Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Presenting the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the SP-Star Meteor Orange, both exceptional tactile switches that offer a pleasant typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, part of Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, provides an economical solution without compromising on quality. Its subtle tactile sensation, with a gentle bump, ensures a smooth typing flow. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switches offer exquisite gentleness, with a soft and seductive tactility. They have a neutral sound profile, adding a polished and refined feel to your typing.
Choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is perfect for those who prioritize an easy-to-press key, a mild tactile feedback, and a stepped design. Its medium-high pitch provides satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switches appeal to those seeking a neutral tactile feel, a mild feedback, and a thocky sound. Their polished surface adds to their allure, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer, more refined typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the SP-Star Meteor Orange feature different housing materials for both their top and bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the Meteor Orange features a nylon top housing. Both materials have their own unique properties that affect the sound profile of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Meteor Orange produces a deeper and fuller sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches use nylon. The relatively softer nylon material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Thus, typing on both switches elicits a deeper and fuller sound.
The split in housing materials between the top and bottom also affects the typing experience in terms of sound and feel. When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing become more noticeable, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown and Meteor Orange differ in their housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Brown with its polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, whereas the Meteor Orange's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, the shared nylon bottom housing creates similar characteristics in both switches, resulting in an enhanced typing experience with a deep and resonant sound profile.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch have different actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Meteor Orange's actuation force is not available. However, both switches have similar bottom out forces, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown at 63 grams and the Meteor Orange at 57 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches like the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, as it allows for longer typing periods and is suitable for work or prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, others may prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience.
Overall, while the actuation force of the Meteor Orange is unknown, it is safe to assume that it may be lighter than the G Pro 3.0 Brown due to its medium-light bottom out force. Those looking for a slightly lighter tactile switch may find the Meteor Orange to be a suitable option, while those preferring a medium actuation force and a heavier bottom out force may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Brown.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall typing experience provided by these switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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 Brown switch is known for its medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. The Meteor Orange switch, on the other hand, is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile without any specific characteristics. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a specific sound experience, the Meteor Orange switch provides a more general sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers an easy-to-press experience. This means that it requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. It also provides a mild typing experience, which is approachable to most users. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is considered a stepped switch, which means that it has two stages in its tactile feedback, providing a more mild and controlled typing sensation. On the other hand, the Meteor Orange switch also offers a mild typing experience and is described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing feel.
Based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches offer different subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch sound, while the Meteor Orange offers a soft and seductive tactility with a neutral sound profile. Both switches offer a mild typing experience and are approachable to most users. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has the additional characteristic of being easy-to-press and stepped, while the Meteor Orange switch has a polished finish. Overall, both switches have their own unique qualities and would provide a pleasant typing experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch have their own unique qualities that make them suitable for different preferences and needs.
The G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump that won't interrupt your typing flow. It also features a frosted light diffuser that enhances the brightness of your RGB lighting, creating a visually immersive experience. The medium-high pitch of these switches adds an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is easy-to-press, providing minimal force to activate the keys and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches are known for their exquisitely gentle tactility. They offer a soft and seductive typing experience with a neutral sound profile. These switches have a mild feel, making them approachable to most users. Additionally, the polished finish of these switches results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, if you prioritize a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, along with a gentle tactile sensation and customizable RGB lighting, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown may be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a switch with a more pronounced emphasis on soft and seductive tactility, along with a polished finish for a smooth typing experience, the SP-Star Meteor Orange may be the better option. Consider your preferences for sound, feel, and budget when making your final decision.
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