Durock Piano vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Piano and the Huano Sakura both stand out in the linear category but cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Durock Piano switches are celebrated for their unique material blend, which results in a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature that many users find enjoyable and satisfying. They are often described as "bassy" and "silky," making them perfect for those who appreciate a rich auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches provide a feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making them ideal for extended typing sessions where comfort and reduced finger fatigue are paramount. While the Durock Pianos excel in providing a luxurious typing experience, the Sakuras focus on ease of use and extended comfort. 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
N/A
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
POK
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Durock Piano and Huano Sakura switches utilize distinct materials for their housing, influencing their sound profiles and tactile experiences significantly. For the top housing, the Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend described as delivering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Meanwhile, the Huano Sakura opts for POK material, known for its smoothness due to a low coefficient of friction and exceptional durability—it exhibits considerably better wear and shock resistance compared to POM. This differentiation means that while both switches will likely offer a satisfying typing experience, the POK in the Sakura can provide a smoother tactile feedback, making each keystroke effortless. If you seek a deep sound profile in a quieter environment, both materials can achieve satisfactory results, though the way they generate sound frequencies may differ.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Durock Piano continues with its POM blend, echoing the sound profile characteristics of the top housing for a cohesive auditory experience. The Huano Sakura's bottom housing, which is constructed from nylon, adds a unique dimension with its softer material that absorbs sound more efficiently. This leads to a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound, further distinguishing the two switches as the Piano focuses on a combined acoustical outcome from both housing materials. While the Sonic synergies in the Piano offer a consistent resonance, the Sakura utilizes the inherent qualities of nylon to create a more rounded auditory experience upon key presses.
The distinct materials of the Durock Piano and Huano Sakura lead to different tactile and auditory experiences that cater to varying preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. The Piano’s proprietary POM blend across both housings aims for a unified sound profile, while the Sakura's dual-material approach allows for a diverse auditory palette, with the softer nylon bottom contributing to a more muted and rounded sound. Ultimately, the differences in housing materials create unique results; however, enthusiasts can achieve satisfying experiences with either switch by understanding how each material's properties contribute to the overall feel and sound of the keyboard.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Piano linear switch to the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Durock Piano switch features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, yet its actuation force remains unspecified. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch has a light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Sakura significantly lighter overall, offering a gentler typing experience that suits prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In summary, those who prefer a lighter touch will find the Huano Sakura more appealing, while users looking for a more substantial feel may lean towards the Durock Piano due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance makes the Durock Piano switch a better option for those who prefer a more substantial tactile experience as it provides a deeper keypress, potentially enhancing the overall feel for users who enjoy that hearty depth. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or individuals looking for quicker response times, as the reduced distance allows for faster actuation. Ultimately, while both switches serve distinct preferences in key feel, the Durock Piano linear switch stands out with its longer travel distance compared to the Huano Sakura.
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 Huano Sakura has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura for $3.29.
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 switches are celebrated for their bassy sound profile, which provides a deeper and richer auditory experience during typing. This sound is characterized by lower frequencies, making each key press resonate with a depth that many users find satisfying. In comparison, the Huano Sakura switches present a medium acoustic profile, leading to a lighter audio footprint that is ideal for long typing sessions without being overly intrusive. While the Pianos offer a notable bassy tone that can enhance the typing experience, the Sakuras cater to those who prefer a subtler acoustic environment.
In terms of feel, the Durock Piano switches are recognized for their silky smoothness, creating an incredibly pleasant typing experience with reduced resistance as fingers glide across the keys. This seamless motion contributes to an enjoyable and comfortable session, minimizing finger fatigue even during extended use. Conversely, the specific tactile characteristics of the Huano Sakura switches are less defined in the provided information, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons. However, the feather-light touch of the Sakuras suggests a different typing experience that may appeal to users looking for a lighter actuation force, possibly favoring speed over a silky smooth transition.
In conclusion, both the Durock Piano and Huano Sakura switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, catering to different preferences among typists. The Piano's bassy acoustics and silky feel provide a robust and engaging typing experience, while the Sakura's lightweight touch and medium sound profile focus on comfort for long typing sessions. While one may gravitate towards the richness of the Piano or the more subtle nature of the Sakura, both switches can deliver satisfactory outcomes depending on individual preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch hinges on your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force and appreciate a deeper, bassy sound profile paired with a silky smooth experience, the Durock Piano might be the perfect fit for you. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a rich auditory feedback and a tactile sensation that feels substantial, especially during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a focus on extended use and a quieter typing experience, the Huano Sakura could be your best bet. Its lighter force allows for quicker key presses, which can be particularly beneficial for fast typists or those who encounter fatigue easily. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing styles, and your choice should reflect your own comfort and sound preferences.
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