Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Ink Box Pink mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note their distinct characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its heavy linear switch design, appealing to users seeking a more substantial typing experience with its 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink offers a lighter typing feel and a higher-pitched clack, providing a smoother and more polished experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Black boasts a medium-high pitch and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Ink Box Pink exudes a softer, more subdued aesthetic. 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
60g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, it is evident that both switches utilize the same proprietary INK blend top housing. This results in a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile for both switches, which is often described as clacky. The top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when a key is pressed and released, contributing to the overall typing experience.
However, where the two switches differ is in the bottom housing material. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a POM bottom housing, which creates a unique and deep sound profile that is more muted compared to the high-pitched sound of the top housing. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink utilizes the proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which continues the pointed and high-pitched sound profile from the top housing. This difference in bottom housing material impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches when keys are pressed, providing a variety of typing experiences for users.
Overall, while both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Ink Box Pink share the same proprietary INK blend top housing, their differences in bottom housing material result in distinct typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Black offers a deeper and more muted sound profile due to its POM bottom housing, while the Ink Box Pink maintains the high-pitched and clacky sound profile throughout with its proprietary INK blend bottom housing. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between these two switches to achieve the typing experience that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it is evident that the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in their performance. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink features a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. The difference in weight between these two switches can impact the typing experience, as the G Pro 3.0 Black will provide a more substantial push feel compared to the lighter Ink Box Pink. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing comfort and keypress feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Black offers a longer travel distance compared to the Ink Box Pink. A 4.0mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while a 3.6mm travel distance is shallower. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the Ink Box Pink a popular choice in the gaming community. However, for those who prefer a more robust feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black with its longer travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key press feel 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 Pink 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 Pink 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 switch offers a clacky and somewhat subdued auditory experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed while also providing a more muted sound profile compared to some switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch also offers a clacky sound but with a higher-pitched tone, giving a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. Ultimately, both switches may provide a satisfying typing sound, with the G Pro 3.0 Black leaning towards a more subdued tone and the Ink Box Pink having a higher pitch.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch offers a creamy, silky, and subtle typing experience, providing smooth and buttery keystrokes with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch offers a silky and polished feel, ensuring an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and refined key travel. Both switches seem to prioritise smoothness and ease of typing, with the G Pro 3.0 Black offering a slightly heavier feel compared to the lighter touch of the Ink Box Pink.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a clacky sound with a balanced medium-heavy feel, the Ink Box Pink switch offers a higher-pitched clack and a lighter typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound pitch and typing resistance, users can choose between the two switches to achieve a satisfying typing experience and premium quality at a budget-friendly price point. Ultimately, both switches promise a smooth and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience, with the choice between them primarily coming down to individual preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who prefers a heavier typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch would be an ideal choice for you. It offers a more substantial feel and a medium-high pitch sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel and a higher-pitched sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch is the way to go. It provides a smooth and buttery typing experience with a lighter bottom out force. Ultimately, your preference for typing feel and sound profile will determine which switch is the best fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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