Durock Piano vs. Aflion Thunder Shadow
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Aflion Thunder Shadow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Piano linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer distinct typing experiences. The Durock Piano is praised for its smooth, silky feel and deep, creamy sound, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow stands out for its pronounced tactile bump and medium weight feel, providing an invigorating typing sensation. While the Piano is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', the Thunder Shadow is described as 'Invigorating' and 'Neutral'. Both switches have their own unique qualities that appeal to different preferences, but ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal typing style and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Aflion Thunder Shadow, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their materials. The POM blend top housing of the Piano is said to provide a satisfying and deep sound profile, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Thunder Shadow creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in sound quality can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to the unknown POM blend in the Piano, with polycarbonate leading to clearer and more resonant sounds. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the Thunder Shadow's top housing is advantageous for RGB lighting effects, making it a visually appealing choice for users.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend that also contributes to its deep sound profile, similar to the bottom housing of the Thunder Shadow which is made of nylon. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This difference in material properties results in a distinguishable sound feel when typing on switches made of these materials. While POM blend offers a unique sound experience, nylon provides a rounder and more subdued sound that may appeal to users looking for a different typing experience.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Durock Piano and the Aflion Thunder Shadow plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of these switches. The combination of POM blend top and bottom housing in the Piano versus polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing in the Thunder Shadow highlights the diverse options available to users. Depending on personal preferences, users can select a switch with a specific housing material that aligns with their desired sound profile and typing feel. While both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, users can expect similar satisfactory results in sound quality and typing experience from either option.
Weight
The Durock Piano linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch both have a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making them equally medium-heavy in terms of the pressure needed to fully press the key. However, the actuation force for both switches is unknown, which means that they may differ in the force required to trigger a keystroke. When considering weight, the lighter actuation force of a switch can be preferred for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, while a heavier actuation force can provide a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while the bottom out force is the same for both the Piano and Thunder Shadow switches, the actuation force may play a role in determining which switch is better suited for individual preferences in typing feel and experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Thunder Shadow is the shorter option, while the Piano is the longer of the two. The traditional travel distance for switches is 4.0 mm, so the Piano aligns more closely with this standard. Gamers may prefer the Thunder Shadow for its slightly shorter travel distance, as it can provide faster response times. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more tactile and deeper key press may prefer the longer travel distance of the Piano. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience they are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
The Aflion Thunder Shadow has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Thunder Shadow for $3.91.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a deep and creamy sound profile, characterized as "bassy," providing a rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch boasts a neutral sound signature, ensuring a harmonious balance overall that is suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall setup of your keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Piano linear switch is praised for its frictionless and silky typing experience, offering an effortless and smooth key press without any sense of resistance. In contrast, the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch is described as invigorating, providing pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel that creates an immersive typing sensation. Both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience, with the Piano focusing on smoothness and the Thunder Shadow emphasizing feedback and actuation force.
Overall, the Durock Piano linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Piano delivers a bassy sound and a frictionless, silky typing experience, the Thunder Shadow provides a neutral sound signature and an invigorating, immersive typing sensation. Depending on whether you prioritize sound richness and smoothness or feedback and reactivity, both switches offer top-notch quality that will enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Aflion Thunder Shadow tactile switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a smooth and effortless typing experience with a deep, creamy sound profile, the Durock Piano may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile bump with a balanced medium weight feel and a neutral sound signature, the Aflion Thunder Shadow could be more to your liking. Both switches offer a bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, so it really comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Take into account your typing style and habits to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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