Durock Piano vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options from Durock are the Piano and Sea Glass switches. The Durock Piano is well-known for its proprietary material blend, which allows for a smooth, gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. This linear switch is categorized as bassy, frictionless, and silky. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch series stands out with its captivating selection of five pastel colors and a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in typing experience. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a surprising weightlessness, making them easy to press. Like the Piano, the Sea Glass switches are frictionless, but they also have a uniquely hollow sound signature. Both switches offer their own unique benefits and characteristics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Durock Piano and Durock Sea Glass share similarities in their housing materials, specifically the bottom housings. Both keyboards utilize a proprietary POM blend, which provides a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Although the exact details of the blend are unknown, it is clear that this material contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keyboard. The bottom housing's impact on the sound and tactile experience highlights a common characteristic between the two models.
On the other hand, the top housings of the Durock Piano and Durock Sea Glass differ in composition. The Piano features a proprietary POM blend, while the Sea Glass employs a combination of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend. Despite these distinctions, both top housing materials contribute to the sound profile in unique ways. The POM blend of the Piano offers a satisfying and deep sound, without providing specific details. In contrast, the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend of the Sea Glass produces a pleasant and slightly brighter sound. Although the exact qualities may differ, the top housing of each model enhances the sound when releasing a key.
In terms of functionality, pressing down on the switches will exhibit the characteristics of the bottom housing in both the Durock Piano and Durock Sea Glass. The impact of the bottom housing creates a distinctive sound and tactile feel during the keystroke's bottom-out process. Conversely, the top housing plays a more dominant role in sound production when releasing a key. Therefore, although the housing materials may differ between the two keyboards, the overall user experience remains similar in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, while exhibiting slight variations in the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Durock Piano's exact measurement is unknown, while the Sea Glass requires 45 grams of force. Although we lack precise information for the Piano, we can assume that it falls within a similar range to the Sea Glass, resulting in comparable actuation forces. Moving on to the bottom out force, the Piano requires 63.5 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Sea Glass's 62 grams. This makes the Piano switch a bit more substantial in terms of typing experience when it comes to fully pressing down on the keys.
Considering weight as a factor becomes important for those who value extended typing sessions or long gaming periods. Those who prefer a lighter touch will appreciate the lower actuation force of 45 grams provided by the Sea Glass switch, allowing for more comfortable and prolonged typing. On the other hand, individuals seeking a greater push feel and a more robust typing experience may opt for the Piano switch, which has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This heavier force provides a more substantial feedback, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger tactile response while typing.
In conclusion, while the exact actuation force of the Durock Piano switch is unknown, it can be assumed to be similar to the Sea Glass switch. However, the Piano switch showcases a heavier bottom out force, making it a suitable choice for users desiring a typing experience with a greater push feel. Conversely, the Sea Glass switch caters to individuals who appreciate a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The Piano switch falls into the more traditional range of 4.0 mm, offering a standard depth that many are accustomed to. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch provides a slightly shallower travel distance of 3.8 mm, which may be more appealing to gamers seeking faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Sea Glass switch allows for quicker actuation, making it a preferred choice for those looking for increased responsiveness. However, it is important to note that some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt for their liking. For those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke, the Durock Piano with its longer travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's personal preference for travel distance and desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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
The Durock Piano linear switch is best known for its pleasant typing experience, characterized by a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offers a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in its typing experience while still maintaining smoothness. The Sea Glass switches are also known for their weightlessness, despite having a 62g bottom-out force. Typing on the Sea Glass switches produces a uniquely hollow sound signature.
In terms of sound, the Piano switch offers a deep and rich sound profile, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Conversely, there is no specific information provided about the sound of the Sea Glass switch. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Piano and Sea Glass switches are described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. The Piano switch is also described as silky, enhancing overall smoothness. The Sea Glass switch, on the other hand, is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. It is also mentioned that the Sea Glass switch is feathery, meaning it's exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion, reducing finger fatigue.
In conclusion, the Durock Piano and Sea Glass linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Piano switch provides a deep and rich sound profile with a smooth and effortless typing experience. Meanwhile, the Sea Glass switch has a distinct dry and airy sound, combined with a mild and frictionless typing experience that is also exceptionally light to press. While each switch has its own unique characteristics, they both share the common feature of being described as frictionless, ensuring smoothness in typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pleasant typing experience, the Durock Piano switch is a great choice. With its proprietary material blend, it offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force and a unique typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass switch is worth considering. Its proprietary material blend gives it a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, while still maintaining smoothness. Despite its weightlessness, it offers a frictionless typing experience and a uniquely hollow sound signature. Ultimately, the decision between the Piano and Sea Glass switches will depend on your preferences in terms of bottom out force and typing experience. Both switches offer their own unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience.
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