I have the green tub and also the green cream tube. Performance wise I like the hard soap but it is not like a triple milled soap it is kind of frozen yoghurt consistency. Performance wise it is every bit as good if not better then the cream tube, although the menthol kick is not as pronounced.
I like and use it and the cream together dependant on what kind of mood I am in. I have even been known to drop a blob of Proraso cream into the centre of the brush while lathering with the tub which creates a nice lather very easily.
Mine was a Christmas present, I am not sure if I would have bought it but am glad someone did.