Kailh Box White vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red

Overview

The Kailh Box White and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features for users seeking different typing experiences. The Box White is a clicky switch that generates maximum audio feedback, giving the sensation of stepping on autumn leaves with its resonant and high-pitched click. With an accented tactility, typing on the Box White switch provides a satisfying crunch. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red is a linear switch that focuses on delivering a smooth typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance between responsivity and ease of use. Additionally, the G Pro Red features a frosted light diffuser, allowing for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects. While the Box White provides a distinct clicky experience, the G Pro Red offers a creamy and mild typing sensation, accompanied by a medium-high pitch. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preferences and typing needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box White Clicky

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

$2.76 per 10

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches share many similarities. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, and its translucency is particularly useful for RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when it comes to their top housings.

However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the materials used differ. The Box White features a nylon bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Red also incorporates nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, although both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, the specific design and construction elements may lead to slight differences in the sound produced.

Ultimately, the impact of the housing materials will vary depending on the specific action performed on the switch. Pressing down on the switch will primarily involve the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will play a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. So, while the overall similarities between the housing materials of the Kailh Box White and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red provide comparable results, the slight differences in their bottom housings may lead to nuanced variations in sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Kailh Box White has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red's lighter 45 grams. Similarly, the Kailh Box White also has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter 50 grams.

Considering the weight aspect, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for smoother and faster keystrokes, especially suitable for extended typing sessions or intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Kailh Box White offers a stronger push feel due to its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces. This can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a little more resistance in their keystrokes.

Overall, while the Kailh Box White and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red have slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces, both switches offer a satisfactory typing experience. If you prefer a lighter feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red would be a suitable choice, while the Kailh Box White would cater to those who appreciate a slightly heavier and more tactile typing feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, it is clear that the Box White has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. These distances represent the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom, which is the sensation felt when pressing down on a key. The 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, whereas the 3.6mm travel distance is shallower. In recent times, shorter travel distances have become more popular, especially among gamers who prefer faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Kailh Box White clicky switch with its shorter travel distance would be the suitable option. However, for some individuals, shorter travel distances can feel too abrupt. In this case, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch with its longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Kailh Box White clicky switch is best known for its distinctive sound profile. When typing on these switches, users can expect a resonant, high-pitched sound that is often described as similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. The sound profile is clean and sharp, offering an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile. With a moderate actuation force requirement, these switches offer a balanced sound that is suitable for most purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kailh Box White is characterized as having a polished feel. This means that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel of these switches contribute to the overall polished feel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red offers a creamy and mild typing experience. The switch is either factory-lubricated or made from specific materials that result in a smooth and buttery sensation when typing. It feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke melting into the switch. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch also falls into the polished and silky categories, further emphasizing its smoothness and minimization of resistance.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch provides a resonant and high-pitched sound profile along with a polished feel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch offers a more neutral sound and a creamy, mild, polished, and silky feel. While these switches have different subjective qualities, they both excel in their respective categories. If you are seeking maximum audio feedback and a crunchy typing experience, the Box White is the go-to choice. However, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience with a moderate sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent option. Overall, both switches will provide satisfying results based on the user's preferences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are someone who values maximum audio feedback and a pronounced tactile feel when typing, the Kailh Box White clicky switch would be a great choice for you. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, you can expect a satisfying crunch similar to stepping on autumn leaves. The Box White switch offers a resonant, high-pitched, and crunchy sound profile, perfect for those who enjoy a sharp and crisp typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and buttery typing experience without the tactile feedback, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch would be more suitable for you. With a light bottom out force of 50 grams, this switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. The G Pro 3.0 Red offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you'll be using it at home or work.

In terms of feel, the Box White switch provides a polished and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a creamy, mild, polished, and silky feel, allowing for effortless keystrokes and a gentle typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch depends on your personal preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy the audacity and crispness of the clicky sound and prefer a more tactile typing experience, the Box White switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a smoother typing experience without the tactile feedback and prioritize a neutral sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch is the better option for you.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box White Clicky

$2.76 per 10

Learn more

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more