Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown are two mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The G Pro 3.0 Black is a linear switch, known for its heavier 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, providing a medium-heavy typing experience with a medium-high pitch auditory feedback. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch, offering a gentle bump without being overpowering, making it easy to press and providing a mild, stepped tactile sensation. Both switches feature a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting effects. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on whether you prefer a more substantial typing feel with the G Pro 3.0 Black or a more subtle tactile experience with the G Pro 3.0 Brown. 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
60g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown differ in their housing materials, with the Black version featuring a proprietary INK blend top housing and a POM bottom housing, while the Brown version utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The INK blend top housing of the Black switch offers a pointed, high-pitched sound profile, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Brown switch provides a sharper and crisper sound. The POM bottom housing of the Black switch creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Brown switch offers a fuller and rounder sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and Brown switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. While the Black switch may have a slightly higher-pitched and clacky sound due to its INK blend top housing, the Brown switch offers a clearer and resonant sound profile thanks to its polycarbonate top housing. Additionally, the POM bottom housing of the Black switch contributes to a unique sound profile on the deeper side, while the nylon bottom housing of the Brown switch results in a duller and rounder sound. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
It is important to note that the choice of housing materials for the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and Brown switches has a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of the switches. The use of POM for the bottom housing in the Black switch creates a deeper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing in the Brown switch contributes to a fuller sound. The top housing materials also play a role in shaping the sound of the switches, with the INK blend of the Black switch providing a unique clacky sound and the polycarbonate of the Brown switch offering a sharper sound. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials results in switches that cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, we can see some clear differences. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown's 55 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force for the Black switch is 70 grams, while the Brown switch bottoms out at 63 grams. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Black switch slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch. This means that those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Black switch, while those looking for a lighter touch may opt for the Brown switch. However, both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, you will feel the same distance traveled for both switches. As a result, you can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and response time. Since both switches have the same travel distance, there is no notable difference in this aspect between the two.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is unknown. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch offers a creamy and silky typing experience, characterized by a smooth and buttery sensation with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is described as easy-to-press and mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a stepped feel, which means it has two distinct stages during the keystroke - pre-travel and post-travel.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a heavier actuation force and a clacky sound, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a more gentle tactile experience with an emphasis on ease of pressing the keys. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches provide quality options within the Gateron G Pro series that are sure to enhance your typing experience. Whether you choose the Black linear switch or the Brown tactile switch, you can expect satisfying results that cater to different typing styles.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, your choice should be based on your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a more substantial and tactile typing feel with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a gentler and more subtle tactile sensation with a medium bottom-out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be the better option. Ultimately, whether you prefer a balanced medium-heavy linear switch or a delicate tactile switch, Gateron provides quality switches that cater to various typing preferences.
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