Durock Piano vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Piano and KTT Purple Star mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note their distinct qualities. The Durock Piano is praised for its proprietary material blend, offering a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a deep, creamy sound. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star stands out for its all-POM construction, providing a buttery smooth feel and a neutral sound signature. The Piano is categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky', while the Purple Star is labeled as 'Mild', 'Low-pitched', 'Easy-to-press'. If you're looking for a switch with a gliding push feel, the Durock Piano may be your ideal choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight typing experience, the KTT Purple Star could be more suitable. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Durock Piano and the KTT Purple Star utilize POM housing materials for both the top and bottom of the switches. This means that both switches will offer a satisfying and deep sound profile with a relatively muted quality. However, the exact blend of POM used in each switch's housing may differ, resulting in potentially subtle differences in sound and feel.
The proprietary POM blend top housing of the Durock Piano offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, while the Purple Star's POM top housing creates a pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side. Both housings contribute to a relatively muted sound, but the specific blend of POM used may result in slight variations in the overall sound profile between the two switches.
Similarly, the bottom housing of both switches is made from POM material, which contributes to the deep and satisfying sound profile of each switch. While the exact details of the POM blend used in each switch are unknown, the bottom housing is likely to have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Overall, both the Durock Piano and the KTT Purple Star are likely to offer comparable sound profiles due to their shared use of POM housing materials, with any differences being subtle nuances resulting from the specific blend of POM utilized in each switch.
Weight
In comparing the Durock Piano linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Piano switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the actuation force is unknown. On the other hand, the Purple Star switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is lighter than the Piano switch, and an actuation force of 43 grams. This makes the Purple Star switch lighter overall compared to the Piano switch. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may prefer the Purple Star switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Piano switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Purple Star has the shorter travel distance compared to the Piano. The 0.5 mm might not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Purple Star for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Piano. Both switches offer a different experience in terms of travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their preferences.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 Durock Piano linear switch is known for its deep and rich bass tones during key presses, giving a satisfying and immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star linear switch offers a lower-pitched and mellow sound profile, providing a pleasant and calming auditory feedback while typing. Both switches provide a unique sound signature that can enhance the overall typing experience, depending on personal preferences and the keyboard setup.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Durock Piano linear switch is praised for its frictionless and silky typing experience, offering smooth and effortless key presses with minimal resistance. With a gliding push feel, typing on the Piano switches feels smooth and fluid. Conversely, the KTT Purple Star linear switch is described as mild and easy-to-press, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. The light actuation force of the Purple Star switch makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Durock Piano linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer unique and distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. Depending on personal preferences, typists can choose between the deep and creamy sound signature of the Piano switch or the mellow and easy-to-press feel of the Purple Star switch. Ultimately, both switches provide a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience, with each offering different characteristics that cater to a variety of typists. Typists can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, tailored to their individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when considering whether to choose the Durock Piano linear switch or the KTT Purple Star linear switch, you should take into account your typing preferences and habits. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a deep, creamy sound profile, the Durock Piano switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the KTT Purple Star switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what characteristics you value most in a keyboard switch.
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