Durock Piano vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Durock Piano, a linear switch, and the Jerrzi Violet, a tactile switch. The Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, delivering a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet offers a gentle tactile feedback with smooth actuation and a pleasingly poppy tactility, resulting in a balanced and enjoyable typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on your personal preference and typing style; 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
One key difference between the housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Jerrzi Violet is that the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for both the top and bottom housing, while the Violet has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The POM blend in the Piano is said to offer a deep and satisfying sound profile, while the polycarbonate in the Violet creates a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing in the Violet is known to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the POM blend in the Piano, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller tone.
In terms of aesthetics, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Jerrzi Violet allows for RGB lighting to shine through due to its translucency. This can enhance the overall visual experience of the switch, especially for those who enjoy customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the Durock Piano's POM blend housing does not offer the same clarity for RGB lighting, but its blend is designed to provide a unique and deep sound profile that may appeal to users looking for a specific auditory experience.
While the housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Jerrzi Violet may differ in terms of their specific properties and impact on sound profile, both switches are designed to deliver a satisfying typing experience. Whether it's the deeper and fuller sound produced by the nylon bottom housing in the Violet or the uniquely deep sound profile offered by the POM blend in the Piano, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, aesthetics, and any desired RGB lighting effects.
Weight
The Durock Piano linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Piano has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Violet has an actuation force of 45 grams. The actuation force for the Piano is unknown, but the Violet has a bottom out force of None grams. In terms of weight, the Piano is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Violet has a lighter actuation force. This means that the Piano may provide a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the Violet may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Piano being slightly longer than the Violet. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Violet for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Piano. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 rich bassy sound profile during key presses, providing a pleasant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch presents a neutral sound signature, suitable for a variety of settings and preferences. When it comes to feel, the Piano switch is lauded for its frictionless and silky smooth typing experience, ensuring minimal resistance and effortless keystrokes. Conversely, the Violet switch features a stepped tactile feel, offering a subtle two-stage tactile feedback during keystrokes. Overall, while the Durock Piano linear switch excels in delivering a bassy sound and a frictionless typing experience, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch provides a balanced and enjoyable typing experience with a neutral sound profile and a stepped tactile feel. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a smooth and frictionless typing feel with a deep, creamy sound profile, then the Durock Piano switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a gentle tactile feedback with a neutral sound signature, the Jerrzi Violet switch may be more suitable for your typing needs. Consider factors such as bottom out force, sound profile, and feel to determine which switch aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles, so make your decision based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable to you.
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