Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Quinn are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a linear switch, known for its budget-friendly excellence. When typing on these switches, you can expect a higher pitched clacky sound and a fairly bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Quinn switches are tactile switches that offer a unique combination of crisp, light tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile. With each keystroke, users are greeted with a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience, along with a precise and clean tactile bump. Both switches have their own advantages, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
59g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Quinn both utilize different housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucent quality of polycarbonate makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Quinn employs a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. While the two switches differ in terms of sound, they both offer unique benefits depending on the user's preference.
In terms of bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Quinn utilize nylon. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer composition absorbs sound better than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This similarity in housing material between the two switches ensures that users will experience a similar typing experience in terms of sound. Whether it's the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the Quinn, typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a satisfying and resonant sound, adding to the overall tactile experience.
It's worth noting that the top and bottom housing materials of a switch influence different aspects of the typing experience. When pressing down on either the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the Quinn, the qualities of the bottom housing become evident. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Conversely, the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the housing materials may differ between the two switches, their specific placements within the switch ensure that users will still enjoy a unique and immersive typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are a few notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the Quinn requires a slightly heavier force of 59 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 67 grams, resulting in a similar typing experience when pressing all the way down.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow due to its lighter actuation force. This allows for comfortable and prolonged typing sessions, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial typing experience might opt for the Quinn switch with its slightly heavier actuation force. This provides a stronger push feel and a sense of satisfaction while typing.
It's worth noting that while the actuation force differs between these switches, their bottom out forces are identical. This means that regardless of the switch chosen, the pressure required to fully press down the key remains the same. Therefore, if a user is primarily concerned with the bottom out force, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Quinn will deliver similar results.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch offers a lighter actuation force and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch requires a slightly heavier force. However, both switches share the same bottom out force, providing a comparable typing experience in that regard. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing feel, whether it be a lighter touch or a more substantial push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, it is clear that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Quinn has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is considered more traditional, providing a deeper key press sensation. On the other hand, the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Quinn is shallower, making it more suitable for those who prefer a quicker and more responsive typing experience, particularly favored by gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offering a longer and deeper travel distance, and the Quinn providing a shorter and more responsive feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
The Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is characterized by a higher-pitched clacky sound profile. This means that each key press produces a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a deep resonant sound profile. With every keystroke, users are treated to a rich and immersive sound that adds character to the typing experience. The Quinn switch is described as both clacky and bassy, offering a crisp and bright sound with a lower frequency range. Both switches have a resonant sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience. It's important to note that the actual sound experienced can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is known for its polished and creamy sensation. The finish of these switches is smooth and refined, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel make typing on these switches effortless. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a snappy and bouncy feel. These switches are super responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs. The keys have a lively feel, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. The Quinn switch is also described as polished, accented, and creamy, offering smooth and buttery typing experience with prominent tactility. Just like with sound, the feel of the switches may also be influenced by other factors such as lubrication or specific materials used.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a higher-pitched clacky sound profile, while the Quinn switch provides a deep and resonant sound. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a polished and creamy typing experience, while the Quinn switch provides a snappy and bouncy feel with prominent tactility. Both switches have their own unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound and a smooth feel, you can expect similar results with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy typing feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent choice for you. These switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and offer a higher pitched sound when pressed, making them ideal for users who prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile. Additionally, their polished and creamy feel provides reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a unique combination of crisp, light switch-like tactility and a deep, resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is the one for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, similar to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, these switches offer a rich and immersive sound with each keystroke that adds character to your typing experience. The Quinn switches have various descriptors such as bassy, clacky, low-pitched, and resonant, which contribute to their deep and resonant sound profile. Moreover, their snappy, polished, and bouncy feel provides a super responsive and lively typing sensation.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch depends on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a higher pitched, clacky sound and a polished, creamy feel, go for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. On the other hand, if you appreciate a deep, resonant sound and a snappy, bouncy, or buttery feel, the Quinn switch is the perfect fit for you. Consider your sound and feel preferences when making your decision and enjoy your mechanical keyboard experience.
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