Durock Piano vs. TTC Silent Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Durock Piano and TTC Silent Red switches. Both switches provide a smooth and frictionless typing experience, making them ideal for those seeking a seamless and comfortable input method. The Durock Piano is especially noted for its proprietary material blend, resulting in a pleasurable typing experience with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky', these switches offer a unique tactile experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switches are specifically designed for a noise-free typing experience, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. With a muted sound profile and categorized as 'Buttery', 'Mild', 'Muted', and 'Polished', these switches provide a consistently smooth and padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Durock Piano Linear

TTC Silent Red Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the TTC Silent Red switches have distinct characteristics that result in different sound profiles. The Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing offers a deep and satisfying sound profile, although the exact details of this blend are unknown. On the other hand, the Silent Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which enhances clarity and resonance. While both materials provide unique sound profiles, users can expect similar results in terms of satisfaction and depth.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Piano utilizes its proprietary POM blend, which again offers a satisfying and deep sound profile. Meanwhile, the Silent Red features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a traditional switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a difference in sound when typing on switches that use these housing materials, with the Piano producing a deeper sound and the Silent Red providing a fuller sound.

It is important to note that if a switch's top and bottom housings are different, the qualities of each housing material will influence specific aspects of the switch's sound. When pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will affect the sound when releasing a key. This means that users can expect variations in the sound profiles between the initial press and the release of a key, depending on the housing materials used in the switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is evident that they have some similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the Piano's force is not specified, while the Silent Red requires 45 grams of force. Although we don't have a specific value for the Piano, it can be assumed that it is at least heavier than the Silent Red, given that some prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Moving on to the bottom out force, both switches share a similar value of 63.5 grams, which can be considered medium-heavy.

In terms of weight, the lighter actuation force of the Silent Red switch may be appealing to those looking for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for keyboards used in work environments or during extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Piano switch, with its potentially heavier actuation force, might provide a more tactile and satisfying typing experience for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel. This can be especially desired by typists seeking a more distinctive feedback when typing.

In summary, while the actuation force of the Durock Piano linear switch is not stated, it can be inferred to be heavier than the 45 grams actuation force of the TTC Silent Red linear switch. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classified as medium-heavy. Therefore, those looking for a lighter actuation force may find the Silent Red more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, whereas the Piano switch might appeal to individuals seeking a heavier and more impactful keystroke experience.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Durock Piano linear switch is 4.0 mm, making it the longer option compared to the TTC Silent Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. While both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, with only a 0.3 mm difference between them, it is important to consider personal preference and use case. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Durock Piano switch is more traditional and provides a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. This can be preferred by those who appreciate the hearty depth and tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch's slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm may be appealing to gamers or individuals who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance allows for quicker keystrokes and can enhance gameplay performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference and specific needs, whether it be a desire for depth or a need for speed.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a deep and rich sound profile that can be characterized by a lower frequency range, similar to bass tones. This results in a creamy and pleasant sound signature during key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch provides a muted sound profile, producing softer and quieter keystrokes. This makes it an ideal choice for environments such as offices or shared living spaces where noise needs to be minimized. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer different sound qualities, with the Piano being bassy and the Silent Red being muted.

In terms of feel, the Durock Piano linear switch is highly regarded for its frictionless and silky typing experience. This means that when pressing the keys, there is minimal resistance or friction, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience. The consistent feel from top to bottom of the switch ensures a consistent typing experience throughout. As for the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation, giving a uniform feel when pressing and releasing the keys. Additionally, the Silent Red switch is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The polished finish of the switch further enhances its smoothness, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering the available information, the Durock Piano linear switch excels in providing a deep and creamy sound signature, as well as a frictionless and silky feel during typing. This switch is ideal for those who value a pleasant and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch is perfect for those seeking a switch with a muted sound profile, making it suitable for quiet environments like offices. This switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience, ensuring a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and environments. If you are looking for a similar typing experience with similar results, either switch would provide a smooth and enjoyable experience, depending on your sound preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, when it comes to choosing between Durock Piano linear switches and TTC Silent Red linear switches, it ultimately depends on your preferences and specific needs.

If you prioritize a pleasant typing experience with a deep and creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano switches would be the ideal choice for you. With their proprietary material blend, these switches offer a gliding push feel and a bassy sound profile, adding a touch of richness to your typing sessions.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, the TTC Silent Red switches are the perfect option. These switches have a muted sound profile, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. They provide a consistent and buttery typing feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort.

Both switches have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, falling into the medium-heavy category, ensuring a satisfying and responsive typing experience. However, the Piano switches are best known for their frictionless and silky feel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Silent Red switches are described as buttery, mild, and polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, consider your priorities in terms of sound, feel, and environment when making a decision between Durock Piano linear switches and TTC Silent Red linear switches. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a delightful typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

TTC Silent Red Linear

$5.28

$4.38 per 10

Learn more