Durock Piano vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Durock Piano and the KTT Wine Red. The Durock Piano, a linear switch, is renowned for its proprietary material blend, making it one of the most pleasant switches to type on. Users often experience a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature when using these switches. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red, also a linear switch, offers a different typing experience with a pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile. While both switches are categorized as 'Bassy', they differ in terms of descriptors such as 'Frictionless' and 'Silky' for the Durock Piano and 'Low-pitched' for the KTT Wine Red. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Durock Piano and the KTT Wine Red differ in terms of their housing materials. The Piano features a proprietary POM blend for both its top and bottom housings, while the Wine Red utilizes polycarbonate for both. The POM blend in the Piano's top and bottom housing offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, although the exact details of the blend are not known. On the other hand, the use of polycarbonate in the Wine Red's housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Therefore, the two switches will deliver different sound experiences, with the Piano providing a deeper tone and the Wine Red producing a sharper and crisper sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the top housing of both switches plays a significant role. While the Piano's top housing is made of the proprietary POM blend, which does not offer much information about its visual appearance, the Wine Red's polycarbonate top housing provides translucency. This makes it especially useful for switches that aim to incorporate RGB lighting, as the light can easily shine through, creating a visually pleasing effect. Furthermore, the use of a clear housing is more likely to be polycarbonate, adding to the Wine Red's unique visual appeal. Therefore, if you prioritize RGB lighting and a visually appealing switch, the Wine Red with its polycarbonate top housing would be a suitable choice.
When it comes to the sound produced when pressing a key and releasing it, the housing materials play a significant role. The qualities of the bottom housing material are felt when pressing down on a switch, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that the POM blend in the Piano's bottom housing and the polycarbonate in the Wine Red's bottom housing will dictate the tactile experience when typing. On the other hand, the sound produced when letting go of a key is more influenced by the top housing material. Therefore, the Piano's POM blend top housing and the Wine Red's polycarbonate top housing will deliver different sound characteristics when key actuation is released.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable differences between the two. The Durock Piano switch has an actuation force that is not available, making it unclear how much force is required to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch has an actuation force of 44 grams, indicating a relatively light touch is needed to activate the switch.
In terms of bottom out force, the Durock Piano switch requires 63.5 grams of force to fully press the key down, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This may appeal to individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This lighter force may be preferred by those who value a lighter keyboard for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Overall, while the actuation force of the Durock Piano linear switch is unknown, the KTT Wine Red switch offers a lighter actuation force and a slightly lower bottom out force. Therefore, those seeking a lighter typing experience may gravitate towards the KTT Wine Red switch, while those desiring a stronger, more substantial feel may find the Durock Piano switch more appealing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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
When it comes to sound, both the Durock Piano and the KTT Wine Red switches offer a similar experience. They are both categorized as "bassy" switches, which means they provide a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. This gives a satisfying depth and richness to the sound, resembling bass tones. However, the Wine Red switches also have a descriptor of "low-pitched," which adds a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen, so results may vary slightly in practice.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Piano switches are described as "frictionless" and "silky." These descriptors indicate that they offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. This switch provides a fluid travel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the feel of the KTT Wine Red switches. Based on the available information, it is unclear whether they offer a similar frictionless and silky typing experience. If a similar feel is desired, it may be worth considering the Durock Piano switches instead.
In conclusion, both the Durock Piano and the KTT Wine Red switches offer a pleasant typing experience, with distinctive qualities in sound and feel. In terms of sound, they both provide a deep and rich sound profile with a bassy characteristic. However, the Wine Red switches also have a low-pitched quality, adding a more mellow tone to the sound. In terms of feel, the Durock Piano switches offer a frictionless and silky typing experience, while there is no specific information about the feel of the Wine Red switches. If a similar sound is desired, either switch can be considered, but for a similar feel, the Durock Piano switches may be the better choice based on the available information.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano linear switch is an excellent choice. These switches are known for their proprietary material blend and offer a pleasant typing experience. Additionally, the Piano switch provides a bassy sound profile that adds depth and richness to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light switch with a pillowy light type feel and a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile, the KTT Wine Red linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing the keys. While the Wine Red switch also has a bassy sound profile, it adds a low-pitched element, creating a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for the force required, typing feel, and sound profile. Consider your personal preferences and choose the switch that best fits your desired typing experience.
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