Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Glory Red offer distinct advantages tailored to user preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black is celebrated for its substantial typing experience, featuring a 60g actuation and a 70g bottom-out force that provides a satisfying medium-heavy feel, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing. Its medium-high pitch sound adds an auditory richness to the experience, while the frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects to create a visually striking setup. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red offers a lighter touch, characterized by a smooth keystroke and an enjoyable travel distance, perfect for users who prefer a swift and effortless typing experience. Both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences, whether you favor a more robust key feel or a lighter, smoother action. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and Gateron Glory Red switches exhibit significant differences in their housing materials, which leads to distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, creating a higher-pitched and somewhat clacky sound, which can enhance the tactile responsiveness of each keystroke. In contrast, the Glory Red incorporates a traditional nylon top housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that tends to be more muted. This fundamental difference means that while both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, the G Pro 3.0's auditory feedback is more pronounced and lively compared to the more subdued, rounder sound produced by the Glory Red.
Examining the bottom housing materials of both switches reveals similar contrasts. The G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a POM bottom housing, yielding a unique and deep sound that is relatively muted as compared to the sharper audio effects of its top housing. Meanwhile, the Glory Red continues to utilize nylon for its bottom housing, further contributing to that round sound profile. As a result, while both switches provide a deeper sound due to the softer materials used, the G Pro 3.0's combination of POM and INK blend results in a more nuanced audio experience that balances higher frequencies with the muted tones of its bottom housing.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials lead to unique auditory characteristics for each switch. However, if one were to employ switches with similar properties, one might expect a blending of these sound qualities. Typing on switches like the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Glory Red would yield comparable results in terms of the overall feel, as the bottom housing always influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. Therefore, while the specific sound profiles differ, the overall experience can still evoke similar feelings, driven by the unique contributions of both the top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, with the Black switch requiring a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the lighter 45 grams of the Glory Red. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Black more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing, as the heavier force provides a tactile experience that can help prevent accidental key presses. In terms of bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Black has a definitive measurement of 70 grams, indicating the force needed to press the key all the way down, while the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unknown, leaving a gap in understanding how it feels once fully depressed. Overall, for those who favor a lighter switch for long typing sessions or gaming, the Glory Red would be the better choice, whereas users looking for a firmer push would likely prefer the G Pro 3.0 Black.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm suggests that users of the G Pro 3.0 Black will experience a deeper keystroke, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Glory Red, at 3.6 mm, can provide quicker response times, which is often favored by gamers seeking rapid keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: if you favor a lighter, more responsive touch, the Glory Red may be the better option, while those who enjoy a firmer, more traditional feel would likely lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Black.
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 Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 comparing the sound characteristics of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Glory Red switches, the G Pro 3.0 Black stands out with its distinctive auditory profile. It produces a clacky sound which can be described as sharp and snappy, with a crisp and bright tone that might evoke a sense of satisfying feedback during typing. In contrast, the auditory qualities of the Glory Red switches are not specified, leaving that aspect open to interpretation. However, it can be noted that sound perception is influenced by additional factors such as the keyboard's design and the type of keycaps used, meaning that users may experience varying sound profiles regardless of the switch.
From a tactile perspective, the G Pro 3.0 Black delivers a premium typing experience characterized by its creamy and silky feel. This smoothness is primarily attributed to its well-engineered design and possible factory lubrication, allowing for a nearly effortless glide across the keys with gentle resistance. The presence of these tactile qualities ensures that typists can enjoy a satisfying feedback loop without the interruption of rough or scratchy sensations. On the other hand, the feel of the Glory Red switches is not described, leaving a gap in understanding how they may compare in terms of tactile experience. However, since Gateron is known for prioritizing smooth actuation across its range, it can be surmised that the Glory Red will still provide a pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, while the sound characteristics of the G Pro 3.0 Black are marked by its clacky nature, the auditory qualities of the Glory Red remain unknown. When it comes to feel, the creamy and silky smoothness of the G Pro 3.0 Black is likely to provide a substantial typing experience, while the tactile feedback of the Glory Red is less defined. Ultimately, both switches are likely to offer an enjoyable typing experience for different preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Black leaning towards a more substantial feel and sound, whereas the Glory Red may appeal to those seeking a different tactile response. Whatever the case, users can expect a rewarding typing experience, particularly with Gateron's attention to quality across their offerings.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Glory Red linear switches ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium-heavy resistance, the G Pro 3.0 Black is an excellent choice. Its 70g bottom-out force and creamy, silky experience provide a satisfying feedback that is ideal for typists who enjoy a robust keystroke. This switch is particularly fitting for environments where a bit of sound is acceptable, as its clacky nature can add an engaging auditory element to your typing. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch and a smoother keystroke, you might gravitate towards the Glory Red. Though its specific resistance is not detailed, its design emphasizes ease of use and comfort, making it a suitable option for prolonged typing sessions or gaming scenarios. If you're in a shared workspace where noise levels matter, the Glory Red will serve you well with its more subdued sound profile. Ultimately, assess your personal preferences and the context in which you'll use your keyboard to make the best choice between these two distinct linear switches.
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