Gateron CM vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from. Two popular switches, the Gateron CM and the Durock Medium Tactile, offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gateron CM switch breaks away from convention by incorporating a full nylon housing, resulting in a richer, deeper sound signature. Additionally, these switches boast an excellent factory lube job, ensuring a smooth typing experience akin to gliding gracefully with each keystroke. With its lengthened, dual-staged spring, the CM switch offers a bouncy typing sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch stands out with its pronounced yet balanced tactility, delivering a unique typing experience. Notably, this switch boasts a jelly-like sound signature that adds character to your keystrokes. While these general pointers provide an overview, let's delve deeper into the specifics to help you choose the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and the Durock Medium Tactile have contrasting top housing materials. The CM's nylon top housing is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing is stiffer, creating a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing is clear, making it ideal for RGB lighting. While the CM's nylon top housing produces a duller and rounder sound, the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate housing offers a more clear and resonant sound.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which brings about similar qualities. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. Therefore, both the Gateron CM and the Durock Medium Tactile will elicit a similar, duller, and rounder sound due to the nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound of the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing have a more significant impact. Pressing down on the switch will allow you to feel and hear the qualities of the bottom housing, which is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have more influence on the sound when you release a key. Therefore, while both switches may have differences in their top and bottom housing materials, the overall experience will be affected by the bottom housing's properties.
In summary, the Gateron CM and the Durock Medium Tactile differ in terms of their top housing materials. The CM's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, while the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and full sound when typing. The bottom housing also plays a more significant role in the overall feel and sound of the switches, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The Gateron CM has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, whereas the actuation force of the Durock Medium Tactile is unknown. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the CM measuring at 63.5 grams and the Medium Tactile at 65 grams, both falling under the medium-heavy range.
Considering the weight of the switches is important for different preferences. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for the Gateron CM, as it allows for longer typing sessions and is suitable for work or lengthy gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Durock Medium Tactile with its heavier forces.
It is worth noting that while the actuation force of the Durock Medium Tactile is unspecified, it is likely to provide a similar result to the Gateron CM in terms of triggering a keystroke. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a satisfying tactile response. Overall, the Gateron CM offers a lighter actuation force, while the Durock Medium Tactile is slightly heavier, allowing individuals to choose based on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch, we find that the CM has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Medium Tactile has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of traditional travel distances, 4.0 mm is considered the norm, while 3.0 mm is on the shallower end. However, in recent times, shorter travel distances have gained popularity, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, opting for the Gateron CM with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper key press, the Durock Medium Tactile, with its longer travel distance, would be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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
The Gateron CM linear switch is best known for its full nylon housing, which gives it a richer and deeper sound signature compared to traditional polycarbonate housings. It is described as bassy, thocky, and low-pitched, offering a deeper and more mellow tone during key presses. This switch provides a satisfying "thud" or "knock" sound when pressed and released. Keep in mind that the sound is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps you choose.
In terms of feel, the CM switch is described as buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless. The buttery and polished descriptors indicate a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The creamy descriptor suggests that these switches have lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials that provide a silky sensation while typing. The frictionless descriptor highlights how these switches minimize resistance or friction, offering a fluid and effortless typing experience.
On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility. It is described as accented, stepped, mild, and polished in terms of feel. The accented descriptor implies that these switches provide a noticeable amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Stepped switches have a two-stage feel, offering some pre-travel and/or post-travel tactile feedback. The mild descriptor suggests that the typing experience is gentle and approachable, appealing to a broader range of users. Just like the CM switch, the Durock Medium Tactile switch also has a polished finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CM switch offers a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound with a buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless feel. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch delivers a pronounced yet balanced tactility with an accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel. While they have different characteristics, both switches provide a smooth typing experience and can be enhanced by using a well-built keyboard and high-quality keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a unique and smooth typing experience with a rich sound profile, the Gateron CM linear switch would be the better choice. With its full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job, these switches offer effortless gliding and a bouncy typing experience. The CM switches are considered bassy, thocky, and low-pitched, providing a deeper and more satisfying sound during key presses.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be the way to go. These switches are accented, stepped, and mild, offering a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. The Medium Tactile also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile switch depends on your preference for the typing experience. If you prioritize smoothness and a rich sound profile, the CM switch is the better option. However, if you prefer a balanced tactile switch with a jelly-like sound, the Medium Tactile would suit you well. Consider your personal preferences and typing style to make an informed decision. Bring it all together, both switches offer their own unique qualities and it is up to you to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
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