Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare and contrast are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the TTC Gold Red. The G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch, stands out for its heavy actuation and bottom-out forces, making it ideal for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Gold Red linear switches offer a smoother typing feel with a lighter resistance, adding a hint of personality to your keyboard. While the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a balanced medium-heavy feel and medium-high pitch auditory experience, the Gold Red switches offer a snappy sound profile and a buttery smooth typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the TTC Gold Red, we can see that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their materials. The G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a thin and higher-pitched sound with a clacky feel, while the Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Both materials offer distinct auditory experiences for users, with the INK blend being slightly less sharp than the polycarbonate. Additionally, the POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a deeper and more muted sound, contrasting with the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red, which provides a fuller and rounder sound profile.
While the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gold Red differ in their top and bottom housing materials, they both offer unique benefits to users. The POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black creates an incredibly pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted, offering a different auditory experience compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller, rounder sound. The top housing materials of both switches also play a significant role in the overall sound profile, with the proprietary INK blend of the G Pro 3.0 Black providing a more pointed and high-pitched sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound of the polycarbonate used in the Gold Red.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the TTC Gold Red will come down to personal preference and desired sound profile. While both switches offer unique qualities based on their housing materials, users may prefer the deeper and more muted sound of the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the Gold Red's polycarbonate top housing. Regardless of the choice, both switches provide quality materials that contribute to an overall satisfying typing experience.
Weight
Comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in weight between the two. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a higher bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. The G Pro 3.0 Black provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Gold Red offers a smoother and lighter keystroke for prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with some users opting for the lighter Gold Red for extended use, and others preferring the heavier G Pro 3.0 Black for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4mm from the top to the bottom. In terms of travel distance, both switches offer a similar typing experience, allowing for quick and smooth key presses. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Black or the Gold Red switch, you can expect a similar feel in terms of travel distance.
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 TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch offers a clacky and medium-high pitched typing experience, which provides a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch produces a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, resulting in a deep and rich tone when keys are pressed and released. Both switches deliver distinct auditory experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 Black being more clacky and medium-high pitched, while the Gold Red offers a thocky and low-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and subtle, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a balanced medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a mild, silky, subtle, and polished typing feel, ensuring a gentle and smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Both switches excel in providing a comfortable and refined typing feel, with the G Pro 3.0 Black leaning towards a slightly heavier and creamier experience compared to the Gold Red.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and TTC Gold Red linear switches offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences with their distinct sound and feel characteristics. While the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a clacky and medium-high pitched sound along with a creamy and silky typing feel, the Gold Red offers a thocky and low-pitched sound paired with a smooth and gentle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound profile, typing feel, and desired typing experience. Nonetheless, users can expect high-quality performance from both switches, albeit with slightly different subjective qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch or the TTC Gold Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clacky, medium-high pitch sound profile, then the G Pro 3.0 Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a smooth, buttery typing experience and a thocky, low-pitched sound profile, then the Gold Red switch may be more suitable. Both switches offer high-quality performance at different ends of the spectrum, so consider your preferences carefully before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on what type of typing experience you value most.
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