Durock Piano vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two switches that have gained significant popularity in the community are the Durock Piano and the Everglide Sunset Yellow. The Durock Piano, a linear switch, is highly regarded for its proprietary material blend, which creates a pleasant typing experience characterized by a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. On the other hand, we have the Everglide Sunset Yellow, also a linear switch, known for its captivating sound profile that resembles the clashing of mahjong tiles. With its rich, bassy sound and medium-weight, the Sunset Yellow offers a luxurious typing experience suitable for a wide range of users. Its unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel, while the combination of short travel and a long-pole stem ensures a sharper and highly responsive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Piano Linear

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$3.09 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches have some similarities and differences. Both switches feature proprietary POM blend top housings, which offer a pleasing and unique sound profile. Although the exact details of the blend are unknown, it is clear that both switches are designed to produce a deep and satisfying sound. However, the Sunset Yellow switch is described as relatively more muted compared to the Piano switch. This implies that while both switches produce similar deep sound profiles, the Sunset Yellow switch may have a slightly dampened overall sound.

In addition to the top housing, both switches also have POM blend bottom housings. Again, the exact details of the blend are unknown, but it is evident that both switches aim to provide a satisfying and deep sound. The impact of the bottom housing of a switch is most noticeable when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, both the Piano and Sunset Yellow switches are likely to offer a similar tactile experience when pressing down on a key, with the bottom housing contributing to the overall sound profile.

While the housing materials in the top and bottom housings of the Piano and Sunset Yellow switches are similar and likely provide comparable sound profiles, there may be slight differences in the overall sound experience. The Sunset Yellow switch is described as having a relatively more muted sound, indicating that the top housing of this switch might contribute to a somewhat softer sound when keys are released. On the other hand, the Piano switch's top housing may enhance the sound when keys are let go, potentially providing a more pronounced and distinct sound upon key release. Ultimately, both switches will deliver a satisfying sound experience, but the Piano switch may offer a slightly crisper and clearer sound upon key release compared to the Sunset Yellow switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it becomes clear that they offer different experiences for users based on their weight preferences. The actuation force of the Piano switch is unknown, while the Sunset Yellow switch requires 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. This makes the Sunset Yellow switch lighter in terms of actuation force. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Piano switch is 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, whereas the Sunset Yellow switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it medium-light. These variations mean that the Piano switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow switch offers a lighter actuation force, allowing users to type for longer periods of time comfortably, making it ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. In summary, while the Piano switch offers a heavier overall experience, the Sunset Yellow switch provides a lighter alternative with similar actuation and bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, it is evident that they have different lengths. The Piano has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sunset Yellow has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the Piano is in line with the traditional standard, whereas the 3.2 mm of the Sunset Yellow is considered more shallow. This difference in travel distance caters to individual preferences and use cases. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Sunset Yellow a suitable choice. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke experience may opt for the Piano with its longer travel distance. It is important to note that both options will provide similar results in terms of registering keystrokes, but the distinction lies in the feel and responsiveness of the keys.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Durock Piano and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches offer a deep and rich sound profile. They both have a bassy characteristic, creating a lower frequency range during key presses that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Durock Piano switches provide a gliding push feel. They are described as frictionless and silky, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches have a distinct gliding feel thanks to their unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method. They are described as creamy, which means they offer a smooth and buttery typing experience, allowing your fingers to effortlessly melt into each keystroke. Additionally, the Sunset Yellow switches are also described as frictionless and polished, further contributing to their sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, both the Durock Piano and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches provide pleasant and indulgent typing experiences. They both have deep and rich sound profiles, and while the Piano offers a gliding push feel, the Sunset Yellow switches have a unique gliding feel with a creamy sensation. The choice between the two switches would ultimately depend on personal preference and desired typing experience, but regardless of which one you choose, you can expect similar results of a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you prioritize a deep and creamy sound signature as well as a gliding push feel, the Durock Piano linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, it offers a medium-heavy typing experience. The proprietary material blend of the Piano switch contributes to its pleasant typing sensation. On the other hand, if you enjoy a captivating sound profile reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding, the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch is the perfect option. These switches offer a rich, bassy, and decadent sound, making typing an indulgent experience. With a bottom out force of 51 grams, the Sunset Yellow switch provides a medium-light typing experience that is suitable for a wide range of users. The unique POM stem and proprietary factory lube method contribute to a distinct gliding feel and highly responsive typing. Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Piano and Everglide Sunset Yellow switches depends on your preferred sound profile and typing feel, ensuring a personalized experience with each keystroke.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Sunset Yellow Linear

$3.09 per 10

Learn more