Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Gateron Luciola

Overview

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Luciola are both linear switches that offer unique features for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The G Pro 3.0 Red is known for its budget-friendly price tag and smooth typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, while its medium-high pitch delivers a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature. These switches offer a medium heft, resulting in a smooth and bouncy typing feel. They also produce a distinctive hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can ultimately decide on the best switch to suit your personal preferences and needs.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

Gateron Luciola Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic material results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing. The use of polycarbonate is especially beneficial if you plan to use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant light effects. In terms of aesthetics, the clear housing is a distinguishing feature of switches made with polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing. This unique blend is known for producing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, without being overly sharp. This gives the Luciola a satisfying clacky sound that many users appreciate.

In terms of the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Red is equipped with a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottoms elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastics. As for the Luciola, it features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which contributes to its overall sound profile. Similar to the top housing, the INK blend brings a thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. While both switches have distinct sound characteristics, the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch.

When it comes to the overall typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red's sound and feel are predominantly influenced by the bottom housing. The impact of the bottom housing is more noticeable in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This distinction in housing materials allows for subtle variations in the typing experience between the two switches. However, both switches provide satisfying and unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Luciola's actuation force of 55 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke on the G Pro 3.0 Red. Similarly, the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Red is lighter at 50 grams compared to the Luciola's heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a relatively lighter typing experience overall. However, it is important to note that both switches offer a linear feel without any tactile feedback. So, if a lighter actuation and bottom out force is desired, both switches can deliver similar results, but if someone prefers a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience, the Luciola would be the better choice. Ultimately, the weight of the switch should be considered based on personal preference and the intended usage, whether it be for prolonged typing sessions or intense gaming sessions.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Luciola. Traditionally, a 4.0mm travel distance is considered standard, while the 3.6mm distance of the Luciola is shallower. Nowadays, shorter travel distances are becoming more popular, particularly among gamers who prefer faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Luciola with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, some individuals might find short travel distances to feel too abrupt. In that case, if you prefer a more substantial key press, the G Pro 3.0 Red with its longer travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific user's typing or gaming style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switch offers a range of sound profiles. It can produce a clacky sound, which is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. It can also have a chirpy sound, adding a unique acoustic signature with a little squeak. Furthermore, the Luciola switch can have a marbly sound, which is resonant, high-pitched, and clean. Lastly, it can have a high-pitched sound, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. The sound produced by these switches may also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is described as offering a creamy, mild, polished, or silky typing experience. Creamy switches provide a smooth and buttery feel, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Mild switches offer a more gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics, making them approachable for most users. Polished switches have a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides a sleek typing experience. Silky switches, on the other hand, enhance overall smoothness and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Gateron Luciola switch, in contrast, can have a snappy feel, thanks to its super responsive nature, possibly due to longer or dual-staged springs. It can also provide a buttery feel, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, it can have a polished feel, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Considering the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and Gateron Luciola switches offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Red presents a neutral sound profile and offers a range of smooth and gentle typing experiences. Meanwhile, the Luciola switch offers multiple sound profiles, including clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, along with snappy or buttery typing sensations. If you prefer a moderate sound profile and various smooth typing experiences, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be a suitable choice. However, if you are looking for a switch with specific sound profiles or a snappy or buttery typing feel, the Luciola switch could provide the desired experience. It's important to note that other factors like the choice of keyboard board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly and smooth linear switch with a medium-light actuation force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red may be the perfect choice for you. It offers a satisfying auditory experience with its medium-high pitch and allows for brighter RGB lighting effects with its frosted light diffuser. The G Pro 3.0 Red is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and can be used both at home or in a work environment.

On the other hand, if you are looking for eye-catching switches that glow in the dark and offer a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and a unique sound profile, the Gateron Luciola would be ideal for you. The Luciola switches are described as clacky, chirpy, marbly, and high-pitched, producing sharp, crisp sound when pressed. They provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, making them perfect for those who prefer a more responsive and fluid keystroke experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Luciola depends on your preferences and priorities for your mechanical keyboard. Consider factors such as budget, actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel to make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize a balance between responsiveness and ease of use or prefer an eye-catching switch with a unique sound profile, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Luciola have their own strengths and can enhance your typing experience in different ways.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Luciola Linear

$7.50

$6.50 per 10

Learn more