Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Piano, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, a tactile switch from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, provides an exceptional combination of affordability and quality. With its subtle tactile sensation, you'll experience a gentle bump that enhances your typing flow without overpowering it. Additionally, the G Pro Brown features a frosted light diffuser, allowing your RGB lighting to shine brighter and create an immersive visual experience. The medium-high pitch of these switches also provides a satisfying auditory feedback, making your typing sessions even more enjoyable. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is a linear switch known for its proprietary material blend, resulting in one of the most pleasant typing experiences. When using these switches, you'll feel a gliding push and enjoy a deep, creamy sound signature. The Piano switch is categorized as bassy, frictionless, and silky, providing a smooth and seamless typing experience. However, let's now dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Piano differ in terms of their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend top housing. The polycarbonate material in the G Pro 3.0 Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to its relatively stiffer nature, which results in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Piano's POM blend top housing offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While the exact details of the blend are not known, it is clear that the Piano's top housing contributes to a distinctive auditory experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Brown employs a nylon material, while the Piano incorporates a proprietary POM blend bottom housing. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Piano's POM blend bottom housing is described as offering a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While the exact composition of the blend is unknown, it is evident that the Piano's bottom housing enhances the auditory experience of the switch.
Considering the impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch, the G Pro 3.0 Brown's qualities are split between its top and bottom housings. Pressing down on the switch allows you to feel the attributes of the bottom housing, which influences the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While the specific qualities of each housing material differ between the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Piano, both switches offer unique and satisfying sound profiles. Depending on personal preference, either switch can provide a pleasant typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are some similarities and differences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the actuation force of the Piano switch is unavailable. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is considered medium.
In terms of weight, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the Piano switch, since the exact actuation force of the latter is unknown. This lighter actuation force allows for a more effortless keystroke, which can be beneficial for those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. The G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a comfortable typing experience without requiring excessive finger pressure.
On the other hand, the bottom out force of both switches is the same. This means that regardless of the actuation force required, both switches will give a similar level of resistance when pressed all the way down. However, the bottom out force of the Piano switch is slightly heavier, measuring 63.5 grams, compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown's 63 grams. This extra weight provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a lighter actuation force compared to the Durock Piano switch, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, if a stronger and more substantial typing experience is desired, the Piano switch's slightly heavier bottom out force may be preferable. Regardless of the differences, both switches provide a medium actuation force and allow for a comfortable typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Durock Piano linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown 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 Brown 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback during key presses. This provides an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as having a deep, creamy sound signature. This switch offers a bassy sound profile, with a lower frequency range that resembles the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses. This switch requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. It provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as mild, meaning it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Its qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. Furthermore, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch can also be classified as a stepped switch, which means it has a mild tactile feedback with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In comparison, the Durock Piano linear switch is described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. This switch minimizes any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys, providing a fluid travel that enhances typing speed and ease. The Piano switch is also referred to as silky, indicating that it provides an exceptionally smooth typing experience. It minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, allowing for a satisfying gliding push feel.
Based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch sound profile. It has an easy-to-press feel that is responsive, low-impact, and approachable to most users. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch offers a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. It provides a frictionless and silky smooth typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics, offering a range of subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. To achieve similar results, it is recommended to try the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high pitch sound, or the Durock Piano linear switch if you desire a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a deep, creamy sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that still delivers in quality, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is a great choice. With its medium bottom out force of 63 grams and subtle tactile sensation, this switch is designed to smoothly enhance your typing flow without being too overpowering. It also offers a frosted light diffuser for a brighter RGB lighting experience and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano linear switch is worth considering. With its slightly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, this switch offers a pleasant typing experience with its proprietary material blend. Additionally, it provides a frictionless and silky feel, ensuring an effortless and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your specific preferences and priorities in terms of sound and feel.
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