Outemu Gold vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Gold and Durock Piano present two distinct options for users to consider. The Outemu Gold is a clicky switch with a reputation for None, while the Durock Piano is a linear switch praised for its proprietary material blend that offers a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. Those seeking a tactile typing experience may find the Outemu Gold appealing, while those desiring a smoother, quieter typing experience may prefer the Durock Piano. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
The Outemu Gold and Durock Piano switches both have unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Gold features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Piano uses a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, offering a satisfying and deep sound profile. While the Gold's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Piano's POM blend top housing remains a bit of a mystery in terms of its exact composition.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Outemu Gold's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Durock Piano's proprietary POM blend bottom housing. The nylon material in the Gold switch is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the Piano's POM blend bottom housing is described as offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, although the exact details of the blend remain undisclosed. The bottom housing of a switch has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed, showcasing the importance of housing materials in the overall typing experience.
Overall, while the Outemu Gold and Durock Piano switches have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, both offer their own unique sound profiles. The Gold's polycarbonate top housing creates a crisp and resonant sound, while the Piano's POM blend top housing delivers a deep and satisfying sound. Similarly, the Gold's nylon bottom housing provides a fuller sound profile, whereas the Piano's proprietary POM blend bottom housing also contributes to a deep and satisfying sound experience. Understanding the impact of housing materials on the sound profile of a switch can help enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The Gold has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Piano which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Piano has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Gold's 60 grams. This means that the Gold provides a lighter typing experience in terms of actuation force, while the Piano offers a more substantial feel with its heavier bottom out force. Depending on personal preference, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gold for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may lean towards the heavier bottom out force of the Piano for a more robust typing experience. Both switches offer a different typing feel, so the choice ultimately depends on the individual user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. Despite both switches having the same travel distance, they offer different typing experiences due to their different mechanisms. The Gold clicky switch provides a tactile bump and audible click when pressed, while the Piano linear switch offers a smoother keystroke without any tactile feedback. Overall, while both switches have the same travel distance, they cater to different preferences for typing feel and sound.
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 Gold 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 Gold clicky switch doesn't have a specific reputation, while the Durock Piano linear switch is known for its bassy sound profile that provides a deep and rich typing experience. The Gold's sound signature will ultimately depend on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used, so it may vary. On the other hand, the Piano switch is consistent in delivering a pleasingly deep and creamy sound that resonates with users looking for a satisfying auditory feedback while typing.
As for feel, the Outemu Gold switch doesn't have any specific descriptors, while the Durock Piano switch is praised for its frictionless and silky typing experience. The Gold switch's tactile feel isn't highlighted, leaving users to explore the switch's feedback on their own. In contrast, the Piano switch offers a smooth and fluid typing experience with minimal resistance, thanks to its frictionless and silky attributes. Typists who prefer a seamless and effortless keystroke will appreciate the glide-like feel of the Durock Piano linear switches.
Overall, if you prefer a switch with a defined sound profile and a smooth, effortless typing experience, the Durock Piano linear switch would be the recommended choice. However, if you're looking for a more customizable option with a potentially varied sound output, the Outemu Gold clicky switch might be worth exploring. Keep in mind that personal preferences play a significant role in determining the right switch for you, so trying out both options on different keyboards and setups would provide the best insight into your preferred switch characteristics. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, and you can achieve similar results in sound and feel depending on your setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, you should choose the Outemu Gold clicky switch if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are looking for a switch without any specific standout feature. On the other hand, if you enjoy a slightly heavier bottom out force and are seeking a smooth, effortless typing experience with a deep and rich sound profile, then the Durock Piano linear switch is the way to go. The proprietary material blend of the Piano switches creates a unique typing sensation that many find enjoyable. Ultimately, your choice between the Gold and the Piano will come down to your personal preferences for bottom out force, typing feel, and sound profile. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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