Durock Piano vs. KTT Strawberry

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that often come up are the Durock Piano and the KTT Strawberry, both of which are linear switches. The Durock Piano switches are highly regarded for their proprietary material blend, offering a typing experience that is both smooth and enjoyable. With a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, these switches provide a satisfying tactile experience. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switches boast attractive pink and clear housings. They are known for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. With a low-pitched sound and a buttery and polished feel, these switches are truly a treat to use. While these generalities might steer you in the right direction, let's delve a bit deeper into the specifics of each switch, so you can make the best decision based on your personal preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Durock Piano Linear

KTT Strawberry Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$4.91 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Piano and the KTT Strawberry differ in their choice of housing materials. The Piano features a proprietary POM blend in both the top and bottom housing, while the Strawberry utilizes polycarbonate for both housings. The POM blend in the Piano is known for offering a deep and satisfying sound profile, although specific details about the blend remain undisclosed. Conversely, the polycarbonate used in the Strawberry's housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for the top housing if RGB lighting is intended. Overall, the housing materials of the Piano and Strawberry provide distinct sonic characteristics.

Despite their differences, the Piano and Strawberry share some similarities in their housing materials. Both switches incorporate translucent properties in their respective top housings, allowing for enhanced RGB lighting effects. This common feature ensures that users can enjoy visually appealing setups with vibrant lighting. Additionally, both switches prioritize sound quality, albeit through different means. The proprietary POM blend in the Piano and the use of polycarbonate in the Strawberry contribute to an improved sound experience, with each offering a unique sonic profile. Whether it is the deep and satisfying tones of the Piano or the sharp and crisp tones of the Strawberry, users can expect an enhanced audio experience from both switches.

When it comes to the impact on the sound and feel of the switch, the top and bottom housing materials play distinct roles. Pressing down on a switch primarily engages the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. In this regard, the choice of housing material in the bottom housing becomes crucial. For the Piano, the POM blend contributes to a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile during bottom-out. Similarly, the stiffness of polycarbonate in the Strawberry's bottom housing results in a sharper and higher-pitched sound when the key is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing material predominantly affects the sound when the key is released. With the Piano's POM blend and the Strawberry's polycarbonate in the top housing, users can expect differing sonic characteristics when they let go of a key.

In conclusion, while the Durock Piano and KTT Strawberry differ in their housing materials, they both provide distinct sound profiles. The Piano's proprietary POM blend offers a deep and satisfying tone, while the Strawberry's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, both switches utilize translucent properties in their top housings, catering to those interested in RGB lighting effects. Furthermore, the choice of housing material in the top and bottom housing of the switches affects the sound and feel differently, with the bottom housing primarily influencing the bottom-out sound and the top housing affecting the sound when the key is released.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are notable differences. The actuation force of the Piano switch is currently unavailable, making it difficult to determine how it compares to the Strawberry's 43 gram actuation force. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Piano switch is 63.5 grams, which falls in the medium-heavy range. Comparatively, the Strawberry switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as medium.

Considering weight, the lighter actuation force of the Strawberry switch may be preferable for those seeking a smoother and faster typing experience. This can be particularly advantageous for individuals who type for extended periods or engage in frequent gaming sessions. The Piano switch, with its heavier bottom out force, offers a more substantial push feel, providing users with a satisfying and tactile typing experience.

In instances where the actuation forces of the Piano and Strawberry switches are similar, users can expect comparable results in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, it is important to note that the actuation force for the Piano switch is presently unknown. Consequently, it may be helpful to gather further information or consult user reviews to make an informed decision.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Piano linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, the results obtained from both switches will be similar. There is no difference in the length of travel between the two switches, as they both cover a distance of 4 mm when pressed.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Piano linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch offer different characteristics. The Piano switch is described as having a deep, creamy sound signature with a bassy tone. This means that the sound produced during key presses has a lower frequency range, resembling the richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Strawberry switch is described as having a low-pitched sound, which is typically more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.

As for feel, both the Durock Piano switch and the KTT Strawberry switch are described as offering a smooth and frictionless typing experience. They are both characterized as having a silky and frictionless feel, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Additionally, the Strawberry switch is also described as buttery and polished, implying a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In terms of feel, both switches provide an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing session.

In conclusion, the Durock Piano and KTT Strawberry switches have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Piano switch offers a deep, creamy sound with a bassy tone, the Strawberry switch has a low-pitched and more bass-heavy sound. However, both switches provide a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a silky feel. If you prefer a richer sound profile, the Piano switch might be the better choice, whereas if you're looking for a more mellow tone, the Strawberry switch could be a great option. Overall, both switches offer pleasant and comfortable typing experiences, and depending on your personal preferences, you can achieve similar satisfying results with either switch.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a gliding push feel with a deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano linear switches would be an excellent choice for you. These switches are known for their proprietary material blend, offering a pleasant typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and are attracted to the aesthetic appeal of pink and clear housings, the KTT Strawberry linear switches would be a great fit. These switches are loved for their smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. In terms of sound, the Piano switches provide a bassy sound profile, while the Strawberry switches offer a low-pitched and mellow tone. As for feel, both switches offer a frictionless and silky typing experience, but the Strawberry switches take it a step further with a buttery and polished feel, providing an even smoother and refined keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Piano and KTT Strawberry switches comes down to personal preference, whether you prioritize the unique sound profile and proprietary material blend of the Piano switches or the aesthetic appeal and additional smoothness of the Strawberry switches.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

KTT Strawberry Linear

$4.91 per 10

Learn more