Kailh Box Jade vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Are you in the market for a new mechanical keyboard? If so, then let's take a look at two popular switches: the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow. The Box Jade is a clicky switch, perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound profile and notable tactile feedback. Its crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps enhance the typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a linear switch that boasts budget-friendly excellence. With a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy feel when typing, it offers a polished and resonant experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches show several similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that produces clear and resonant sounds. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Consequently, users can expect similar auditory and aesthetic experiences when using either switch.
However, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The Box Jade incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which gives rise to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the characteristics of nylon.
Therefore, when using these switches, the qualities of the bottom and top housing materials come into play. The bottom housing primarily influences the sound and feel when the key is fully pressed down, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when the key is released. Despite these minor distinctions, both switches offer an engaging typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have an actuation force of 50 grams, which means that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both. This similarity ensures that users will get a similar level of responsiveness from both switches when typing or gaming.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a notable difference. The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium in terms of heaviness. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy.
This distinction in bottom out force means that the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch. For those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch would be the better option. However, for users who prefer a lighter switch to minimize fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch would be a suitable choice due to its slightly lighter bottom out force.
In conclusion, while both switches share the same actuation force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch. Therefore, the choice between the two boils down to personal preference and the desired typing experience - whether one prefers a lighter or a heavier switch for their specific needs.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch are different. The Box Jade has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm. In terms of comparison, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a longer travel distance compared to the Box Jade. The traditional travel distance for switches is 4.0 mm, while 3.0 mm is considered more shallow. However, shorter travel distances are becoming popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. For those seeking more responsiveness, opting for the shorter travel distance of the Box Jade would be ideal. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer a deeper key press. In such cases, choosing the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and desired typing experience.
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 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, both the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow are described as having a high-pitched sound profile. However, the Box Jade is also described as having a crunchy sound, similar to stepping on crisp autumn leaves. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is said to have a resonant sound, which is clean and sharp. Keep in mind that the actual sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Box Jade is described as having an accented tactile feel, providing a medium level of tactility. It is not overly tactile or scratchy, but still offers a noticeable amount of feedback. This switch is also described as invigorating, offering snappy and reactive feedback, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is described as having a polished feel. This indicates that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It is also described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Jade and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Jade provides crisp clicks, a crunchy sound profile, accented tactility, and an invigorating typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a higher pitched clacky sound, a resonant sound profile, a polished feel with reduced friction, and a creamy typing experience. Based on this information, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced feedback, the Box Jade would be a great choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a linear switch with a higher pitched sound profile and smoother, more polished key travel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be a budget-friendly option. Overall, with either switch, you can expect a satisfying typing experience, tailored to your specific preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and tactility, the Kailh Box Jade switch is the way to go. These switches provide crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps, giving you an invigorating and immersive typing sensation. The high-pitched and crunchy sound profile adds to the overall experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a budget-friendly option with a linear switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent choice. These switches offer a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel. The polished and creamy switch finish provides a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and resulting in smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a clicky and tactile typing experience, go for the Kailh Box Jade. If you prefer a linear switch with a budget-friendly option and appreciate a polished and creamy typing sensation, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a great choice.
In closing, both switches have their unique qualities and advantages, so consider your typing preferences and the sound and feel descriptions provided to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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