Durock Piano vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are countless options to choose from. Two popular choices that offer unique characteristics are the Durock Piano and the Gazzew U4T switches. The Durock Piano is known for its proprietary material blend, delivering a pleasant linear typing experience. With a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, it offers a frictionless and silky typing experience. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switches offer a harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. With a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback, every keystroke provides both auditory and tactile satisfaction. These switches are categorized as bassy and thocky, offering a unique typing experience. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Gazzew U4T switches exhibit both similarities and differences. Both switches utilize proprietary plastic blends in their top and bottom housings to achieve a rich and deep sound profile. The Piano's top housing is made of a POM blend, while the U4T's top housing consists of a Gazzew blend, often referred to as "boba plastic." Although we do not know the exact details of these blends, they both contribute to a satisfying and deep sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing, the POM blend of the Piano and the Gazzew blend of the U4T share similar desirable qualities. Both materials contribute to a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile when the key is pressed down. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, and the POM blend of the Piano and the "boba plastic" Gazzew blend of the U4T offer similar results in this aspect.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the materials used in the Piano and the U4T differ. The POM blend of the Piano's top housing and the Gazzew blend of the U4T's top housing bring distinct characteristics to the sound when a key is released. The exact details of these blends are unknown, but the POM blend is credited with providing a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, while the "boba plastic" Gazzew blend is known for delivering a rich sound due to its softness.
In summary, while the POM blend bottom housing of the Durock Piano and the Gazzew blend bottom housing of the Gazzew U4T offer similar results in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, their top housings differ in the qualities they bring to the switch. The POM blend in the Piano's top housing provides a satisfying and deep sound profile, while the Gazzew blend in the U4T's top housing contributes to a rich sound due to its softness. Despite these differences, both switches aim to deliver a high-quality and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, it is important to note that information is currently unavailable for both switches' actuation forces. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Durock Piano switch requires 63.5 grams of force, which can be considered medium-heavy, while the Gazzew U4T switch requires 62 grams of force, which falls into the medium category.
Considering the weight aspect, users who prefer a lighter feel may find the Durock Piano switch more suitable for their needs. This lighter actuation force allows for longer typing sessions, making it ideal for those who use a keyboard extensively at work or during extended gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Gazzew U4T switch, as its slightly heavier bottom out force provides a stronger push feel.
Although there is no available information regarding the actuation forces of these switches, it is important to note that actuation force and bottom out force do not always align. Therefore, while the actuation forces may differ between these switches, the user experience in terms of bottoming out will be similar due to their comparable bottom out forces.
In summary, the Durock Piano linear switch has an unavailable actuation force and a medium-heavy bottom out force of 63.5 grams, while the Gazzew U4T tactile switch also has an unavailable actuation force and a medium bottom out force of 62 grams. The decision between the two will ultimately depend on user preferences, with the Durock Piano switch offering a lighter feel and the Gazzew U4T switch providing a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm of travel distance. Both switches offer a similar tactile experience and a satisfying level of key travel. Therefore, whether you choose the Durock Piano or the Gazzew U4T, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of travel distance and overall typing feel.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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
The Durock Piano linear switch is best known for its pleasant linear typing experience. When using these switches, users have reported a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. The sound profile of the Piano switch is described as bassy, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. However, it is important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T tactile switch is known for its harmonious fusion of thockiness and sharp tactility. Users have praised the U4T for its bassy 'thock' sound profile, which provides auditory satisfaction with each keystroke. The tactile feedback of the U4T is described as assertive, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with every keypress.
In terms of feel, the Durock Piano switch offers a frictionless and silky typing experience. These switches are designed to provide an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch is described as sharp. This means that it offers a high feedback intensity, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that is prominent and distinct.
In conclusion, the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Piano switch provides a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, while the U4T switch embodies thockiness and sharp tactility, offering a bassy 'thock' sound profile and assertive tactile feedback. While they may have some similarities in terms of sound (both being described as bassy) and the need for other factors such as choice of board and keycaps to influence the sound, their overall subjective qualities provide unique typing experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pleasant typing experience, the Durock Piano switches would be a great option for you. These switches are known for their proprietary material blend, which provides a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. Despite having a bassy sound profile similar to the Gazzew U4T, the Piano switches do not have the added tactile feedback.
On the other hand, if you desire a switch that combines both thockiness and sharp tactility, the Gazzew U4T tactile switches would be the better choice. With a medium bottom out force, these switches provide an assertive tactile feedback and a bassy 'thock' sound profile that adds auditory and tactile satisfaction to every keystroke.
In summary, both the Durock Piano linear switches and the Gazzew U4T tactile switches have their unique selling points. The Piano switches excel in their smooth and effortless typing feel, while the U4T switches offer a combination of thockiness and sharp tactility. Consider your preferences for sound and feel when choosing between these two switches, ensuring that you prioritize your typing experience above all. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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