Durock Piano vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics. Two popular switches that offer different typing experiences are the Durock Piano and the Kailh Sage. The Durock Piano, a linear switch, is best known for its proprietary material blend, which provides a pleasant typing experience characterized by a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, stands out for offering a distinct clicky typing experience. With its heavy weight and refreshingly sharp clickiness, typing on the Sage switch feels invigorating and crunchy. While these general descriptions can give you a sense of what each switch offers, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Durock Piano and Kailh Sage switches greatly influence their sound profiles and overall performance. The Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend for both its top and bottom housing, offering a satisfying and deep sound profile. The exact details of the blend are unknown, but it creates a unique sound experience. In contrast, the Kailh Sage utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, if RGB lighting is a consideration, the Sage's translucent polycarbonate housing makes it a practical choice.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Durock Piano again uses its proprietary POM blend. This material contributes to the switch's deep sound profile, although specific details about the blend are undisclosed. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage employs nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housing due to its characteristic ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's relatively softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile compared to harder plastics.
It is important to note that the difference in top and bottom housing materials leads to the distribution of qualities in the switch's sound profile. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing material plays a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, even though the Durock Piano and Kailh Sage utilize different housing materials, they can both deliver satisfying sound experiences, albeit with distinct characteristics depending on the specific material used.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Piano linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, it is important to consider the actuation force and bottom out force. The actuation force of the Piano switch is unavailable, while the Sage switch also has an unavailable actuation force. However, both switches are categorized as medium-heavy when it comes to their bottom out force. The Piano switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Sage switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams.
In terms of weight, the lighter option is often favored by those who prefer extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions. A lighter switch allows for less fatigue and strain on the fingers, making it more suitable for work environments or gaming marathons. On the other hand, some individuals prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. For these users, a switch with a heavier force is ideal.
In summary, both the Durock Piano linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch have unavailable actuation forces. However, the Piano switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Sage switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This makes the Sage switch slightly heavier overall. Depending on user preferences, the lighter Piano switch may be preferred for longer typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier Sage switch may provide a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Piano switch is considered the more traditional option, providing a significant depth to each keystroke. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Sage switch offers a slightly shallower experience. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for their keyboards as it allows for faster response times, making it ideal for those seeking increased responsiveness. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference - if you prioritize a hearty depth in your keystrokes, the Durock Piano linear switch with its longer travel distance would be the better choice. But if you value faster response times and a slightly shallower keystroke, the Kailh Sage clicky switch would provide similar results.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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 Durock Piano linear switch provides a deep and creamy sound signature. These switches offer a lower frequency range, resulting in a sound that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch delivers a distinct clicky typing experience. The sound produced by these switches can be described as crunchy, akin to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. However, if you're looking for a similar result to the Durock Piano's bassy sound, the Kailh Sage would not provide a comparable experience.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a gliding push feel and is described as frictionless and silky. Typing on these switches provides an extremely smooth and effortless experience, with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The travel of the switch is fluid, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is known for its invigorating and sharp tactile feel. These switches provide pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive sensation while typing. The tactile bump in the Sage switch is strong and crisp, making it distinctly felt with each keypress.
Considering the available information, the Durock Piano linear switch excels in providing a pleasant linear typing experience with its gliding push feel, deep sound signature, and smooth typing feel. It offers a bassy sound profile and a frictionless, silky typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch offers a distinct clicky typing experience with its heavy weight and sharp clickiness. It provides an invigorating tactile feel with strong feedback. If you prefer a linear switch with a deep and creamy sound and a smooth, effortless typing experience, the Durock Piano would be the recommended choice. However, if you're looking for a clicky switch with a distinct clicky sound and an invigorating tactile feel, the Kailh Sage would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a pleasant linear switch that offers a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature, then the Durock Piano would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it provides a medium-heavy typing experience. The Piano switches are best known for their proprietary material blend, which enhances their smoothness and minimizes any sense of resistance during typing. These switches are described as frictionless and silky, offering an effortless and exceptionally smooth typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience with a refreshing sharp clickiness, then the Kailh Sage switches would be the way to go. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, they also provide a medium-heavy typing experience. The Sage switches offer pronounced feedback, a snappy and reactive feel, and a moderate to firm actuation force, creating an invigorating typing sensation. These switches are described as sharp and provide a crunchy sound profile, resembling the sound of stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Piano and Kailh Sage switches comes down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a deep and creamy sound, go for the Durock Piano. However, if you prefer a clicky switch with pronounced feedback and a sharp tactile bump, the Kailh Sage would be the better option. Consider the sound, feel, and overall typing experience you're looking for when making your decision, and enjoy discovering your perfect mechanical keyboard switch.
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