Gateron CM vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM 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 Gateron CM and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The CM switch stands out for its full nylon housing, providing a richer sound signature and smooth typing experience with its impeccable factory lube job. With a bouncy typing sensation due to its lengthened, dual-staged spring, the CM switch is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', and 'Creamy'. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black showcases Gateron's commitment to quality at an affordable price, offering a heavier linear switch with 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force for a more substantive typing feel. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Silky', this switch also enhances the visual experience with its frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting effects. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics, appealing to different preferences. 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
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron CM and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different properties. The CM's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a higher-pitched yet satisfyingly clacky sound. This difference in sound can greatly impact the typing experience for users looking for a specific sound profile in their mechanical keyboard switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, the CM's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing creates a more muted and deeper sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material can affect the overall sound profile of the switch, making it important for users to consider their preferences in sound when choosing between the two switches. While the top and bottom housings of these switches may have different properties, they work together to create a unique typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the housing materials of the Gateron CM and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches each bring their own distinct qualities to the overall sound profile of the switch. While the CM's nylon housing offers a softer and fuller sound, the G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend provides a sharper and clackier sound. By understanding how the top and bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile, users can make an informed decision based on their preferences for typing feel and sound. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique sound profile that can enhance the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific sound profile in their switches.
Weight
The Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch both fall into the medium-heavy category when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The CM has a slightly lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black's 60 grams, making it a bit easier to trigger keystrokes. However, the CM has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black's 70 grams, which may provide a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you prefer a slightly lighter actuation force with a heavier bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black may be the better option for you. If you are looking for similar results in terms of force, both switches offer a medium-heavy typing experience that may cater to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem slight, but it can significantly impact the typing or gaming experience. The shorter travel distance of the CM switch may provide a faster response time, which can be preferred by gamers looking for quick movements. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Black switch may offer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron CM linear switch is revered for its bassy, thocky, and low-pitched characteristics, offering a deep and rich sound profile during key presses that resemble the depth and richness associated with bass tones. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is known for its clacky and subdued sound profile, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed, along with a more dampened and subtle sound compared to most switches. Depending on personal preference, the CM switch provides a deeper and more resonant typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Black switch offers a sharper and more subdued typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron CM linear switch is lauded for its buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless qualities, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is also described as creamy, silky, and subtle, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation with minimal resistance and enhanced smoothness during typing. Both switches prioritize providing a seamless and effortless typing experience, with the CM switch possibly offering a more fluid and uniform sensation.
Overall, the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch each bring unique sound and feel qualities to the table, catering to different preferences in terms of typing experience. While the CM switch leans towards a deeper and richer sound profile with a bouncy typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black switch offers a more substantive typing experience with a medium-to-heavy feel and a medium-high pitch sound. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches promise a premium quality typing experience at varying price points, ensuring satisfaction for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a reliable and enjoyable typing journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a deeper and richer sound profile with a bouncy typing experience, along with a full nylon housing and impeccable factory lube job, the Gateron CM linear switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantive typing experience with a balanced medium-heavy feel and a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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