The distinguishing feature of the Viennese action is the suspension of the leather-covered hammer in a fork (called the kapsel), set into the rear of the key. When the key is depressed, the beak end of the hammer shank catches under the hook of the sprung prell lever. The hammer is allowed to travel almost all the way to the string, and at the last minute the prell flips back and the beak leather slides up the face of the prell, effecting the escapement.
Great sensitivity and refinement of touch are possible with this arrangement, because (unlike the English system with its separately suspended hammers pushed by rods and levers towards the strings) the finger is in direct mechanical connection with the string at the crucial moment of impact. – courtesy Carey Beebe
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