Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch, and the TTC Gold Brown, a tactile switch, offer unique attributes to cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black from Gateron stands out for its heavy actuation and bottom-out force, providing a substantial typing experience for those who prefer more resistance. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switches from TTC are praised for their balanced nature, with a slight bump for tactile feedback and a softer sound profile. While the G Pro 3.0 Black excels in delivering a clacky and vibrant typing experience with its RGB lighting, the Gold Browns offer a mild and buttery sensation. 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the TTC Gold Brown switches have distinct differences in their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which creates a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. In contrast, the Gold Brown switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While both housing materials offer unique sound profiles, the G Pro 3.0 Black's INK blend leans towards a thinner and higher-pitched tone compared to the Gold Brown's polycarbonate, which is characterized as clear and resonant.
Moving to the bottom housing materials, the G Pro 3.0 Black uses a POM housing that results in a deep and relatively more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch employs a nylon bottom housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. This contrast can be attributed to the difference in stiffness between POM and nylon, with POM being firmer and nylon being softer, allowing for a clearer and rounder sound in the Gold Brown switch. Despite these variations, both housing materials play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the switches.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of a switch contribute differently to the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as impact and bottom-out sound, are more prominently felt when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing material has a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and TTC Gold Brown switches have different housing materials, their respective combinations of top and bottom housings contribute to their unique sound profiles and tactile experiences.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch have some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Gold Brown has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a good choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, offering a good balance between responsiveness and typing comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch to the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, it can be seen that both switches have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of key travel whether they choose the G Pro 3.0 Black or Gold Brown switches. With both switches offering the same travel distance, users can expect consistent and reliable performance from either option. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a consistent travel distance, making them suitable choices for those looking for a standard key travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
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 TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 best described as having a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is characterized as having a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound with a satisfying bump. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Black being more vibrant and percussive and the Gold Brown being softer and more balanced.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is known for its creamy and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery feel with a balanced medium-heavy actuation force. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch provides a mild and accented tactile feel, giving a gentle resistance with a subtle bump for tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 Black focusing on smoothness and heaviness, while the Gold Brown emphasizes a balanced and approachable typing feel.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch provide different but equally appealing qualities in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharp and clacky sound with a creamy and silky typing experience or a neutral and balanced sound with a mild and accented tactile feel, both switches offer premium quality at their respective price points. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch or the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a heavier, more substantive feel with a clacky sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced, moderate tactile experience with a softer, more neutral sound profile, the Gold Brown switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference in terms of weight, sound, and feel, so consider these factors carefully before making your selection.
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