Outemu Blue vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Outemu Blue, a clicky switch, and the Durock Piano, a linear switch. The Outemu Blue switch is best known for its satisfying clicky sound when typing, providing tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch stands out for its smooth and quiet operation, offering a seamless typing experience with its silky feel. While the Outemu Blue switch is great for those who enjoy audible feedback while typing, the Durock Piano switch is perfect for users who prefer a more subtle and frictionless typing experience. 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
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue and the Durock Piano, the key difference lies in the top housing material. The Blue features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its relatively stiffer nature. This results in a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend top housing, which offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While the exact details of this blend are unknown, it is clear that the POM material contributes to a rich sound experience.
On the other hand, both switches share a similar nylon bottom housing material, known for eliciting a deep and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This characteristic adds to the overall typing experience, providing a more substantial sound feedback when typing on switches that use nylon housings. Similarly, the Piano also incorporates a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing, which is described to offer a satisfying and deep sound profile. Despite the lack of specific details, this material choice contributes to the overall sound experience of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches can significantly impact the sound and feel of the typing experience. While the Outemu Blue and the Durock Piano differ in their top housing materials, they both share a similar bottom housing material that contributes to a deep and full sound profile. Whether opting for the sharper, higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate in the Blue or the uniquely satisfying sound profile of the POM blend in the Piano, both switches offer distinct sound experiences that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials plays a crucial role in determining the overall typing feel and sound of mechanical switches.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch reveals some key differences. The Outemu Blue has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. However, the bottom out force is unknown, so it's hard to determine the overall typing experience for those who prefer a heavier push feel. In contrast, the Durock Piano has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. The actuation force for the Piano is unknown, but based on the bottom out force, it is likely heavier than the Outemu Blue. This means that the Outemu Blue is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Durock Piano is ideal for those who enjoy a more robust feel when typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance means that you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience with both switches. As a result, if you are looking for a switch with a specific travel distance, either the Outemu Blue clicky switch or the Durock Piano linear switch would be suitable options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Outemu Blue switch is known for its sharp and crisp clicky sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each key press. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is characterized by a deep and creamy bassy sound profile, offering a more subtle and soothing typing experience. Both switches have unique sound signatures that can be further enhanced or altered depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Blue switch is known for its tactile bump and audible click, providing a satisfying tactile feedback with each keystroke. On the contrary, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as frictionless and silky, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. The gliding push feel of the Piano switch enhances the overall typing experience, making it a popular choice among users who prefer linear switches.
Overall, the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Blue switch provides a sharp clicky sound and tactile feedback, the Piano switch offers a deep bassy sound profile and a smooth, frictionless typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and typing feel, you can choose between the clicky Blue switch for a more audible and tactile typing experience or the linear Piano switch for a smoother and quieter typing experience. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you will get a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Outemu Blue clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider your typing preferences. If you enjoy the audible click and tactile feedback of a clicky switch, the Outemu Blue may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience with a deep, rich sound profile, the Durock Piano linear switch is worth considering. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and what features are most important to you. Whichever switch you choose, both the Outemu Blue and Durock Piano offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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