Kailh Box Jade vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Kailh Box Jade switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch both offer unique advantages for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility, the Box Jade is a great choice. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps add an invigorating feel to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch is designed to provide a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force. This balance between responsiveness and ease of use makes it ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly option without compromising on performance. Additionally, the G Pro Red switch features a frosted light diffuser that enhances the brightness and vibrancy of its RGB lighting effects, further enhancing your overall typing experience. However, let's dive deeper into the specifics to help you make the best decision based on your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
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
Kailh Box spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for a translucent housing, perfect for showcasing RGB lighting. This means that if you are seeking a switch with these specific sound and aesthetic qualities, both the Box Jade and G Pro 3.0 Red will provide similar results.
Where the two switches differ in terms of housing material is in their bottom housing. The Box Jade features a nylon bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes the same material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that produces a more muffled typing sound, the G Pro 3.0 Red with its nylon bottom housing would be the better choice.
Overall, the impact of the housing materials on the switches is divided between the top and bottom. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when you release the key. Both the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches will offer distinct auditory experiences due to their different bottom housing materials, but if you prioritize the top housing material's impact on the sound when releasing keys, you can expect similar results from both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Kailh Box Jade has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Box Jade requires a force of 60 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Red requires a lighter force of 50 grams.
These differences in force can greatly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may find the G Pro 3.0 Red switch more suitable, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for a smoother and easier keystroke. This lighter force can be particularly beneficial for individuals who need to type for extended periods, such as when using the keyboard for work or during long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. This can be preferred by individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a tactile feedback while typing. The slightly higher forces of the Box Jade switch can contribute to a more satisfying and responsive keystroke, especially for those who appreciate a robust typing sensation.
In terms of weight, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch can be considered lighter than the Kailh Box Jade switch due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. However, it is important to note that both switches fall within the medium range when compared to other mechanical switches. Therefore, depending on personal preference, both switches can deliver satisfying results; the G Pro 3.0 Red providing a lighter and smoother typing experience, while the Box Jade offering a heavier and more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
When it comes to the travel distance of the switches, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of the traditional travel distance, the G Pro 3.0 Red falls within the range at 4.0 mm, while the Box Jade is slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. However, it's important to note that shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel, the Box Jade would be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing the keys, the G Pro 3.0 Red with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade switch is high-pitched and offers a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. This switch also has a crunchy sound profile, reminiscent of stepping on piles of autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound with no extreme characteristics. It is suitable for a wide range of purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and can be used at home or work. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is accented, which means it provides a medium level of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It offers a pronounced amount of feedback, along with a moderate to firm actuation force, resulting in an invigorating typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch has multiple descriptors. It can be creamy, which means it offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, likely due to lubrication applied at the factory or specific materials used. It can also be mild, providing a more gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. This switch can also be described as polished, meaning it has a smooth, refined finish that reduces friction and offers smooth key travel. Additionally, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch can be silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade switch offers a high-pitched sound with crunchy clicks and an invigorating feel with prominent feedback. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, this switch is perfect for you. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a neutral sound profile and a range of possible feels, including creamy, mild, polished, and silky. This switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, providing a smooth typing experience with various levels of tactility. If you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch that delivers a satisfying auditory experience and enhances your typing performance, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is an excellent choice. Keep in mind that the ultimate experience will also depend on other factors such as your choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who wants a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactile feedback, the Kailh Box Jade switch is the perfect choice for you. You will enjoy the crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps when typing on these switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth typing experience without the clicky sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is the way to go. With its medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, the G Pro Red offers brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding to the overall typing experience. Overall, both switches have their unique qualities and it ultimately depends on your personal preference and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
