Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Light Tactile are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences in typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch, stands out for its heavy actuation and bottom-out force, providing a solid and substantial typing feel that appeals to those who prefer a bit of weight behind each key press. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile, a tactile switch, offers a gentle tactility that is softer compared to its sharper tactile counterparts, creating a smooth and angelic typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Black excels in delivering a clacky and vibrant RGB-lit typing experience, the Light Tactile provides a more subdued and polished sound signature. Each switch has its unique characteristics and strengths, catering to different typing preferences. 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
52g
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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Light Tactile both offer unique features in terms of their housing materials. While the G Pro 3.0 Black boasts a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a thin, higher-pitched sound described as clacky, the Light Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, adding a touch of visual appeal to the keyboard setup. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing offers a deeper and more muted sound profile, providing a unique typing experience that differs from the nylon bottom housing of the Light Tactile, which absorbs more sound and produces a duller, rounder sound.
Despite their differences, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Light Tactile excel in providing a satisfying typing experience through their choice of housing materials. While the G Pro 3.0 Black focuses on creating a distinct sound profile with its combination of INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing, the Light Tactile offers a unique typing experience with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. The G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound profile, while the Light Tactile's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound to create a rounder and softer typing sound. Both switches provide a different tactile feel and sound profile, catering to individuals with specific preferences in typing experience.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Light Tactile ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a clacky and sharp sound profile with its INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing, the Light Tactile provides a crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing. Both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, with the top housing influencing the sound upon key release and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch both offer a medium-heavy feel, making them suitable choices for users who prefer a bit of resistance when typing or gaming. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Light Tactile's 52 grams, making it a bit more resistant to accidental keystrokes. However, the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Black at 70 grams is slightly higher than the Light Tactile's 67 grams. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Black offering a slightly firmer feel overall. For users looking for a lighter switch to type on for extended periods, the Light Tactile may be the preferable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means when pressing down on either key, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. As a result, the typing experience would be consistent between the two switches in terms of travel distance. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and feedback with both switches.
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 Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 known for its clacky and somewhat subdued sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a more subtle and dampened tone overall. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a neutral sound experience, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various users and environments. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is characterized by a creamy, silky, and subtle typing experience, offering smooth and buttery sensations with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Durock Light Tactile switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, where the gentle tactile feedback and refined finish contribute to a sleek and approachable key press feel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, catering to different preferences in terms of tactile feedback and smoothness.
Overall, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a heavier linear switch with a clacky sound and creamy feel, or a light tactile switch with a neutral sound and mild feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to specific preferences. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel with a balanced actuation force and a more substantive typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentler tactile switch with a jelly-like sound signature and a more approachable typing experience, the Light Tactile switch could be the right fit. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and the kind of typing experience you are looking for. So, make sure to consider both the characteristics and qualities of each switch before making your decision.
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