Outemu Silent White vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent White and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent White and the Durock Piano are both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Silent White is primarily known for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer to type without the loud clicking sound often associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend that provides a smooth and pleasant typing experience, with a bassy sound signature and frictionless feel. Both switches have their own strengths, offering users the choice between a silent typing experience with the Silent White or a silky smooth feel with the Durock Piano. 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
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Silent White and the Durock Piano, we can see that both switches offer unique qualities in terms of their construction. The Silent White features a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend top housing that offers a satisfying and deep sound profile. While the specific details of the POM blend are unknown, both housing materials seem to contribute to the overall sound experience of the switches in their own distinct ways.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Silent White uses a nylon bottom housing which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Piano's proprietary POM blend bottom housing also offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, although specific details about the blend remain undisclosed. Despite the differences in material composition, both bottom housings are designed to enhance the overall sound experience by absorbing sound and creating a rounder, fuller sound profile.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Silent White and Piano switches allows for unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. While the Silent White's polycarbonate top housing creates a clearer and more resonant sound, the Piano's POM blend top housing offers a deeper and more satisfying sound experience. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing in the Silent White and the proprietary POM blend bottom housing in the Piano both contribute to a fuller sound profile, albeit in slightly different ways. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality housing materials that enhance the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Silent White linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The Outemu Silent White has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, which makes it a medium-weight switch overall. In contrast, the Durock Piano has an actuation force of an unknown amount and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, putting it in the medium-heavy category. While both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, the Silent White is slightly lighter in force compared to the Piano. This may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more solid and substantial typing feel may opt for the Piano with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, which makes it shorter compared to the Durock Piano linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The shorter travel distance of the Silent White switch may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Piano switch may provide a more substantial feeling when pressed. Both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, catering to individuals with different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more tactile typing experience.
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 Outemu Silent White comes in at $3.10 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, the Outemu Silent White linear switch is often praised for its quiet operation, making it ideal for those who prefer a more discreet typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is known for its bassy sound profile, which offers a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, and the sound produced can be further influenced by factors like keyboard build and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silent White linear switch is known for its smooth keystrokes, providing a satisfying typing experience without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as offering a frictionless and silky typing experience, thanks to its proprietary material blend. This results in a gliding push feel, giving users a seamless and effortless actuation with each key press. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable typing experience, albeit with slightly different tactile sensations.
Considering all the available information, newcomers to mechanical keyboards may find that while the Outemu Silent White and Durock Piano linear switches offer distinct qualities in sound and feel, they both excel in providing a premium typing experience. The Silent White stands out for its quiet operation, while the Piano distinguishes itself with its bassy sound profile and silky keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a medium bottom out force and a silent typing experience, the Outemu Silent White linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force with a smooth and frictionless typing feel, the Durock Piano linear switch would be a perfect match. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches may come down to your preferred sound profile and typing experience. Make sure to consider all aspects and choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences and requirements.
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