Gateron Mars vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Gateron Mars and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Gateron Mars and Durock Piano offer compelling options for linear switch enthusiasts, each providing a unique typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Gateron Mars switches stand out with their innovative POK stem design, combined with a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM, promising a smooth and responsive keystroke ideal for gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the Durock Piano switches are lauded for their proprietary material blend that delivers a pleasing gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature, appealing to those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. While the Mars may be favored for its innovative design and performance, the Piano captivates users with its luxurious tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Nylon
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 double-staged spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Mars and the Durock Piano, both switches exhibit distinctive auditory characteristics rooted in their unique compositions. The Gateron Mars features a nylon top housing, a material renowned for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness. This nylon construction tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, contributing to a duller, rounder acoustics. In contrast, the Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, producing a distinctly satisfying audio experience. While the precise formulation of Durock's POM blend remains undisclosed, it is acknowledged for delivering a rich, deep sound profile. Consequently, while both switches aim for a satisfying auditory response, their differing top materials influence the sound experience in unique ways, allowing typists to choose switches based on their preference for either nylon or POM's specific tonal qualities.
Examining the bottom housings reveals another layer of comparison, as both switches employ POM materials, leading to similarities in their overall sound profile. The Gateron Mars features a POM bottom housing that creates an incredibly pleasing and muted sound, contributing to its deeper tones. Similarly, the Durock Piano’s POM blend bottom housing also offers a uniquely satisfying sound quality and a deeper tone. This shared use of POM in the bottom housing ensures that, regardless of the differences in the top materials, both switches will provide a rounded and rich auditory experience when bottoming out. In tandem, the combination of these housings results in switches that can still be perceived as offering similar acoustic characteristics, grounded in their POM components.
In terms of tactile experience and sound impact, the quality of the various housing materials distinctly affects how each switch feels and sounds during use. The softer nylon of the Gateron Mars enhances the typing experience with its muted top housing, allowing for more acoustic absorption on key release. On the other hand, the Durock Piano benefits from its proprietary POM blend, which is also designed to provide a rewarding auditory experience but through a different approach. While both switches will ultimately deliver pleasing sound profiles, the Gateron Mars' nylon top and POM bottom housing might yield a softer, more rounded acoustic during key release, whereas the Durock Piano may provide a cleaner, sharper sound due to the unique characteristics of its POM blend. Thus, users can expect memorable and engaging typing experiences, with specific sound responses shaped by each model’s distinct materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there are notable differences in their specifications regarding actuation and bottom out forces. The Mars switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it on the lighter side compared to traditional switches, which may appeal to users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Mars is unavailable, leaving a gap in our understanding of how it feels when fully pressed. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorized as medium-heavy, indicating a more substantial feel as the user reaches the bottom of the keystroke. The actuation force for the Piano switch is not specified, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison; however, given the bottom out force, it's reasonable to assume that the Piano may be heavier overall. In summary, the Gateron Mars is the lighter switch due to its known 45-gram actuation force, while the Durock Piano appears to offer a heavier feel when bottoming out, possibly rendering it preferable for users seeking a more tactile and resistant typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Mars switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Piano switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, thus providing a deeper key press. This difference in travel distance can influence the typing experience significantly. Players who prefer quicker response times for gaming might lean towards the Mars switch due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel when typing may favor the Piano switch's longer travel distance. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or depth in your keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
When examining the sound characteristics of the Gateron Mars linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, the Mars appears to lack a specific descriptor, making its acoustic qualities less defined. In contrast, the Durock Piano switches are noted for their deep, creamy sound signature that resonates with a bassy tone. This richness and lower frequency range contribute to a more substantial auditory feedback during typing, which many users find pleasing and engaging. The difference in sound may be quite noticeable, especially for those who appreciate a more sonorous typing experience. However, it is important to remember that the ultimate sound profile can still be influenced by the type of keyboard plate and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the Mars switch description is absent, providing no insight into its tactile feedback or smoothness. The Durock Piano switches, however, excel in this area with their characterization as frictionless and silky. This means they deliver an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience, characterized by minimal resistance and a fluid travel that enhances overall comfort. For users who prioritize a seamless feel in their typing sessions, the Pianos stand out as an excellent choice.
In summary, while the Gateron Mars switches may present an ambiguous profile regarding sound and feel, the Durock Pianos shine with their rich, bassy sound and luxuriously smooth typing experience. This clear distinction may lead enthusiasts to favor the Pianos for a more enjoyable and satisfying typing experience. If the qualities of the Mars were to be known, a comparison could yield further insights, but for now, the Pianos promise superior auditory and tactile satisfaction.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron Mars and Durock Piano linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences regarding feel and sound. If you’re looking for a switch that provides a very smooth typing experience without any tactile bumps or resistance, the Gateron Mars could be your ideal choice. This switch's design, featuring a unique blend of materials, promises a fluid push feel that many users might find appealing for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial bottom-out force along with a richly bassy sound signature, the Durock Piano switches will likely cater better to your needs. Their medium-heavy actuation force and silky, frictionless action deliver a satisfying tactile experience that is perfect for those who enjoy a slightly heavier key press and a deeper auditory feedback. In choosing the right switch, consider how you balance smoothness and sound profile with dexterity in your typing—your unique style will guide you towards the switch that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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