KTT Peach vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the KTT Peach and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT Peach and the Durock Piano both offer unique features that are worth considering. The KTT Peach is a linear switch that is known for its syrupy smooth typing experience and deep, thocky sound profile. With a categorization of 'Low-pitched', 'Neutral', and 'Mild', this switch provides a balanced and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is also a linear switch but stands out for its proprietary material blend, resulting in one of the most pleasant typing experiences. Users can expect a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky', the Durock Piano offers a smooth and refined typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The KTT Peach and the Durock Piano differ in terms of their housing materials. The Peach has a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Piano features a proprietary POM blend top housing that offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Though the exact details of this blend are unknown, it is clear that the Piano provides a distinct sonic experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Peach utilizes a nylon housing, which offers a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Similarly, the Piano also utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing. While the exact details are undisclosed, this blend contributes to the Piano's satisfying and deep sound profile, ensuring a pleasant typing experience.
However, it's important to note that the impact of each housing material is felt differently. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Regardless of these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience for users.
Overall, the Peach and the Piano showcase contrasting housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The Peach's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, whereas the Piano's proprietary POM blend delivers a satisfying and deep sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Peach offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM blend bottom housing of the Piano maintains its distinct sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences, making them great options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Peach linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is evident that they have distinct differences in both their actuation force and bottom out force. The KTT Peach linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Durock Piano linear switch does not provide an exact value for its actuation force. As for the bottom out force, the Peach requires 53 grams of force, whereas the Piano requires a heavier 63.5 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the KTT Peach linear switch may be the more suitable option. With a lower actuation force and a relatively medium-light bottom out force, this switch allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This makes it ideal for individuals using their keyboards extensively for work or extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch caters to those who seek a more substantial typing experience. With an unspecified actuation force and a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, this switch offers a stronger push feel. Users who prefer a firmer keystroke and enjoy the tactile feedback resulting from a slightly steeper force curve may find the Piano switch more satisfying.
Despite the different actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches, it is important to note that both can still provide similar results for users. While the KTT Peach linear switch may be lighter overall, those who prefer a heavier typing experience can achieve similar results by intentionally bottoming out their keystrokes with a slight increase in force. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing feel and the desired level of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Peach linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent tactile feedback and typing experience as a result of their equal travel distances. Therefore, whether you choose the KTT Peach or the Durock Piano, you can expect similar results in terms of the 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 KTT Peach comes in at $2.91 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 KTT Peach linear switch offers a low-pitched tone with a bass-heavy and mellow profile. This results in a deep and thocky sound that many users find satisfying. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch has a bassy sound that is characterized by a lower frequency range, similar to the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches provide a pleasant auditory experience, but the Peach switch leans more towards a low-pitched, thocky sound, while the Piano switch emphasizes a deeper and richer tone. It's important to note that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the KTT Peach switch is described as offering a mild typing experience. This means that it provides a gentle feel without any extreme characteristics. The switch strikes a balance that makes it approachable and enjoyable for most users. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch is described as frictionless and silky. This means that it offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Piano switch provides a fluid and silky feel that enhances typing smoothness.
Taking into consideration the subjective qualities of the KTT Peach and Durock Piano linear switches, it can be concluded that both switches offer desirable features for typing on a mechanical keyboard. The Peach switch provides a syrupy smooth typing experience and a deep, thocky sound profile, while the Piano switch offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. Although they differ slightly in sound and feel, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience. Therefore, if you are looking for a similar result in terms of sound and feel, either switch would be a great choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a medium-light bottom out force and a syrupy smooth typing experience with a deep, thocky sound profile, the KTT Peach linear switch is the ideal choice for you. It offers a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes. Additionally, the Peach provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and value a frictionless and silky smooth typing experience, along with a deep and creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano linear switch would be more suitable for you. Its proprietary material blend ensures a gliding push feel while minimizing resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
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