Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Haimu Neo White. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch that provides a gentle bump without disrupting your typing flow. Known for its budget-friendly price and high-quality construction, it offers an enjoyable tactile sensation and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Neo White is a linear switch with a medium weight and smooth actuation, thanks to the rare Ly stem used in its design. While it has a slightly reduced total travel compared to other switches, it offers a distinctive typing feel that many users appreciate. Each switch has its own unique characteristics and benefits, making them suitable for different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Haimu Neo White, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches using RGB lighting. On the other hand, both switches also utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics.
Despite the similarities in housing materials, the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Neo White may differ in how the qualities of each material manifest in the switch's overall performance. The split between the top and bottom housing materials means that the bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. This distinction could potentially lead to variations in typing experience and sound feedback between the two switches, even if they share the same housing materials.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Haimu Neo White may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, the subtle differences in how these materials affect sound and tactile response could be a deciding factor for some users. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile or a deeper, fuller typing experience, understanding the impact of housing materials on switch performance can help you make an informed decision between these two options.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch are both in the medium range. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Neo White, which has an unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Brown is 63 grams, while the Neo White has a bottom out force of 58 grams. The G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier actuation force, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Neo White provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Neo White linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Neo White has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown. The G Pro 3.0 Brown falls into the category of traditional travel distances, while the Neo White offers a slightly shallower experience. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Neo White due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more robust feel when typing may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown with its longer distance. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, and selecting the one that aligns with personal preferences will result in a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offers a medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of typing environments. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the G Pro Brown is described as having a mild tactile sensation, offering a subtle bump without overpowering the typing flow. The Haimu Neo White switch is also described as providing a mild typing experience, making it approachable to most users with its middle-ground qualities.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch sound, the Neo White switch offers a smooth actuation experience with a neutral sound profile. Depending on personal preference for typing feel and sound, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a subtle tactile sensation, medium-high pitch sound, and RGB lighting compatibility, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth actuation feel, slightly reduced total travel, and a neutral switch suitable for various typing purposes, the Neo White could be the better fit for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing needs.
Mentioned in this article
