Outemu Brown vs. Durock Piano

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Outemu Brown and the Durock Piano offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Outemu Brown, a tactile switch, is favored by users who enjoy a noticeable bump during actuation, making it ideal for typing as it provides feedback without being overly loud. In contrast, the Durock Piano, a linear switch, excels in smoothness and sound, with its proprietary material blend creating a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, making it a pleasure for those who prefer a quieter and frictionless experience. While the Browns cater to those who appreciate tactile feedback, the Pianos are perfect for individuals seeking a more fluid keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Brown Tactile

Durock Piano Linear

$3.10 per 10

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Brown and the Durock Piano switches, a clear distinction emerges, particularly in the top housing. The Outemu Brown utilizes polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffer properties that contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's translucency also enhances the RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for aesthetically-driven keyboard builds. In contrast, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM (polyoxymethylene) blend, which, while not specified in detail, is designed to offer a uniquely satisfying and deeper sound profile. The difference in sound characteristics indicates that the two switches will likely feel and sound distinctively different when typing, primarily due to the inherent properties of the housing materials employed.

Moving on to the bottom housings, both the Outemu Brown and Durock Piano utilize nylon in the case of the former and a proprietary POM blend in the latter. The nylon used in the Brown's housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This absorption results in a rounder sound that can provide a satisfying tactile experience during typing. Conversely, the Durock Piano’s POM blend in its bottom housing also aims to deliver a deep sound profile, though the specifics of how it achieves this remain a mystery. The shared characteristics of a deeper sound may result in some similarities in tactile feedback when using the Durock, despite the differences in material composition.

Ultimately, the combined impact of these housing materials produces a nuanced sonic experience when typing on both switches. The Outemu Brown excels in clear and crisp sounds from its polycarbonate top, complemented by a softer, more resonant nylon bottom that envelops the sound. The Durock Piano, with its unique POM blend in both top and bottom housings, attempts to deliver a rich and satisfying auditory experience. While the two switches leverage different materials, each offers a combination that aims for distinct sound profiles—understanding these materials can help users select the switch that aligns best with their preferences, whether they value sharper notes or a deeper acoustic experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we see some notable differences, particularly in the actuation force. The Outemu Brown requires a moderate actuation force of 53 grams, while the Durock Piano's actuation force is unknown. However, the Piano's bottom out force is slightly lighter at 63.5 grams compared to the Brown's 65 grams. This means that while the Piano switch may provide a smoother travel experience without a specified actuation force, it still bottoms out with slightly less resistance than the Brown. For users who appreciate a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Durock Piano might appeal, though its unknown actuation force leaves some uncertainty. In contrast, the Outemu Brown, with its defined actuation force, will likely give a more tactile feedback, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Overall, the Brown is heavier in terms of actuation force, making it potentially more suited for users who enjoy a firmer typing experience.

Travel distance

The Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they travel the same distance from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity in travel distance indicates that users can expect comparable key feel and resistance during typing or gaming. Because both switches have identical travel distances, you can anticipate similar results in terms of responsiveness and actuation depth, making them equally effective for a range of applications.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch with the Durock Piano linear switch in terms of sound, the Outemu Brown lacks a specific sound profile, making it challenging to characterize its auditory experience. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch is known for its deep and rich sound, described as "bassy." This bassy sound lends a pleasant depth to the actuation of keys, creating an enjoyable auditory feedback during typing. The unique material blend of the Durock Pianos contributes to this distinct sound signature, offering a melodic experience that contrasts with the lack of a defined auditory quality in the Outemu Browns.

Feel is another area where the differences between these two switches are notable. The Outemu Brown, while lacking a specific description, typically provides a tactile response that is meant to offer some feedback during typing, though specifics on its smoothness or resistance are not mentioned. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches are reputable for their frictionless and silky feel, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. This means that the Piano switch allows for a fluid keypress action that minimizes resistance, enhancing overall typing comfort and efficiency, which is a significant advantage for users who prioritize a smooth and satisfying keystroke.

In conclusion, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is more ambiguous in both sound and feel, lacking the rich bassy sound and smooth typing experience that the Durock Piano linear switch delivers. The Piano's unique auditory and tactile qualities position it favorably for users who seek both a pleasing acoustic experience and an enjoyable typing sensation. For those exploring mechanical switches, the choice between these two will largely depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with the Durock Piano likely providing a more fulfilling keyboard experience overall.

Conclusion

To conclude, selecting between Outemu Brown tactile switches and Durock Piano linear switches largely depends on your typing style and preferences. If you enjoy the tactile feedback that a switch can provide, the Outemu Brown's medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams might be suitable for you, helping to enhance your typing accuracy with each keystroke. However, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing experience, especially for long hours of work or gaming, the Durock Piano linear switches would be the ideal choice, as they are known for their silky feel and low resistance. While both switches have a somewhat similar bottom-out force, the Piano switch excels with its unique sound signature, delivering a deeper and richer bass tone, which many users find satisfying. In essence, choose the Outemu Brown for tactile feedback and typing precision, while the Durock Piano should be your pick if you seek a seamless, enjoyable experience with a desirable acoustic profile.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more