Durock Piano vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Piano and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° stand out as top choices for those looking for a linear typing experience. The Durock Piano is praised for its proprietary material blend, offering a smooth and silent typing experience with a deep, creamy sound signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° is known for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, providing unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise. Each switch brings its own unique characteristics to the table, making them both appealing options for 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° contribute significantly to the sound profile of these mechanical switches. While the Piano's proprietary POM blend top housing is said to offer a deep and satisfying sound profile, the Zero Degree 0°'s polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. The POM blend is known for its unique sound, but polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, provides a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the Zero Degree 0°.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Piano and Zero Degree 0° use different materials that impact the sound profile differently. The Piano's POM blend bottom housing contributes to a deep and satisfying sound, while the Zero Degree 0°'s nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and deeper sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder and duller sound profile. This means that typing on switches with nylon bottom housings may provide a different tactile and auditory experience compared to switches with POM blend bottom housings.
Overall, the housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° play a crucial role in determining the feel and sound of these mechanical switches. While the POM blend and polycarbonate top housings offer distinct sound profiles, the nylon and POM blend bottom housings also contribute to the overall typing experience. Whether you prefer a deep and satisfying sound or a sharper and crisper sound, the choice between these two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Weight
The Durock Piano linear switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. The actuation force, however, is not specified. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter compared to the Durock Piano. The bottom out force of the Zero Degree 0° is unknown. When considering weight, the lighter actuation force of the Zero Degree 0° may appeal to those who prefer longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Durock Piano may provide a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. This makes the Zero Degree 0° the shorter option compared to the Piano. The 4.0mm travel distance of the Piano is more traditional and provides a deeper key press feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the 3.6mm travel distance of the Zero Degree 0° offers a shallower key press, ideal for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. Both options cater to different preferences, with the shorter travel distance providing a quicker touch and the longer travel distance offering a more satisfying key press depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Piano linear switch is known for its deep and creamy sound signature, providing a bassy sound profile that offers a rich and satisfying acoustic experience during typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is recognized for its silent typing capabilities thanks to its self-padding design and dual-rail structure that absorb sound and reduce noise. While the specific sound characteristics of the Zero Degree 0° are not provided, both switches are likely to offer a pleasant auditory experience depending on the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Durock Piano switch is described as providing a frictionless and silky typing experience, offering an effortless and smooth keypress with minimal resistance or friction. This results in a fluid and comfortable typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch is not specified, but given its innovative design focusing on smoothness and stability, it is likely to provide a similarly satisfying typing feel as the Durock Piano switch.
In conclusion, both the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Durock Piano excels in providing a bassy sound profile and a frictionless, silky typing experience, while the Gateron Zero Degree 0° stands out for its silent typing capabilities and emphasis on smoothness and stability. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience, and choosing between them will depend on your specific preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, typing experience, and noise level. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Durock Piano switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a unique self-padding design for unrivaled smoothness, stability, and noise reduction, then the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch may be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct features that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider your personal typing style and preferences before making a decision.
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