Durock Piano vs. HMX Sunset Gleam

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Piano and the HMX Sunset Gleam both present compelling options, each with unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Durock Piano is celebrated for its proprietary material blend, which delivers a smooth gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature; typists often describe it as 'bassy' and 'silky,' making it a delight for those who appreciate softer, more nuanced auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, affectionately known as the Duck Duck switch, offers a polished, bouncy feel with a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack. Its excellent factory lubrication enhances the typing experience, resulting in a resonant sound that appeals to users seeking a bit more character with their keystrokes. Each switch has its merits, where the Durock Piano excels in smoothness and sound, while the Sunset Gleam shines with its responsive tactile feedback and enhanced acoustics. 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

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Piano and the HMX Sunset Gleam exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, which significantly influence their resulting sound profiles. The Piano employs a proprietary POM (Polyoxymethylene) blend for its top housing, praised for producing a uniquely satisfying and deep sound. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam features a polycarbonate top housing, designed to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference is largely due to the inherent properties of the materials; while the POM blend offers depth in sound, polycarbonate’s stiffer composition enhances clarity and resonance. Thus, users can expect different auditory experiences from these two switches, despite both being housed in materials aimed at maximizing sonic performance.

When it comes to the bottom housings, the Durock Piano also utilizes a proprietary POM blend, similar to its top housing, which continues to deliver that deep sound profile. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam opts for a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softness, which allows for sound absorption. The combination of POM in the Piano versus nylon in the Sunset Gleam creates two unique bottom-out experiences. Whereas the Piano's housing enhances the deep tone throughout both the top and bottom stages of the keystroke, nylon in the Sunset Gleam dampens sound, resulting in a rounder feel and sound signature.

Ultimately, while the Durock Piano and HMX Sunset Gleam utilize different materials in their top and bottom housings, both are engineered to achieve optimal performance in their respective sound profiles. If one were to combine the Piano's POM blend with the Sunset Gleam's polycarbonate and nylon housings, the result would still be a unique blend of deep and crisp sound qualities. However, since each switch possesses a blend of auditory characteristics resulting from the interaction between the materials, users can appreciate the subtleties and overall sound experiences each housing configuration provides when pressed, ensuring a diverse typing experience tailored to individual preferences.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Piano linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Piano does not have a specified actuation force, but its bottom out force is 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lower bottom out force of 48 grams. Consequently, while the Sunset Gleam is designed for a lighter typing experience, ideal for long periods of usage, the Piano's heavier bottom out force offers a more substantial tactile feedback, catering to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, if one seeks a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the HMX Sunset Gleam would be the better choice, while the Durock Piano provides a heavier, more robust option for users valuing solid keystrokes.

Travel distance

The Durock Piano linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Durock Piano the longer of the two switches, providing a more traditional feel with its deeper travel, which some users may find more satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam’s 3.5 mm travel distance allows for quicker actuation, appealing to those who favor rapid response times, particularly gamers. For those who appreciate a more responsive typing experience, the Sunset Gleam would be the preferable choice. However, if you value a more robust keystroke, the longer travel of the Piano may be more suitable, offering a greater sense of depth during use.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Piano linear switch delivers a deep, bassy sound profile characterized by its rich and resonant tones, akin to the depth of a bass instrument. This auditory experience creates an immersive typing atmosphere, making every keystroke feel substantial. On the contrary, the HMX Sunset Gleam switch offers a more resonant sound that is sharper and cleaner, providing a slightly higher-pitched auditory feedback. This contrast results in distinct experiences: while the Piano's bassy sound envelops you in warmth, the Sunset Gleam's resonant quality offers an invigorating clarity. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycap materials.

In terms of feel, the Durock Piano switch is known for its silky smoothness, providing an exceptionally fluid typing experience that minimizes any resistance during key presses and releases. This creates a seamless typing action that is both satisfying and enjoyable. The Sunset Gleam, on the other hand, is polished and also silky, ensuring a smooth travel without friction, but it additionally offers a bouncy quality that delivers a pleasing elastic rebound upon actuation. This lively feedback can contribute to a more dynamic and engaging typing experience, as you feel a slight lift when pressing down on the keys.

In summary, the Durock Piano linear switch stands out for its deep, creamy sound and silky feel, offering a warm and pleasant typing experience. The HMX Sunset Gleam provides a sharper sound and dynamic bouncy feel while maintaining a polished and smooth typing action. Ultimately, both switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, making them excellent choices based on individual typing styles. Whether you gravitate toward the deeper richness of the Piano or the bright clarity of the Sunset Gleam, both will deliver satisfying results for your mechanical keyboard needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Durock Piano linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more tactile and slightly heavier typing experience, the Durock Piano is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams pairs beautifully with its deep, bassy sound and silky feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback during long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter, more responsive switch that delivers a sharp, resonant sound coupled with a polished, bouncy feel, then the HMX Sunset Gleam should be your go-to. Its 48-gram bottom-out force allows for quicker key presses, which can enhance your speed and agility in gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different needs, so consider what aspects are most important to you—be it sound, feel, or bottom-out force—to find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

HMX Sunset Gleam Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more