Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Cold Plum mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches known for their smooth keystrokes. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its heavier actuation and bottom-out force, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Cold Plum offers a unique thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction, providing a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Black enhances RGB lighting with a frosted light diffuser, the Cold Plum focuses on delivering a satisfying auditory experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Cold Plum, we can see that they have different top and bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that delivers a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile, while its POM bottom housing creates a deeper, more muted sound. On the other hand, the Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top housing for a fuller sound profile and a nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound. This contrast in housing materials results in distinct sound characteristics for each switch.
While the G Pro 3.0 Black's housing materials provide a sharp and clacky sound profile with a deep and muted bottom housing, the Outemu Cold Plum offers a fuller and rounder sound due to its nylon top and bottom housings. The softer nature of nylon as a plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller sound that enhances the typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Black leaning towards a sharper, more clacky sound compared to the Cold Plum's fuller and deeper sound profile.
In terms of overall sound impact, the top and bottom housing materials play a significant role in determining the sound profile of a switch. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black's combination of INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing results in a mix of sharp and deep sound qualities, while the Outemu Cold Plum's nylon top and bottom housings provide a fuller, rounder sound experience. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer satisfying typing experiences with unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch both have the same actuation force of 60 grams and bottom out force of 70 grams, making them medium-heavy switches. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of pressure needed to activate the keys and the maximum force required to press them all the way down. In terms of weight, these switches are suitable for those who prefer a bit of resistance while typing or gaming, providing a balance between lightness for extended use and heaviness for a more substantial feel. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable choices for users who enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, we can see that the G Pro 3.0 Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cold Plum has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Black offers a longer travel distance, providing a more traditional typing experience with a deeper press. On the other hand, the Cold Plum offers a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers for its quick response times. Both switches offer unique typing experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 Black catering to those who prefer deeper presses and the Cold Plum catering to those who prefer a shorter and quicker keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Outemu Cold Plum comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This adds a satisfying auditory feedback for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offers a thocky sound profile, creating a unique and distinct sound that appeals to enthusiasts seeking an enjoyable typing feel. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black switch offers a creamy and silky typing experience, with a smooth and buttery sensation that enhances the overall typing feel. In comparison, the feel of the Cold Plum switch is not specified, but it is likely to provide a smooth typing feel due to its fully nylon construction. Overall, both switches offer their unique qualities in sound and feel, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the clacky sound and creamy feel of the G Pro 3.0 Black or the thocky sound of the Cold Plum switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing feel with a balanced actuation force and a more substantial keystroke, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a clacky and potentially subdued sound profile, this switch will meet your auditory preferences. On the other hand, if you seek a distinct and enjoyable typing feel characterized by a thocky sound profile and smooth keystrokes, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound when selecting between these two switches.
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