Durock Piano vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are two options that stand out - the Durock Piano and the Durock White Lotus. The Durock Piano is a linear switch that is best known for its proprietary material blend, providing a pleasant typing experience with a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus is a tactile switch that offers a delicate tactility, striking the perfect balance for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, it features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects. Both switches have their merits, with the Piano being categorized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', and 'Silky', while the White Lotus is characterized as 'Easy-to-press', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Neutral', and 'Subtle'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Durock White Lotus differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Piano features a proprietary POM blend top and bottom housing, while the White Lotus has a modified PC and UPE blend top housing and a nylon bottom housing. While the exact details of the POM blend and UPE blend are unknown, both offer a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. The POM blend in the Piano is known for its ability to create a deep and satisfying sound, while the UPE blend in the White Lotus offers a premium feel. However, it's important to note that both switches aim to provide a similarly enjoyable sound experience.
The differences between the bottom housing materials of the two switches also contribute to variations in sound. The Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, which is similar to the top housing. This further enhances the deep and satisfying sound profile of the switch. On the other hand, the White Lotus features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. As a result, using switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that while the Piano's sound is enhanced by its POM blend bottom housing, the White Lotus offers a different sound experience through its nylon bottom housing.
When considering the overall impact on sound and feel, it's important to note that the different housing materials divide their qualities between the top and bottom of the switches. Pressing down on the switch will primarily reveal the impact of the bottom housing, as it influences the bottom-out sound and feel. The POM blend bottom housing of the Piano contributes to a satisfying and deep sound upon pressing, while the nylon bottom housing of the White Lotus creates a duller and rounder sound profile during typing. On the other hand, the top housing material has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the materials used in the top and bottom housings of these switches differ, both aim to deliver an enjoyable sound experience to the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, we find some notable differences. The actuation force of the Piano switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare to the White Lotus switch. However, the actuation force of the White Lotus is significantly lighter at 46 grams, providing a more sensitive response for keystrokes. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the Piano switch is 63.5 grams, which is medium-heavy, offering a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the White Lotus has a bottom out force of 56 grams, making it slightly lighter and more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. While the specific actuation force of the Piano switch is not known, it can be assumed to be heavier than the White Lotus due to its higher bottom out force. Overall, those looking for a lighter switch may prefer the White Lotus, while those seeking a heavier and more satisfying keystroke experience may opt for the Piano switch.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, both switches will travel the same distance from the top to the bottom, providing a consistent tactile feedback. Whether you choose the Piano for its smooth linear action or the White Lotus for its satisfying tactile feedback, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance. Both switches offer a comfortable distance that allows for precise and responsive keystrokes.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 offers a deep and creamy sound signature. The use of a proprietary material blend gives these switches a unique and pleasant sound during key presses. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is described as low-pitched and neutral. This means it offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, which can be appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Overall, both switches provide enjoyable sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Durock Piano switch is known for its frictionless and silky typing experience. These switches offer minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing feel. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is described as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. It offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The overall feel of these switches falls into a safe and approachable middle ground. Both switches provide a pleasant tactile experience, with the Piano switch focusing more on smoothness and the White Lotus switch offering a comfortable and low-impact typing feel.
In conclusion, the Durock Piano linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Piano switch provides a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, while the White Lotus switch offers delicate tactility and a low-pitched tone. Both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, with the Piano switch focusing on smoothness and the White Lotus switch providing a comfortable and gentle typing feel. If you are looking for a linear switch with a pleasant sound and a frictionless feel, the Piano switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with an easy-to-press feel and a mild sound profile, the White Lotus switch is the way to go. Keep in mind that the sound and feel can also be influenced by other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a pleasant typing experience, the Durock Piano switches are a great choice. These switches offer a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch that is ideal for work and extended typing sessions, the Durock White Lotus switches are an exquisite option. They provide a delicate tactility and a perfect balance, without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus switches offer vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects, adding a captivating glow to your keyboard setup.
In terms of sound, the Piano switches provide a bassy sound profile, characterized by a deeper and richer tone. On the other hand, the White Lotus switches have a low-pitched, more bass-heavy and mellow sound.
When it comes to feel, the Piano switches offer a frictionless and silky typing experience with minimal resistance or friction. They provide a fluid travel and an exceptionally smooth typing feel. Conversely, the White Lotus switches are easy-to-press and mild, offering a low-impact and responsive typing experience. They are gentle on the fingers and reduce fatigue during extended typing sessions. The White Lotus switches also have a subtle resistance, making them suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between the Durock Piano linear switches and the Durock White Lotus tactile switches depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors such as the bottom out force, typing feel, sound profile, and RGB lighting effects when making your decision. Whether you prioritize a pleasant linear typing experience or a delicate tactile option with captivating RGB illumination, both switches offer high-quality options to enhance your typing experience.
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