Durock Medium Tactile vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, a linear switch. The Durock Medium Tactile is celebrated for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, along with a unique jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° offers a revolutionary design with self-padding and a dual-rail structure for exceptional smoothness, stability, and a quiet typing experience. The Medium Tactile is ideal for those who appreciate a tactile typing experience, while the Zero Degree 0° is perfect for users seeking a smooth and silent 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, one can see that they both feature polycarbonate top housings. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is especially beneficial for switches with RGB lighting as it is translucent. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in the bottom housing. The Medium Tactile utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° also features a nylon bottom housing, providing similar sound qualities to the Medium Tactile.
Despite their similarities in using polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings, the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° may offer slight variations in sound and feel. The Medium Tactile's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a unique typing experience with a sharp sound when pressing down on the keys and a deep, fuller sound when releasing them. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° offers a similar sound profile with its housing materials, providing a satisfying typing experience with a mix of sharpness and depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference regarding the specific sound and feel that each housing material contributes.
Overall, the housing materials play a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of mechanical keyboard switches. While both the Durock Medium Tactile and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° share polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound profile, the difference in their nylon bottom housings may lead to subtle variations in sound and feel. Whether one prefers a sharper, higher-pitched sound or a deeper, fuller sound may influence their decision between these switches. Ultimately, it is essential to consider how the combination of housing materials in each switch contributes to the overall typing experience before making a decision.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is evident that the Medium Tactile switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy, while the Zero Degree 0° switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, with the bottom out force being unknown. This indicates that the Medium Tactile switch requires more force to fully press down compared to the Zero Degree 0° switch. In terms of weight, some may find the lighter actuation force of the Zero Degree 0° switch more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the heavier bottom out force of the Medium Tactile switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Medium Tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Zero Degree switch. A 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it can have an impact on the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. The Medium Tactile switch may provide a more pronounced tactile bump and bottom-out feeling due to its longer travel distance, while the Zero Degree switch may offer a slightly quicker and more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 Durock Medium Tactile switch is best known for its pronounced yet balanced tactility, which translates into a jelly-like sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is recognized for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, offering unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. The sound of a switch is also affected by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is known for its accented, stepped, mild, and polished characteristics. These attributes combine to offer a tactile typing experience that is prominent yet not overwhelming, with a smooth and refined finish that enhances key travel. The Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, on the other hand, lacks specific descriptions of feel characteristics in the provided information. However, based on the qualities mentioned, it can be assumed that this switch offers a smooth and stable linear typing experience.
Overall, the Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Medium Tactile switch provides a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature and a polished typing experience, the Zero Degree 0° linear switch revolutionizes silent typing with its innovative design and smooth, stable feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches can offer a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, you should consider your preference for tactility and sound. If you enjoy a balanced and pronounced tactile feedback with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and silent typing experience with an unknown bottom out force, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style.
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