Outemu Dustproof Brown vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Brown 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 Dustproof Brown, a tactile switch, and the Durock Piano, a linear switch. The Dustproof Brown switch is best known for its dustproof design, ensuring longevity and durability. It is categorized as a tactile switch, providing a tactile bump upon actuation for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches are highly praised for their proprietary material blend, resulting in a smooth and silky typing experience. Categorized as a linear switch, the Durock Pianos offer a bassy and frictionless typing experience with a deep, creamy sound signature. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, making them suitable for different typing needs. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Durock Piano, it is evident that they both prioritize sound quality. The Dustproof Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Piano features a proprietary POM blend top housing that offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound. While both materials focus on enhancing sound, they offer different tonal qualities, with polycarbonate leaning towards a crisper sound and POM blend providing a deeper tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Dustproof Brown utilizes a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend bottom housing that also offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both switches prioritize sound quality by focusing on creating a rich and immersive typing experience.
Overall, while the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Dustproof Brown and the Durock Piano differ in material composition, they share a common goal of enhancing sound quality. The use of polycarbonate and POM blend materials allows both switches to offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deep and satisfying tone of POM blend, both switches provide a premium typing experience that is sure to impress keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we can see some differences. The Dustproof Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Piano's unknown actuation force. However, both have a similar bottom out force, with the Dustproof Brown at 65 grams and the Piano at 63.5 grams. This means that while the Dustproof Brown may require a lighter touch to initiate a keystroke, both switches will offer a similar resistance when fully pressed down. The lighter actuation force of the Dustproof Brown may appeal to users looking for a lighter typing experience, while the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Piano could provide a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This similarity in travel distance allows for consistent typing experiences between the two switches. Despite their equal travel distances, the Dustproof Brown provides a tactile bump while the Piano offers a linear feel, highlighting the different typing experiences each switch can provide. Ultimately, both switches offer the same amount of travel distance, but with different tactile feedback for users to choose from based on personal preference.
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 Dustproof Brown 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 Durock Piano linear switch is known for its deep and creamy sound profile, often described as bassy due to the lower frequency range it produces during key presses. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch's sound qualities are unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors including the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Piano linear switch is praised for its frictionless and silky typing experience, offering an extremely smooth and effortless feel with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. In comparison, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch is not described. If the feel is similar to the Durock Piano switch, users can expect a smooth and fluid typing experience.
Considering the available information, the Durock Piano linear switch stands out for its pleasant linear typing experience with deep and creamy sound qualities. If the user prefers a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a lower frequency sound profile, the Piano switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, the subjective qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch are not fully described, so it may be more challenging to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, the best switch choice will depend on the user's personal preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a tactile typing experience and want a switch with dustproof features, the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and frictionless linear switch with a deep and creamy sound profile, the Durock Piano linear switch would be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value tactile feedback or smooth linear action in your mechanical keyboard switches. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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