Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique characteristics of various options, and two linear switches that stand out are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Keygeek Keylin. The G Pro 3.0 Black is celebrated for its premium quality offered at an accessible price point, providing a medium-heavy typing experience with a 60g actuation force and a 70g bottom-out force that caters to those who appreciate a more substantial feel during use. Additionally, its medium-high pitch sound profile adds a satisfying auditory element to keystrokes, while a frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects, creating a more vibrant visual experience. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin distinguishes itself with its rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness, thanks to innovative molds that ensure a top-notch typing experience. While both switches deliver a linear feel devoid of tactile bumps, the G Pro 3.0 Black leans towards a heavier, more pronounced typing experience, whereas the Keylin focuses on a premium smoothness that might appeal to those who prioritize silent operation and fluidity. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Keygeek Keylin, one can note a distinct difference in the composition of their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend which offers a pointed, high-pitched sound profile, often characterized as clacky. This material is designed to enhance the auditory experience, providing a distinctive and somewhat sharp sound when typing. In contrast, the Keylin features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper and rounder sound profile. The inherent properties of nylon, being a softer plastic, contribute to its ability to absorb sound, making the acoustic feedback less harsh and more muted. Thus, while the G Pro 3.0 Black may deliver a more energetic auditory feedback, the Keylin’s nylon top housing offers a deeper resonance and a more subdued typing experience.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a more intriguing similarity between the two switches. The G Pro 3.0 Black comes with a POM bottom housing, known for its unique sound characteristics that also leans towards a muted and deeper profile. Similarly, the Keylin's bottom housing is crafted from nylon, which similarly produces a fuller, rounded sound. This shared attribute means that despite the differing materials in the top housings, both switches can elicit a similar depth in sound due to their construction. When pressed, both switches will exhibit improvements in the bottom-out sound quality thanks to their respective bottom housings, which absorb sound more effectively than harder materials, ensuring a pleasant auditory experience.
Together, these differences and similarities illustrate how each switch's design influences the overall typing experience. The contrast between the G Pro 3.0 Black's high-pitched, clacky sound from its INK blend top housing and the Keylin's deeper, fuller sound from its nylon top housing highlights diverse auditory characteristics. However, both switches achieve a similar muted and refined sound profile from their respective bottom housings, demonstrating how the materials chosen can shape the final output. Whether seeking a more pronounced acoustic feedback from the G Pro 3.0 Black or a softer sound experience from the Keylin, typing enthusiasts will find that each option offers a unique yet enjoyable interaction, accommodating a range of preferences in mechanical keyboard users.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge, catering to varied preferences for typing or gaming experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Black features an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch that provides a more substantial feel with each keystroke. In contrast, the Keylin switch boasts a much lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, while both switches serve the same purpose, the G Pro 3.0 Black is suited for users seeking a firmer push, whereas the Keylin is ideal for those who favor a softer touch. Hence, anyone looking for a lighter and quicker response should lean toward the Keylin, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a more forceful typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means the G Pro 3.0 Black switch offers a more pronounced depth when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel during key presses. In contrast, the Keylin switch's 3.6 mm travel distance could cater to those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers seeking faster actuation. Ultimately, if you value a deeper key press experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the go-to option, whereas if you prefer a more responsive and quicker action, the Keylin would be the better choice. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Black has a longer travel distance compared to the Keygeek Keylin switch.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 switch offers a mixture of auditory experiences with descriptors such as clacky and subdued. This switch produces a medium-high pitch that can be described as snappy and crisp, which appeals to users who enjoy a more dynamic auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the sound profile of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch remains unspecified, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, sound perception can heavily depend on the keyboard type and keycap choices, meaning both switches may yield different acoustic results based on setup.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black excels with its creamy and silky typing experience, providing users with a smooth and buttery sensation that is often attributed to the lubricant used in production as well as the materials of the switch itself. This creates a gliding effect when typing that minimizes resistance and offers a satisfying tactile interaction. Conversely, the Keylin switch has not been described in regard to feel, making a direct comparison challenging. Therefore, if you prioritize smoothness and subtleness in a switch, the G Pro 3.0 Black has a noted advantage.
Considering these qualities, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch stands out as a robust option for those seeking a balanced sonic and tactile typing experience, particularly notable for its creamy and silky feel, along with a mix of sound characteristics that appeal to various preferences. Meanwhile, the unknown qualities of the Keylin switch necessitate further information for a complete evaluation. If you're drawn to sound and tactile nuances, the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a clear, enjoyable choice, but in the realm of switches, exploring personal preferences through hands-on testing remains essential for achieving your ideal typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and environment. If you appreciate a heavier and more tactile typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black, with its 70g bottom-out force, provides the substantial feedback that many enthusiasts enjoy. This switch is particularly well-suited for typists who value a pronounced actuation feel and a richer, more vibrant sound with its medium-high pitch. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and prioritize a smoother, almost silky feel during your typing, the Keylin linear switch, with only 48g of bottom-out force, would be an excellent choice. Its premium acoustic profile and exceptional smoothness are ideal for those who spend long hours typing in a shared or quieter environment, where a more subdued sound is preferable. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you lean towards a robust, tactile experience or a gentle, fluid typing sensation.
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