Durock Piano vs. TTC Yunhai

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Piano and TTC Yunhai both stand out as exceptional linear options, each catering to slightly different preferences. The Durock Piano switches are celebrated for their proprietary material blend, creating a typing experience that's both smooth and enjoyable, characterized by a gliding push feel and a rich, deep sound signature. Enthusiasts often describe them as 'bassy,' 'frictionless,' and 'silky,' making them ideal for those who appreciate a tactile yet delicate typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches take a different approach with their uniquely light actuation force and rounded sound profile. This combination results in an effortlessly gentle typing experience, making them particularly attractive to typists seeking a more relaxed and comfortable touch. While both switches offer appealing features, the decision ultimately hinges 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

Durock Piano Linear

TTC Yunhai Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Durock Piano and the TTC Yunhai both employ plastic materials to construct their respective switch housings, but they rely on different types of plastics to achieve their sound profiles. The Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for its ability to create a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, although specifics of this blend remain undisclosed. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai features nylon for its top and bottom housings, a material recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature. This fundamental difference in material choice suggests that while both switches prioritize a rich audio experience, they achieve it through distinct characteristics inherent to POM and nylon.

When comparing the sound profiles and effects of each housing material, it is essential to recognize how each one influences the switch's acoustic performance. The Durock Piano's POM blend, despite lacking detailed composition, presumably offers a hardness that contributes to its specific sound characteristics. Conversely, the nylon used in the Yunhai is softer and has a sound-absorbing quality, resulting in a more muted and rounded acoustic output. This softer nature means that while both switches aim for a satisfactory sound experience, the Piano may exhibit a brighter or sharper sound, while the Yunhai could offer a warmer tone.

Interestingly, the individual roles of the top and bottom housings in both models play a significant role in shaping the tactile and auditory feedback experienced by users. The bottom housing, whether POM or nylon, significantly affects the bottom-out sound and feel, and users may notice more pronounced differences based solely on the bottom material. However, the top housing predominantly influences the sound produced during the release phase of the keypress. As both the Durock Piano and TTC Yunhai utilize different materials, they will offer contrasting sound characteristics depending on the material composition of each housing. For instance, even though both switches can provide satisfying sound profiles, their unique materials will elicit different auditory responses, such as a sharper tone with the Piano versus a warmer tone with the Yunhai.

Weight

When comparing the Durock Piano linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Durock Piano has an unknown actuation force, while its bottom out force is measured at 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai features a considerably lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Yunhai the lighter option, ideal for users who prefer less resistance for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. The Durock Piano, with its heavier bottom out force, may appeal to those seeking a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Overall, the noticeable differences in their force characteristics suggest that users will experience distinct typing feels based on their switch choice: lighter with the Yunhai for comfort and ease, versus the heavier and more pronounced feel offered by the Piano.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Durock Piano linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, the Durock Piano features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This 0.4 mm difference may seem minor, but it can significantly impact typing feel and responsiveness. Gamers, who often benefit from quicker actuation, might prefer the Yunhai switch for its shorter travel distance, promoting faster response times. Conversely, those who favor a more pronounced and deeper keystroke may gravitate towards the Durock Piano switch, which delivers that extra depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding the feel and style of typing or gaming one enjoys.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Durock Piano linear switch is well-regarded for its deep, bassy signature, providing a richer and deeper auditory experience during key presses. This characteristic enhances the pleasure of typing by delivering a resonance that can evoke the warmth associated with bass tones. On the other hand, details about the sound profile of the TTC Yunhai linear switch are not specified, so while we can infer it may offer a distinct sound, we cannot make a direct comparison in this area. It's essential to remember that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard itself and the keycaps used, which adds further nuance to the overall auditory experience.

In terms of feel, the Durock Piano switches shine with their frictionless and silky smoothness, creating an incredibly fluid typing experience. This allows for a seamless transition between key presses, minimizing resistance and enhancing typing speed and comfort. The Piano’s feel contributes significantly to a satisfying typing rhythm. In contrast, there is no specified feel characteristic for the Yunhai switches, which leaves an uncertainty regarding how they would compare in terms of smoothness and overall typing comfort.

In summary, the Durock Piano linear switches excel in both sound and feel, providing a rich auditory atmosphere and an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The TTC Yunhai linear switches, while noted for their light actuation force and unique experience, lack detailed information about their sound and feel. Thus, while choosing between the two, the Piano switches offer a more palpable superiority based on the qualities available, but if you favor a light touch, the Yunhai might also meet your needs, albeit with less clarity on its overall performance characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Durock Piano linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and style. If you appreciate a more substantial feedback with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Durock Piano is an outstanding option. Its 63.5-gram bottom-out force offers a satisfying heaviness that many typists find comforting, coupled with a deep and creamy sound profile that enhances the overall experience. The frictionless and silky feel contributes to a smooth typing sensation, making it ideal for those who enjoy a luxurious tactile response. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more gentle typing experience, the TTC Yunhai might be the way to go. With a light actuation force of just 50 grams, these switches provide an effortlessly smooth experience, which can help you type faster with less fatigue. The Yunhai’s unique sound profile, while not as defined as the Piano’s bassy notes, still offers a pleasant auditory feedback that many appreciate. So, if you're a typist who prefers a softer touch and lighter key presses, the Yunhai will likely suit you better.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

TTC Yunhai Linear

$7.50

$5.99 per 10

Learn more