Gateron Melodic vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Melodic and the Durock Piano offer unique experiences for users. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that stands out for its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, providing a classic clicky sound with enhanced smoothness. On the other hand, the Durock Piano is a linear switch known for its proprietary material blend, offering a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature while typing. The Melodic is described as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', 'Crunchy', while the Piano is characterized as 'Bassy', 'Frictionless', 'Silky'. Each switch has its own advantages and appeals to different preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and Durock Piano switches, we find that the Melodic utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the Piano features a proprietary POM blend top housing. The polycarbonate used in the Melodic switch creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the POM blend in the Piano switch offers a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile, although the exact details of the blend remain unknown. Despite their differences, both of these materials contribute to enhancing the overall sound experience of the switches, with the polycarbonate providing clarity and resonance, while the POM blend offers depth and satisfaction.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Melodic switch utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch incorporates a proprietary POM blend bottom housing, which also contributes to a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. Although the specifics of the blend remain undisclosed, both the nylon and POM materials play crucial roles in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. The nylon in the Melodic provides a rounder and duller sound, while the POM blend in the Piano enhances the overall sound experience with its deep and satisfying tones.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Gateron Melodic and Durock Piano switches significantly impacts the sound profile and overall typing experience. While the Melodic switch combines polycarbonate top housing for sharpness and nylon bottom housing for depth, the Piano switch uses a proprietary POM blend for both top and bottom housings, offering a unique and satisfying sound profile. Whether it's the clearer and resonant sound of polycarbonate or the absorbing and fuller sound of nylon, both switches provide a high-quality typing experience that caters to different preferences and needs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, it is clear that the Melodic is lighter in terms of bottom out force at 60 grams, while the Piano is slightly heavier at 63.5 grams. Both switches have an unknown actuation force, making it difficult to determine which one requires less force to trigger a keystroke. However, it can be inferred that the Melodic may be lighter overall due to its lower bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Melodic switch, as it allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Piano switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing force and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressed. The similarity in their travel distance suggests that users of either switch can expect a consistent typing experience in this regard. The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer a comparable typing feel due to their matching travel distance, making them equally suitable choices for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific level of key travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron Melodic switch provides a resonant and crunchy experience, offering a clean and sharp sound profile akin to stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switch provides a deep and rich bassy sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can complement different preferences and setups, with the Melodic leaning towards a higher-pitched and immersive sound, while the Piano delivers a smoother and more bass-heavy tone.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is often described as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and reactive feel. On the contrary, the Durock Piano switch provides a frictionless and silky typing experience, minimizing resistance and enhancing overall smoothness. Both switches aim to provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation, with the Melodic emphasizing feedback and actuation force while the Piano focuses on fluid travel and minimizing friction.
Taking all the available information into consideration, it's evident that the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Durock Piano linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Melodic delivers a resonant and crunchy sound with a buttery and invigorating feel, the Piano provides a bassy and smooth sound alongside a frictionless and silky typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile, feedback, and overall typing sensation. If one prefers either switch's qualities, they can expect to achieve similar results with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a clicky switch with a medium bottom out force and a resonant, crunchy sound profile along with a buttery, invigorating feel, then the Gateron Melodic would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a bassy sound profile along with a frictionless, silky feel, then the Durock Piano would be the ideal switch for your typing needs. Consider your preferences for sound and feel, as well as bottom out force, when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, both the Gateron Melodic and the Durock Piano offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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