so your choice will depend on your personal preferences for feel and sound.
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