Durock Piano vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Durock Piano and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, both of which offer distinct typing experiences while remaining within the linear switch category. The Durock Piano is celebrated for its innovative proprietary material blend, providing users with an incredibly smooth, gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a bassy, frictionless experience that contributes to an overall satisfying typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie presents a medium-weight profile, combining affordability with high-quality performance. Known for its thocky sound and exceptional smoothness, the Sea Salt Smoothie appeals to budget-conscious users who do not want to compromise on typing feel or acoustics. Both switches have their unique charms, catering to different preferences, whether it's the luxurious feel of the Durock Piano or the solid performance of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Piano Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches both utilize a POM blend, which is crucial in defining their unique sound profiles. While details of the specific blends remain undisclosed, each switch features a top and bottom housing that contribute to a satisfying sound experience. The POM used in both switches is said to amplify a deep sound profile, with the Piano's proprietary blend providing a uniquely satisfying tone and quality. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM housing is noted for creating a more muted sound, but still maintains that pleasing auditory experience. Although their descriptions highlight different sonic qualities, the underlying POM material establishes a strong similarity in construction and potential acoustic results.

When examining the bottom housings, it becomes clear that both the Piano and Sea Salt Smoothie switches aim for a robust sound experience. Once again, both switches utilize proprietary POM blends that contribute to their craftsmanship. The Durock Piano, like the Sea Salt Smoothie, emphasizes a deep and satisfying auditory profile that enhances the bottom-out feel when a key is pressed. Despite the difference in terminology—"satisfying" versus "pleasing"—the essential characteristics of the POM materials work in tandem to deliver a fulfilling tactile feedback for users. Thus, when pressing down a switch, both housing types are designed to give an enjoyable bottom-out experience, showcasing their comparative strengths.

Overall, while the Durock Piano and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches employ differing language in their marketing—one focusing on a uniquely satisfying experience and the other on muted pleasure—their fundamental POM materials render them quite similar. The performance of the switches when bottoming out and releasing hinges on the qualities inherent in their top and bottom housings. The deep sound profiles from the POM blend, whether categorized as satisfying or muted, suggest that users can expect comparable results when using either switch type. Ultimately, both switches are crafted to create a deep and pleasant sound profile, ensuring that users are well-equipped for an engaging typing experience regardless of their choice.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, some differences become evident. The Durock Piano has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance when fully pressed down. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a measured actuation force of 48 grams, making it the lighter option between the two, although its bottom out force remains unknown. This difference in actuation force suggests that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch for comfort during extended use might gravitate toward the Sea Salt Smoothie. However, for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Piano switch may be more appealing due to its relatively heavier bottom out force. Overall, the Piano is categorized as heavier, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is lighter, contributing to differing user preferences based on typing style and comfort.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Durock Piano boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Piano the longer option, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress and a traditional feel. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, offers a more responsive experience that could be favored by gamers seeking quick actuation. Therefore, while both switches serve different preferences, those who enjoy a deeper feel may opt for the Durock Piano, whereas those desiring quicker responses might choose the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Piano switch delivers a deep, rich, and creamy auditory experience characterized by a bassy profile. This depth enhances the overall typing ambiance, providing a satisfying feedback that resonates with each key press. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, while equally pleasant, is noted for its thocky sound profile. This particular quality adds a distinctiveness to the typing experience, as it evokes a crisp, resonant sound that is less about low tones and more about a balanced, punchy impact. Both switches offer unique auditory signatures that cater to different preferences, but they are both designed to enhance the typing experience through their respective tones.

Regarding feel, the Durock Piano switch stands out for its frictionless and silky characteristics. This means that when you type on a Piano switch, you experience minimal resistance, allowing for a smooth and effortless key press. The fluidity of the typing action is particularly beneficial for long typing sessions, reducing fatigue and enhancing overall comfort. In contrast, specific descriptions of the feel of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie are not provided; hence it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the Sea Salt Smoothie is designed to maintain exceptional smoothness, suggesting a high-quality typing experience similar to that of the Piano's silky feel.

In summary, both the Durock Piano and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Piano is characterized by its deep, creamy sound and an incredibly smooth feel, appealing to users who appreciate a more bass-oriented auditory signature. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie presents a thocky sound that is punchy and likely enjoyable, with an emphasis on smoothness, though its exact tactile qualities remain unknown. Overall, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, and while they each bring unique features to the table, you can expect enjoyable results regardless of your choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a smooth and enjoyable typing experience combined with a deeper, richer sound profile, the Durock Piano switches would be a great fit for you. These switches provide a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, which gives you a tactile sense of control while typing, enhanced by their frictionless and silky feel. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that breaks the price barrier without sacrificing quality, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a solid choice. While its bottom-out force is not specified, its smooth actuation and thocky sound profile make it appealing for those who appreciate a more subdued yet rich acoustic feedback. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you prioritize most—comfort and sound depth with the Piano, or a smooth experience at a wallet-friendly price with the Sea Salt Smoothie.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more