Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch, and the Durock Koala, a tactile switch, there are distinct characteristics that make each stand out. The G Pro 3.0 Black is praised for its heavy linear feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a weightier typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Koala offers a tactile bump without being overly loud, appealing to users who want a noticeable feedback without excessive noise. While the G Pro 3.0 Black boasts a medium-high pitch and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Durock Koala provides a polished and low-pitched 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Koala, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles due to the materials used. The G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a clacky and pointed sound, while the Koala's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and more resonant sound. However, both switches excel in providing a higher-pitched sound, making them suitable for users who prefer this type of sound profile. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing gives a deeper and more muted sound, contrasting with the Koala's nylon bottom housing, which produces a fuller and rounder sound.
Despite the differences in housing materials, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Koala both offer satisfying typing experiences. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings in each switch allows for a unique combination of sound characteristics. While the G Pro 3.0 Black combines an INK blend top housing with a POM bottom housing to create a blend of clacky and deep sounds, the Koala utilizes a polycarbonate top housing with a nylon bottom housing for a sharper and fuller sound profile. Both switches are able to provide a satisfying typing experience, catering to users who enjoy different sound profiles.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Koala play a role in the overall look of the switches. The use of translucent polycarbonate in the Koala's housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual appeal to the switch. On the other hand, the opaque POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a sleek and classic look. Both switches offer a visually pleasing design, with the choice of housing materials contributing to their overall appearance. Ultimately, whether you prefer a clacky sound with a deeper bottom housing or a sharper sound with a fuller bottom housing, both switches provide a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Black requires a slightly lighter actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Koala, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 70 grams for the G Pro 3.0 Black and 67 grams for the Koala, making them both medium-heavy in terms of force required for bottoming out. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience on the G Pro 3.0 Black, while the Koala offers a more consistent typing feel throughout. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. When comparing the two, users can expect a similar key feel and overall typing experience in terms of travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent and smooth actuation with a medium-length key press, making them suitable for typing and gaming. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Koala switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a balanced travel distance that is neither too short nor too long.
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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 offers a clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This provides a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Koala boasts a low-pitched sound, presenting a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The Koala also provides a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various environments and users. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Black leaning towards a more lively and sharp sound, while the Koala delivers a smoother and more subdued tone.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black is known for its creamy and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with minimal resistance. This switch maintains a medium-heavy feel, providing a balanced typing experience for users who prefer a bit more weight behind their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock Koala is described as polished and accented, providing a refined and sleek typing experience with a medium amount of tactility. The Koala switch also features a stepped tactile feel, offering a more pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke. Both switches offer unique tactile qualities that cater to different typing preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Black focusing on a silky and subtle typing feel, and the Koala providing a more polished and accented tactile experience.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Black excels in providing a clacky sound profile and a creamy, silky typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a medium-heavy switch with a lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Koala delivers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, along with a polished, accented tactile feel, catering to users who prefer a smoother and more pronounced tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences, both switches offer a premium typing experience with their own unique characteristics, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard enthusiast community.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you prefer a heavier and more substantive typing experience with a balanced medium-heavy feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black may be the better choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a clacky and more pronounced auditory experience, this switch could be the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke and provides a bit of resonance without being overly loud, the Durock Koala may be more suitable for your preferences. The Koala also offers a more neutral sound profile and a smooth key travel experience. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific characteristics that you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
