Durock Piano vs. Gateron Type A

Overview

When comparing the Durock Piano and the Gateron Type A mechanical keyboard switches, both excel in providing a smooth linear typing experience. The Durock Piano stands out for its proprietary material blend, offering a gliding push feel and deep, creamy sound signature, making it perfect for those who prefer a bassy and frictionless typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A from Sillyworks' "Project Rehash" focuses on reimagining traditional travel distances and factory lubing techniques, resulting in a switch with a medium-weight feel and a sound signature leaning towards the deeper end of the spectrum. While the Piano excels in providing a silky typing experience, the Type A offers a more neutral and subdued sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Durock Piano Linear

Gateron Type A Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

$4.70 per 10

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Housing materials

The Durock Piano and the Gateron Type A both use unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing offers a satisfying and deep sound profile, while the Type A's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. This difference in materials gives each switch its own signature typing experience, with the POM blend showcasing a unique sound and the nylon creating a rounder and duller sound.

In terms of bottom housings, both the Durock Piano and Gateron Type A continue their trend of using high-quality materials to enhance sound. The POM blend bottom housing of the Piano contributes to its satisfying and deep sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Type A also adds to its deeper and fuller sound profile. These housing materials play a significant role in the overall typing experience of each switch, providing a tactile response that is unique to their composition.

Despite the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the Durock Piano and Gateron Type A, both switches aim to create a premium typing experience. While the top and bottom housings may affect different aspects of the sound profile, such as bottom-out sound and key release sound, the overall goal of achieving a satisfying and deep sound remains consistent across both switches. Regardless of the specific materials used, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either the Durock Piano or the Gateron Type A.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their weight. The Piano switch has an actuation force of None grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes compared to the Type A switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Piano switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it heavier to press all the way down compared to the Type A switch, which has a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the Piano switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier bottom out force, while the Type A switch provides a lighter actuation force for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a lighter or heavier typing experience.

Travel distance

The Durock Piano linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches require the same amount of force to press down on a key and have a similar feel when typing. The 4 mm travel distance is considered to be on the shorter end of the spectrum for linear switches, providing a quick and snappy typing experience. Users who prefer a shallower keypress will appreciate the shorter travel distance of these switches. Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their equal travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Durock Piano linear switch is renowned for its smooth and effortless typing experience, characterized by a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature that is described as bassy. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A linear switch, part of Sillyworks' "Project Rehash," offers a unique compromise for those seeking a medium-weight switch with a sound signature leaning towards the deeper side of the spectrum, described as neutral and subdued. While the Type A's feel characteristics are unknown, the Piano is known for its frictionless and silky typing experience.

Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles, with the Piano providing a bassy sound and the Type A offering a deeper, more subdued sound. In terms of feel, the Piano excels in providing a frictionless and silky typing experience, while information on the Type A's feel remains unclear. It is important to keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. Ultimately, both the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users seeking a specific sound and feel in their mechanical keyboard switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch, you should consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a bassy sound profile with a frictionless and silky typing feel, the Durock Piano switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom out force, a neutral and subdued sound profile, and are looking for a switch suitable for various purposes, the Gateron Type A switch could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.

Mentioned in this article

Durock Piano Linear

$6.70

$5.57 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Type A Linear

$4.70 per 10

Learn more