Kailh Box Jade vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch offer unique typing experiences for users. The Box Jades are ideal for those seeking a medium-heavy typing feel with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps add a satisfying element to each keystroke. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its premium quality at an affordable price point, appealing to those looking for a more substantial typing experience. With a 60g actuation force and 70g bottom-out force, this switch offers a balanced medium-heavy feel. The frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting for vibrant effects. 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
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Box Jade's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp, high-pitched sound that is ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a slightly higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. While both offer a similar type of sound, the Box Jade's polycarbonate housing may provide a sharper and crisper typing experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black's INK blend.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Box Jade's nylon material offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its soft plastic composition that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing produces a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. Both housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing providing a rounder sound compared to the deeper yet muted sound of the POM bottom housing.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches differ, they each play a crucial role in shaping the typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing is felt more during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, whether you prefer a sharper, high-pitched sound or a deeper, more muted typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, it is evident that the Box Jade has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black with 60 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Box Jade requires 60 grams while the G Pro 3.0 Black needs 70 grams, making the latter heavier. This means that the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the Kailh Box Jade offers a lighter touch which may be preferable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches fall in the medium to medium-heavy range, providing users with options depending on their preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch. This means that the Box Jade has a slightly shallower travel distance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black. Gamers who prefer a faster response time may lean towards the Box Jade due to its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches boils down to personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you prefer.
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 Kailh Box Jade comes in at $5.50 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
Sound-wise, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers a high-pitched and crunchy auditory experience, which is sharp, crisp, and reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch provides a clacky and somewhat subdued sound profile. The clacky sound is sharp, snappy, and percussive, while the subdued aspect offers a more dampened and subtle sound compared to most switches. Ultimately, your choice of keyboard and keycaps will also play a role in how the sound is perceived.
Moving on to the feel, the Box Jade switch delivers an accented and invigorating typing experience. The accented tactile feedback strikes a balance between being noticeable without being overwhelming, providing a medium level of tactility. The invigorating feel of the switch offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy reactive sensation, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch is described as creamy, silky, and subtle. The creamy smoothness of the switch offers a buttery typing sensation, while the silky nature ensures exceptionally smooth typing with minimized resistance. The subtle resistance and gentle typing feel make it suitable for shared spaces where a quiet typing experience is desired.
In conclusion, both the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a clicky switch with a high-pitched, crunchy sound and invigorating tactile feedback, the Box Jade switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you lean towards a linear switch with a clacky, subdued sound and a creamy, silky typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black switch is an excellent option. Ultimately, your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience will determine which switch is the best fit for your needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you value a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switches would be the perfect fit for you. The crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps make typing on them a satisfying experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch with a clacky sound profile and a more subdued auditory experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches would be a great choice. The balance between actuation and bottom-out force, along with the enhanced RGB lighting effects, provides a premium typing experience at a budget-friendly price. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize clicky feedback and sound profile or a smooth linear typing experience.
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