Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Ink Box Black both stand out for their unique characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch, is renowned for its medium-heavy feel with 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, appealing to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black, also a linear switch, boasts an incredibly smooth and creamy feel with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. While the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a balanced medium-heavy feel and a medium-high pitch auditory experience, the Ink Box Black provides a silky and polished typing experience with a high-pitched sound signature. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
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 features a POM bottom housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound profile compared to the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. This difference results in a distinct typing experience for users of the G Pro 3.0 Black, with a softer and more subtle bottom-out sound. In contrast, the Ink Box Black's bottom housing, made of the proprietary INK blend, offers a higher-pitched and clacky sound that is characteristic of Gateron switches.
On the other hand, both the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Ink Box Black share the same proprietary INK blend top housing, leading to a similar sound profile characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched tone. This consistency in the top housing material ensures that users of either switch will experience the satisfying clacky sound that Gateron switches are known for. However, the POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a unique touch to its sound profile, offering a deeper and more muted typing experience compared to the Ink Box Black.
In terms of overall feel and sound, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Ink Box Black comes down to personal preference. While both switches feature the same proprietary INK blend top housing for a consistent clacky sound, the difference in bottom housing materials sets them apart. The POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a softer and more subtle typing experience, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Black delivers a higher-pitched and more distinctive sound profile. Ultimately, users looking for a deeper and muted bottom-out experience may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Black, while those seeking a louder and more pronounced typing sound may lean towards the Ink Box Black.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch are the same, with both having an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making them medium-heavy switches. This means that users will get similar results in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke and the feeling of pressing the keys all the way down. Some users may prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may favor heavier switches for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Ink Box Black will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional length, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Gamers often opt for switches with shorter travel distances like the Ink Box Black for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Black. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a slightly longer press compared to the Ink Box Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preference for travel distance and responsiveness.
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 Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is described as offering a clacky and subdued sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy yet subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch also offers a clacky sound but with a high-pitched tone, creating a more sharp and crisp auditory feedback. Depending on your preference for sound, both switches provide distinct yet satisfying sound profiles that can enhance your typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black switch is known for its creamy, silky, and subtle typing sensation, offering a smooth and buttery keystroke feel that glides effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch provides a silky and polished typing experience, ensuring minimal resistance and smooth key travel for a refined and sleek feel while typing. Both switches deliver a premium typing feel, with slight differences in the specific sensations they offer.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Black excels in providing a balanced medium-heavy feel and a clacky yet subdued sound profile, the Ink Box Black stands out for its incredibly smooth and creamy feel and a clacky, high-pitched sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for typing experience, whether you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium pitch sound or a smoother, creamier feel with a higher-pitched sound. Rest assured that both switches deliver exceptional quality and performance that will enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the way to go. It provides a balanced actuation and bottom-out force, along with a medium-high pitch sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience with a high-pitched sound, the Ink Box Black is the better choice for you. Both switches offer unique qualities, so make your decision based on what matters most to you in terms of feel and sound. Ultimately, whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Black or the Ink Box Black, you can expect a premium typing experience from Gateron switches.
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