Durock Piano vs. Gateron Quinn

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that stand out are the Durock Piano and the Gateron Quinn. The Durock Piano switch is a linear switch that is best known for its proprietary material blend, resulting in a typing experience that is unparalleled in its smoothness. With a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, this switch is a delight to type on. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn is a tactile switch that offers a unique combination of crisp, light tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. Made with specially designed nylon housings, this switch produces a rich and immersive sound with each keystroke. What sets the Quinn apart is its precise and clean tactile bump, adding a touch of character to the typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Piano Linear

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Gateron Quinn switches have both similarities and differences. Starting with the top housing, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend, which offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. In comparison, the Quinn's top housing is made of nylon, a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials aim to enhance the typing experience with their distinct qualities, the specific blends used in each switch create slightly different sound profiles.

Moving to the bottom housing, the Piano also features a proprietary POM blend, which contributes to its satisfying and deep sound profile. Conversely, the Quinn utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which similarly elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Although they are made of different materials, both switches aim to provide a similar sound and feel by utilizing softer plastics that absorb more sound. However, the specific blend of POM used in the Piano and the nylon material used in the Quinn may result in slightly different sound characteristics.

When examining the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the switches, both the Piano and Quinn follow a similar pattern. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, as it directly receives the force applied when pressing down. Conversely, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While the materials used in the top and bottom housings may differ between the two switches, the overall impact on the sound and feel of the switches will be relatively similar due to the shared nature of their design.

In conclusion, the housing materials of the Durock Piano and Gateron Quinn switches exhibit both similarities and differences. While the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for both the top and bottom housings, the Quinn employs nylon for its housing materials. Although their material compositions vary, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their specific sound profiles. Furthermore, the impact of the housing materials on the switches is split between the top and bottom housings, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound produced when releasing a key. Overall, while there are some variations, both switches aim to provide a satisfying and enhanced typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the Piano's specific gram measurement is unavailable, while the Quinn requires 59 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. Although we don't have an exact figure for the Piano, it is safe to assume that it falls within a similar range. Therefore, both switches have a relatively light actuation force.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the Piano requires 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Quinn requires a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, also falling into the medium-heavy category. Here, we can see that both switches have a similar level of resistance when pressing all the way down.

Considering the weight aspect, some individuals prefer a lighter switch to allow for more extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming sessions. For these individuals, both the Piano and the Quinn would be suitable options given their light actuation forces. However, there are also those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. In this case, both switches again cater to this preference, as they have medium-heavy bottom out forces.

In summary, while the specific actuation force for the Durock Piano is unknown, it can be assumed that it falls within a similar range as the Gateron Quinn. Both switches have light actuation forces and medium-heavy bottom out forces, making them suitable for individuals who prefer either a lighter or a more substantial typing experience.

Travel distance

The Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Gateron Quinn tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Piano switch is longer than the Quinn switch. The Piano switch offers a more traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Quinn switch provides a slightly shallower travel distance of 3.4 mm. Gamers often prefer switches with shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Quinn switch a favorable choice in that aspect. However, individuals who prefer a more substantial depth may find the 4.0 mm travel distance of the Piano switch more satisfying. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preference and specific use cases.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer a deep and rich sound profile. The Piano switch has a creamy sound signature, which can be characterized by a lower frequency range and resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Similarly, the Quinn switch also has a deep and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the Quinn switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving it a crisp and percussive quality. Both switches provide an immersive auditory experience, but the Quinn switch offers a slightly wider range of sound characteristics with its clacky and resonant qualities.

In terms of feel, the Durock Piano switch is known for its frictionless and silky typing experience. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing feel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Gateron Quinn switch, on the other hand, provides a snappy and polished typing experience. The snappiness of the Quinn switch can be attributed to its super responsive nature, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs. Additionally, the Quinn switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. It also offers a bouncy and accented tactile feedback sensation, giving the keys a lively feel.

In summary, both the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer subjective qualities that enhance the typing experience. In terms of sound, they both provide a deep and rich sound profile, with the Quinn switch offering a slightly wider range of characteristics with its clacky and resonant qualities. When it comes to feel, the Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience, while the Quinn switch provides a snappy and polished feel, with bouncy and accented tactile feedback. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities that can elevate your typing experience, providing smooth and enjoyable performances. While they have their own distinct characteristics, they can yield similar results in terms of sound and feel.

Conclusion

In closing, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a deep, creamy sound signature, then the Durock Piano linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches are known for their proprietary material blend, resulting in a pleasant gliding push feel. Additionally, if you enjoy a switch with a refined finish and reduced friction, the Piano switches would provide a silky typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a crisp, light switch-like tactility with a touch of character in the typing experience, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is the way to go. With each keystroke, you'll experience a precise and clean tactile bump, along with a deep and resonant sound profile. Moreover, the Quinn switches offer a variety of descriptors such as clacky and low-pitched, which can add a unique auditory experience to your typing. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Piano and Gateron Quinn switches depends on your personal preference for either a smooth linear switch or a tactile switch with character.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Quinn Tactile

$6.00

$5.50 per 10

Learn more