Outemu Green vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Outemu Green 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 Green, a clicky switch, and the Durock Piano, a linear switch. The Green switch is best known for its satisfying click sound, providing users with auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its smooth and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its proprietary material blend. While the Green switch offers a tactile and audible typing experience, the Piano switch delivers a silky and bassy feel. 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
65g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
80g
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
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
Both the Outemu Green and the Durock Piano switches feature a unique combination of materials for their housing. The Green utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that is clear and resonant. On the other hand, the Piano switch has a proprietary POM blend top housing that offers a deep and satisfying sound profile. While both materials are designed to enhance the overall sound of the switch, the polycarbonate of the Green may offer a more crisp and clear tone compared to the deeper and fuller sound of the POM blend in the Piano.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Outemu Green uses a nylon housing that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. This results in a duller and rounder sound that is distinct from the sharper sound profile created by the polycarbonate top housing. Similarly, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend bottom housing that also offers a deep and satisfying sound profile. Although the exact details of the blend are unknown, both the Piano and the Green switches focus on enhancing the sound experience through their choice of bottom housing material.
While the top and bottom housings of the Outemu Green and the Durock Piano switches may differ in material composition, both switches aim to enhance the overall sound profile and typing experience. The qualities of the housing materials are split between the bottom and top of the switch, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affecting the sound when a key is released. Whether it be the sharp, high-pitched tones of the Green or the deep and satisfying sound profile of the Piano, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
Comparing the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that the Green switch is heavier in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. The Outemu Green requires 65 grams of force to actuate and 80 grams to bottom out, making it a heavier option. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch has an unknown actuation force but requires 63.5 grams to bottom out, placing it in a medium-heavy category. The weight of a switch is essential as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Piano switch for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier force of the Green switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Outemu Green clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When typing or gaming on a keyboard with either of these switches, users can expect to experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom of the switch. This means that whether you choose the Outemu Green clicky switch or the Durock Piano linear switch, you will get a similar result in terms of keypress feel and travel distance. It's worth noting that the travel distance of both switches is relatively standard, providing a familiar typing experience for users who prefer either clicky or linear switches.
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 Green 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 Green clicky switch is known for a sharp and clicky sound with each key press, providing a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as having a bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone during typing. The sound produced by both switches can be further influenced by the keyboard structure, casing material, and keycap design.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Green clicky switch is recognized for its tactile bump and audible click during actuation, providing a responsive and tactile typing experience. The Durock Piano linear switch, on the other hand, offers a frictionless and silky feel, allowing for smooth and effortless keystrokes without any noticeable resistance or friction. This difference in feel highlights the distinct typing experiences provided by clicky and linear switches.
Overall, if you prefer a sharp and clicky sound with tactile feedback, the Outemu Green clicky switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and quieter typing experience with a rich sound profile, the Durock Piano linear switch would be a better option. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that you can achieve your desired typing experience based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Outemu Green clicky switch or the Durock Piano linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a heavier actuation force and a clicky sound, the Outemu Green switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience with a deep, bassy sound profile, the Durock Piano switch may be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you when making your decision.
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