Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Dareu Holly offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch, is favored for its heavy 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, providing a medium-heavy feel that appeals to those who seek a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly, a tactile switch, stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, creating a balanced and distinctive typing feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a more subdued and creamy typing experience, the Holly delivers a chirpy and clacky sound profile. 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
50g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Dareu Holly both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, producing a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Holly's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. While both materials offer a high-pitched sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Black's INK blend may provide a slightly softer and more muted sound compared to the Holly's polycarbonate.
In terms of bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Black boasts a POM bottom housing that creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Holly features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softness and sound-absorbing properties. While both materials offer a deeper sound profile, the POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black may provide a slightly more unique and pleasing sound compared to the rounder sound of the Holly's nylon bottom housing.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Dareu Holly result in distinct sound profiles for each switch. The G Pro 3.0 Black's combination of INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing creates a mix of high-pitched and deep sounds that may appeal to those looking for a unique typing experience. In comparison, the Holly's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offer a sharper and fuller sound profile that gives a different typing feel. Despite these differences, both switches provide quality sound and feel, making them excellent options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Holly's 50 grams, making it the heavier of the two switches. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the bottom out force of the Holly is unknown. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Black requires more force for both actuation and bottoming out compared to the Holly. When considering weight, lighter switches are preferred for extended typing or gaming sessions, while heavier switches provide a more substantial typing experience. Overall, users looking for a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Holly, whereas those who prefer a heavier push feel may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, users will experience a consistent travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity ensures that the typing experience will be consistent across both switches, providing reliable feedback to the user. Whether you opt for the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch or the Dareu Holly tactile switch, you can expect a similar typing experience 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 Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 is known for its clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly tactile switch produces a unique combination of chirpy and clacky sound elements, catering to users seeking a balanced and distinct auditory feedback. Both switches provide different sound signatures that can enhance the overall typing experience based on personal preference and typing environment.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is praised for its creamy and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, information about the tactile feel of the Dareu Holly switch is not provided, making it difficult to directly compare the two in this aspect. However, based on the available information, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch prioritizes delivering a luxurious and effortless typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. While the G Pro 3.0 Black excels in providing a more substantive and balanced typing experience with a clacky sound profile and creamy feel, the Dareu Holly stands out for its distinctive sound signature and medium actuation force. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to individual preferences in sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black or the Dareu Holly switch, it all comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you prioritize a medium-heavy typing experience with a balanced feel and a medium-high pitch sound profile, then the G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, along with a medium actuation force, then the Dareu Holly tactile switch would be more suited to your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on what type of typing experience you are looking for and what factors matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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