Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Piano both offer unique features and characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch, stands out for its heavy actuation and bottom-out force, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. With a medium-high pitch sound profile and enhanced RGB lighting effects, it offers a premium experience at an affordable price. On the other hand, the Durock Piano, also a linear switch, is praised for its smooth and creamy typing feel, thanks to a proprietary material blend. The deep sound signature and frictionless gliding push make it a popular choice for those seeking a more pleasant typing experience. 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
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Piano both feature proprietary housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Black uses an INK blend for its top housing, which produces a pointed and higher-pitched sound described as clacky. In contrast, the Piano utilizes a POM blend for its top housing, offering a deep and satisfying sound profile. While both switches use different materials for the top housing, they both aim to provide a premium typing experience with distinct auditory feedback.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Piano feature POM blend materials. The G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing creates a muted and deep sound profile, while the Piano's bottom housing offers a similarly satisfying deep sound. The use of POM blend materials in the bottom housing of both switches contributes to a more stable typing experience with a focus on sound dampening and reduced vibrations. Despite the differences in their top housings, the similarity in their bottom housing materials ensures an equally enjoyable typing experience in terms of sound quality.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Piano showcase how different housing materials can influence the sound and feel of mechanical switches. While the G Pro 3.0 Black leans towards a clacky and higher-pitched sound with its INK blend top housing, the Piano offers a deeper and more satisfying sound profile with its POM blend top housing. Both switches prioritize premium sound quality and tactile feedback, making them popular choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a unique typing experience. Whether it's the G Pro 3.0 Black's distinct clacky sound or the Piano's deep and satisfying typing experience, both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in creating a signature sound profile.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, we can see some differences. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a slightly higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Piano's unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Piano is slightly lower at 63.5 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black's 70 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, but the G Pro 3.0 Black is slightly heavier overall. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Piano may be the better choice, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel might lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Black. Ultimately, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. Users can expect consistent results in terms of key feel and actuation depth with either switch. Overall, both switches provide a standard travel distance, ensuring a familiar and comfortable typing experience for users who prefer linear switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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.
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
Overall, when comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are some notable differences in both sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Black produces a clacky sound with a medium-high pitch, while the Durock Piano offers a deep and rich bassy sound profile. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a creamy, silky, and subtle typing experience with its medium-heavy actuation, while the Durock Piano offers a frictionless and silky feel with a gliding push sensation. Despite these differences, both switches aim to deliver a premium typing experience with smooth key presses. Whether you choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black or the Durock Piano, you can expect similar levels of quality and satisfaction in your typing sessions.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a more substantive typing feel with a medium-high pitch sound, the G Pro 3.0 Black may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more gliding push feel with a deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano switch could be more appealing. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force.
Mentioned in this article
