Outemu Crystal vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up in discussions are the Outemu Crystal and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White. The Crystal switches are well-known for their unique, linear typing experience, combining a fairly elastic type feel with medium-light weight. This results in a typing experience that is both smooth and responsive, accompanied by a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White switches are part of Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, making them an attractive option for those looking for quality without breaking the bank. These switches offer an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, ensuring effortless and sensitive keystrokes. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White features a medium-high pitch, providing a satisfying auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can make an informed decision on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Linear

Gateron G Pro 3.0 White Linear

$3.40 per 10

$3.40

$3.27 per 10

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Housing materials

The Outemu Crystal and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White both use polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice offers several benefits, including a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer polycarbonate plastic creates a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both the Crystal and G Pro 3.0 White will provide similar sound characteristics and visual effects.

While the top housings are quite similar, the bottom housings of the Crystal and G Pro 3.0 White differ. The Crystal's bottom housing also uses polycarbonate, which contributes to the same sound profile as the top housing. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. This contrast in bottom housing material will provide a slight difference in sound and feel between the two switches, with the Crystal being sharper and the G Pro 3.0 White having a deeper tone.

When pressing down on either the Crystal or the G Pro 3.0 White, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the sound and feel of the switch during bottom-out. However, when releasing a key, the top housing becomes more influential in determining the sound produced. This difference in housing materials will result in a subtle variation in the sound characteristics between the two switches, with the bottom housing playing a larger role during typing and the top housing affecting the sound when keys are released.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall into the lighter spectrum of forces. However, there are slight differences between the two. The Crystal switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which can be considered medium-light. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which can be categorized as light.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White switch may be the more suitable choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be beneficial for individuals who type for longer periods of time or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desired for a more substantial typing experience, the Outemu Crystal switch with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force may be preferred.

It is worth noting that although the forces of these switches differ slightly, the end result in terms of typing experience may be similar due to the relatively light nature of both switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.

Travel distance

The travel distance of a switch refers to the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. In terms of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same distance of travel. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, ensuring similar results when using either switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that when typing on these switches, you can expect a sound that is not too loud or too soft. It has no distinct characteristics such as being chirpy or high-pitched. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a variety of sound profiles. It can be clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. It can also be described as neutral, with a moderate sound profile suitable for most situations. Additionally, it can be subdued, giving off a more subtle and dampened sound. Depending on your preference, the G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a range of auditory feedback options. However, it should be noted that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch provides a fairly elastic type feel. This means that it has a slight bounce or springiness to it, providing a unique and responsive typing experience. It also has a medium-light weight, adding to the overall typing feel. These qualities combine to ensure a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers several different feel profiles. It can be described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This could be attributed to lubrication applied in the factory or specific materials used. It can also be easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and reducing finger fatigue. Additionally, it can be feathery, exceptionally light to press and reducing strain on the fingers. The G Pro 3.0 White switch also offers a mild typing experience, falling in the safe middle-ground zone. It can also be described as silky, offering exceptionally smooth key travel and minimizing resistance. Lastly, it can be subtle, providing gentle resistance and a light typing feel suitable for shared spaces. With a range of feel options, the G Pro 3.0 White switch allows typists to choose what suits their preferences and typing style.

In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal and Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal switch provides a neutral sound profile, while the G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a range of sound profiles including clacky, neutral, and subdued. Similarly, the Crystal switch offers a fairly elastic typing experience with medium-light weight, while the G Pro 3.0 White switch provides options such as creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle. Depending on your preferences, both switches can provide satisfying typing experiences. If you prefer a neutral sound profile and a unique linear typing experience, the Crystal switch would be a good choice. If you prefer a range of sound profiles and various typing experiences, the G Pro 3.0 White switch offers versatility. Ultimately, it is important to consider factors such as personal preference, typing style, and desired sound and feel when choosing between these switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a unique, linear typing experience with a medium-light weight, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer a fairly elastic type feel and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Additionally, the Crystal switches have a neutral sound profile when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly light actuation force and a budget-friendly option, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, these switches are designed for delicate typists who want effortless and sensitive keystrokes. The G Pro White also offers a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. Overall, whether you prefer the unique feel and neutral sound of the Crystal or the light actuation force and budget-friendly features of the G Pro White, both switches offer excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Linear

$3.40 per 10

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Gateron G Pro 3.0 White Linear

$3.40

$3.27 per 10

Learn more