Durock Piano vs. KTT Semi Mute

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Durock Piano and the KTT Semi Mute, both of which are linear switches. The Durock Piano is known for its proprietary material blend, which results in a pleasant typing experience characterized by a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky', these switches are sure to enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switches, despite their name, are completely silent, making them perfect for those who value a noise-free environment, particularly during late-night typing sessions. Featuring a linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, these switches offer a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. They are categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Neutral'. However, let's now dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs and preferences.

By the numbers

Durock Piano Linear

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the KTT Semi Mute differ in terms of the sound profiles they produce. The Piano's proprietary POM blend top and bottom housing is said to offer a satisfying and deep sound profile, while the Semi Mute's polycarbonate top and bottom housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a distinct auditory experience. In contrast, the POM blend of the Piano may provide a more well-rounded and immersive sound.

Aesthetically, the polycarbonate housing of the Semi Mute offers additional benefits if RGB lighting is utilized. Its translucency allows the lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. The Piano, however, does not specify if its housing is translucent, leaving it uncertain whether it can offer the same RGB lighting effects. Depending on individual preferences, the choice between these two housing materials may be influenced by their visual impact as well.

When it comes to the tactile experience, the housing materials play a role in determining the feeling upon key press and key release. While the qualities of the bottom housing primarily affect the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This means that the choice between the Durock Piano and the KTT Semi Mute may impact both the auditory and tactile aspects of typing or gaming experiences.

In conclusion, while both the Durock Piano and the KTT Semi Mute offer unique sound profiles, the POM blend and polycarbonate housing materials distinguish them from each other. The Piano's POM blend may provide a satisfying and deep sound profile, but lacks the clearly defined and sharp tones of the Semi Mute's polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of the Semi Mute's housing allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, whereas the Piano's housing does not offer the same feature. Ultimately, the choice between these housing materials will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, aesthetics, and tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are a few key differences to note. Firstly, the actuation force of the Piano switch is unavailable, while the Semi Mute switch has an actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the Semi Mute switch requires a lighter force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Piano switch.

In terms of bottom out force, the Piano switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch has a bottom out force of 58 grams, which falls into the medium range. This indicates that the Piano switch requires a slightly heavier force to fully press down compared to the Semi Mute switch.

Considering the weight aspect, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch like the Semi Mute, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it a suitable choice for those using the keyboard for work or prolonged gaming sessions. Conversely, others may prefer the Piano switch for its heavier actuation and bottom out force, as it provides a more substantial typing experience.

However, since the actuation force of the Piano switch is unavailable, it is difficult to directly compare it to the Semi Mute switch in terms of actuation force. Nonetheless, both switches fall into the medium range for bottom out force, meaning that individuals who enjoy a medium typing experience can achieve similar results with either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the Piano and Semi Mute switches comes down to personal preference for those who prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch is an important factor to consider when comparing different linear switches. In the case of the Durock Piano and the KTT Semi Mute linear switches, both exhibit a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, the distance each switch travels from the top to the bottom is the same. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of the tactile experience and overall feel when using either of these switches. The Piano and Semi Mute switches are equally matched in terms of travel distance, providing consistency and familiarity to users regardless of which option they choose.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the sound qualities of the Durock Piano linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, we can observe distinct differences. The Piano switch is best known for its deep and creamy sound signature, offering a bassy profile with lower frequencies that resemble the richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch is designed to produce a softer and quieter sound, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It is described as muted, providing a more peaceful typing experience, especially for those who prioritize a noise-free environment during late-night sessions. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is not solely dependent on its characteristics, but also influenced by factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Durock Piano offers a gliding push feel that is often described as frictionless. This provides an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, it is considered silky, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when both pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switch offers a buttery typing experience, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke. It provides a seamless, effortless, and uniform sensation when typing. Moreover, it is described as mild, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience without any pronounced characteristics. These switches stand in a safe middle-ground zone between different typing preferences.

Considering the available information, the Durock Piano linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Piano switch provides a deep and creamy sound signature, accompanied by a gliding push feel that is both frictionless and silky. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch offers a softer and quieter sound, making it ideal for noise-free environments, along with a buttery feel that is both smooth and mild. While they differ in terms of their sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer a gratifying typing experience. Depending on individual preferences, choosing between these switches would allow one to tailor their mechanical keyboard to their desired sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prioritize a pleasant typing experience with a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound, the Durock Piano linear switch would be the better choice for you. These switches are known for their proprietary material blend that enhances the overall typing feel. However, if you value a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions, and desire a comfortable and gratifying typing feel, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch would be more suitable. Despite their completely silent operation, these switches feature a linear actuation and advanced dampening technology to provide a quiet and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound and feel, with the Piano offering a bassy sound and a frictionless, silky feel, while the Semi Mute offers a muted sound and a buttery, mild feel. Consider your priorities and choose the switch that aligns with your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more