Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Durock Piano. While both switches fall under the linear category, they offer distinct features that cater to different preferences. The G Pro White is a budget-friendly option from Gateron's G Pro series, designed for delicate typists who desire effortless and sensitive keystrokes. With an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, this switch ensures a smooth typing experience. Additionally, it boasts a frosted light diffuser, allowing for brighter RGB lighting, and a medium-high pitch that provides satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, resulting in one of the most pleasant linear typing experiences. Users can expect a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, making it ideal for those seeking a more tactile and immersive typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Durock Piano, we can see some similarities and differences. Starting with the top housing, the G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. It is also translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Piano uses a proprietary POM blend top housing, which offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. While both materials contribute to a pleasant typing experience, the polycarbonate is more focused on clarity, while the POM blend offers a deeper tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Piano uses a proprietary POM blend for its bottom housing, offering a satisfying and deep sound profile. While the exact details of the blend are unknown, it is clear that both switches aim to provide a rich auditory experience through their bottom housing materials.
In terms of impact, the bottom housing has a more significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. This means that the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 White and the Piano's POM blend bottom housing both play a crucial role in defining the tactile experience of typing on these switches. On the other hand, the top housing has a stronger influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the clarity and resonance of the polycarbonate top housing in the G Pro 3.0 White and the satisfying deep tone of the Piano's POM blend top housing will be more noticeable during key release. Overall, while there are some differences in the materials used, both switches provide similar results in terms of offering an enjoyable typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 White has a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams, meaning it requires a gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, it has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which is slightly heavier but still on the lighter side. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch's actuation force is currently unknown, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison. However, its bottom out force of 63.5 grams indicates a medium-heavy resistance, which provides a more substantial typing experience. It is evident that the G Pro 3.0 White switch is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, while the Durock Piano switch offers a greater weight for those seeking a stronger push feel. Depending on individual preferences, one can choose either option for prolonged typing sessions or a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. When pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when using these switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 White for $3.27.
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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is known for its medium-high pitched sound, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback. It can be described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound profile is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch has a deep, creamy sound signature. It offers a bassy sound profile with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a clacky and sharp sound, the G Pro 3.0 White is a good choice. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound, the Durock Piano would be more suitable.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch offers a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience. This switch is known for its smooth and buttery feel, making it feel like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. It requires minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, it can be described as feathery and mild, providing a light and gentle typing experience. The Durock Piano linear switch, on the other hand, is known for its frictionless and silky feel. It offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any resistance or friction when pressing the keys. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, but the G Pro 3.0 White offers a creamier and lighter feel, while the Durock Piano emphasizes on its frictionless and silky feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Durock Piano linear switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 White provides a clacky sound and a creamy, easy-to-press feel, while the Durock Piano offers a bassy sound and a frictionless, silky feel. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and the desired sound and feel for typing. However, both switches guarantee a premium typing experience without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a delicate typist looking for a budget-friendly option with effortless and sensitive keystrokes, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With its light bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a creamy, easy-to-press, and feathery typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 White also provides a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting and a satisfying medium-high pitch sound. This switch is perfect for those who prefer clacky or neutral sound profiles.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a pleasant typing experience with a deep and creamy sound signature, the Durock Piano linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, this switch offers a middle-ground zone feel called mild. The Durock Piano provides a gliding push feel and a rich bassy sound profile during key presses. It is also described as frictionless and silky, guaranteeing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Durock Piano linear switch will depend on your typing style and preferences. If you prioritize a lighter and easier keystroke with a clacky or neutral sound profile, go for the G Pro 3.0 White. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a mild typing experience, the Durock Piano is the better option. Consider your personal preferences for sound and feel, and choose the switch that aligns with your typing preferences.
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