Durock Piano vs. KTT Pine

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, two options that stand out are the Durock Piano and the KTT Pine. The Durock Piano switch is renowned for its proprietary material blend, making it one of the most pleasant linear switches to type on. Users have described a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature when using these switches. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch boasts a translucent, forest green appearance and is designed to provide a medium-heavy, buttery smooth typing experience. Thanks to a polished, factory-lubed finish, these switches minimize friction, resulting in smooth key travel. Both switches share some similarities, such as a bassy sound profile, but they also have their unique characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so that you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Piano Linear

KTT Pine Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Piano and the KTT Pine have contrasting materials used in their housing, which affect the sound profile of the switches. The Piano features a proprietary POM blend for both the top and bottom housing, while the Pine utilizes polycarbonate for both components. The POM blend in the Piano provides a satisfying and deep sound profile, although the exact details of the blend are undisclosed. In contrast, the polycarbonate used in the Pine creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference in materials leads to distinct auditory experiences when using the switches.

In terms of aesthetics, both switches offer unique advantages. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting. The clear housing allows the illumination to shine through, creating an appealing visual effect. However, the specifics of the proprietary POM blend used in the Piano's top housing remain a mystery, so it is unclear how well it would complement RGB lighting. Whether using the Piano or the Pine, the choice of housing material greatly influences the visual appeal of the switch.

When considering the performance of the switches, it is important to note the impact of the top and bottom housings on the overall sound and feel. With the Piano, the qualities of the bottom housing can be felt when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Similarly, the Pine's bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound of releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches provide unique tactile and auditory experiences for users.

In summary, the Durock Piano and the KTT Pine offer distinct housing materials, resulting in contrasting sound profiles. The proprietary POM blend used in the Piano's housing provides a deep and satisfying sound, while the Pine's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper tone. Aesthetically, the Pine's translucent polycarbonate top housing is well-suited for RGB lighting, while the Piano's compatibility is uncertain due to undisclosed details of its POM blend. The impact of the top and bottom housings on key feel and sound also differs between the switches. Regardless, both the Piano and the Pine offer unique qualities that cater to various user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Piano linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it is evident that they have distinct differences in terms of their actuation force and bottom out force. The Durock Piano switch has an actuation force that is unavailable in grams, while the KTT Pine switch requires 45 grams of force for actuation. In terms of bottom out force, the Durock Piano switch requires a heavier 63.5 grams compared to the KTT Pine switch's 58 grams. With this information, it can be concluded that the Durock Piano switch is heavier in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the KTT Pine switch. This makes it ideal for those who seek a more substantial typing experience or prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switch provides a lighter actuation force, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, especially for extended periods of typing or gaming sessions. Overall, while the Durock Piano and KTT Pine switches have their unique attributes, they allow users to achieve similar results dependieng on their preference for lighter or heavier typing forces.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Durock Piano linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch is equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, the distance that it travels from the top to the bottom will be the same. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance when using either switch. Both switches offer a comfortable and consistent travel distance, allowing for a smooth and satisfying typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Durock Piano and the KTT Pine switches are described as "bassy," offering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This means that both switches produce a lower frequency range sound, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. However, the Pine switches have an additional descriptor of "low-pitched," indicating that they have a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Ultimately, while the two switches may have slight variations in sound, they both deliver a similar bassy sound profile when typing. Additionally, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, the Durock Piano switches are described as "frictionless," offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. They are also referred to as "silky," enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the KTT Pine switches are described as "buttery" and "creamy," implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. When typing on either switch, users can expect a silky sensation and a gliding feeling across the keys with ease. While the descriptors used for each switch may vary, both the Piano and Pine switches deliver a similarly smooth and enjoyable typing experience.

Overall, both the Durock Piano and KTT Pine switches offer pleasant and satisfying typing experiences. In terms of sound, they both provide a bassy tone, although the Pine switches may have a slightly more mellow sound due to their low-pitched nature. When it comes to feel, the Piano switches are described as frictionless and silky, while the Pine switches are referred to as buttery and creamy, both offering smooth and effortless keystrokes. Whether you choose the Durock Piano or the KTT Pine, you can expect a high-quality linear switch that provides a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. Remember that personal preference and additional factors such as keycaps and keyboard board can also impact the overall typing experience, so it's essential to consider those aspects as well.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Durock Piano linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel.

If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Durock Piano with its 63.5 grams would be a good choice for you. It offers a pleasant typing experience with a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. The Piano is best known for its proprietary material blend, which enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel.

On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force, the KTT Pine with its 58 grams would be more suitable. This switch is designed to provide an effortless typing experience with its buttery smoothness and polished, factory-lubed finish. The Pine is also known for its translucent, forest green color.

In terms of sound, both switches offer a bassy sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range and resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Pine has an additional descriptor of low-pitched, which means it offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches.

When it comes to feel, both switches provide a smooth and effortless typing experience. The Piano is described as frictionless and silky, offering a fluid travel and minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. The Pine, on the other hand, is described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Both switches are designed to enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel.

In the end, you should consider your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel when choosing between the Durock Piano and the KTT Pine linear switches. Ultimately, it's important to try out different switches and find the one that suits your typing style and preferences the best.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

KTT Pine Linear

$4.60

$4.15 per 10

Learn more