Outemu Purple vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Purple and the Durock Piano mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with a decision between a tactile switch and a linear switch. The Outemu Purple is best known for its tactile feedback, giving typists a noticeable bump when the key actuates. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is renowned for its smooth linear action, providing a frictionless typing experience with a deep, creamy sound signature. Both switches have their own unique benefits - the Purple for its tactile feedback and the Piano for its smooth linear action. 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
2.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Outemu Purple and Durock Piano both feature unique top housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Purple's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness, while the Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing offers a satisfying and deep sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the Purple allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic element to the switch. On the other hand, the exact details of the POM blend used in the Piano's top housing remain a mystery, but it is known to provide a deep and unique sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Outemu Purple utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder sound profile. Similarly, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend bottom housing that contributes to a satisfying and deep sound experience. While the exact composition of this blend is unknown, it is clear that it enhances the overall sound profile of the switch.
When comparing the two switches, it is evident that the housing materials used in both the top and bottom play a significant role in the sound produced. While the Purple and Piano have different top and bottom housing materials, they both aim to achieve a satisfying and unique sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate in the Purple's top housing creates a sharp sound, while the softer nylon bottom housing offers a fuller sound. Similarly, the Piano's POM blend top and bottom housings work together to produce a deep and pleasing sound experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing or gaming experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that they offer different experiences to the user. The Outemu Purple has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. However, the bottom out force is unknown, which may not provide the same level of feedback when typing. On the other hand, the Durock Piano has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Although the actuation force of the Piano switch is unknown, the heavier bottom out force suggests that it may require a bit more effort to type on compared to the Outemu Purple. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel. So, whether you choose the Outemu Purple or the Durock Piano, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key travel distance.
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 Purple 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 Purple tactile switch is well-regarded for its silence, making it a great option for those who prefer a quiet typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is known for its bassy sound profile, offering a deeper and richer tone with each key press. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors including the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Outemu Purple tactile switch is described as having a certain quality that is unknown as of now, but the Durock Piano linear switch is praised for its frictionless and silky typing experience. The proprietary material blend used in the Piano switch provides a gliding push feel, ensuring a smooth and effortless actuation with minimal resistance or friction. This makes typing on the switch a delightful experience for those who appreciate a seamless feel while typing.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities, they both provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. If you enjoy a quieter typing experience, the Purple switch may be the way to go, whereas if you prefer a switch with a deep and rich sound profile along with a smooth, frictionless feel, the Piano switch would be a great choice. Ultimately, both switches offer their own set of qualities that can enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a switch with a tactile bump and lighter touch, the Outemu Purple may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and relatively heavier linear switch that provides a gliding push feel and deep sound profile, the Durock Piano may be the more suitable option. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired level of tactile feedback when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience based on your individual preferences.
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