Kailh Box White vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Box White is a clicky switch that provides maximum audio feedback with a "stepping on autumn leaves"-like crunch and accented tactility. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black is a linear switch known for its premium quality and budget-friendly price point, offering a more substantive typing experience with its heavier 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force. While the Box White is resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy, the G Pro 3.0 Black is clacky, creamy, and subdued. Each switch has its own distinctive characteristics that appeal to different users. 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
Yes
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 housing materials of the Kailh Box White and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches both play a significant role in dictating the sound profile of the switches. The Box White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, resulting in a higher-pitched sound. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a slightly higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky, providing a unique auditory experience. Both switches utilize different materials for their top housing, leading to distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housing of these switches, the Box White's nylon material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing produces a more muted and deeper sound, offering a unique auditory experience that differs from the Box White. Despite the variations in bottom housing materials, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through the creation of a distinct sound profile that caters to different user preferences.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch can significantly impact the typing experience. While the Box White and G Pro 3.0 Black switches have different housing materials for the top and bottom, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their unique sound profiles. Whether you prefer a sharper and crisper sound from the polycarbonate top housing of the Box White or a more muted and deep sound from the POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black, both switches offer distinct acoustic experiences that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, the Box White has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black's 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Black needs 70 grams, making the G Pro 3.0 Black the heavier option in both aspects. The lighter actuation force of the Box White may be preferred by those looking for a more effortless typing experience, while the heavier forces of the G Pro 3.0 Black may suit individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel. In terms of weight, the Box White falls into the medium category, while the G Pro 3.0 Black leans towards the medium-heavy side, offering users the flexibility to choose based on their personal typing preferences. Ultimately, whether you opt for the Kailh Box White or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, you can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, providing a satisfying typing experience tailored to your needs.
Travel distance
The Kailh Box White clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Box White's travel distance is shorter than the G Pro 3.0 Black, making it more suitable for those who prefer a quicker response time. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper, more satisfying keystroke. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, with the Box White being the shorter option and the G Pro 3.0 Black being the longer option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and typing experience.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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 White clicky switch offers a resonant and high-pitched experience with a crunchy tactile feedback that resembles stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch provides a clacky and subdued sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy noise with medium-high pitch. Depending on the user's preference for auditory feedback, the Box White will deliver a more immersive and crisp sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Black will offer a brighter and percussive tone.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White switch is recognized for its polished finish, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and improved key travel. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch is described as creamy and silky, providing a buttery and smooth sensation akin to gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a subtle resistance with minimal sound signature, making it suitable for environments where noise may be a concern.
Considering the information provided, newcomers seeking a more tactile and auditory typing experience may lean towards the Kailh Box White switch for its clicky nature and crunchy sound profile. Alternatively, those looking for a smoother and quieter typing experience may find the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch to be more appealing with its creamy feel and clacky sound. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can customize their mechanical keyboard to suit their individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a tactile and auditory experience with a medium bottom-out force, opt for the Box White for that satisfying clicky feedback reminiscent of autumn leaves. However, if you prefer a heavier feel with a more subdued sound and a smoother typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch might be the better choice with its creamy and silky keypresses. Ultimately, your preference for sound, feel, and typing force will determine which switch is the perfect fit for you.
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