Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Magnetic Jade present distinct options catering to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black, known for its robust linear feel, features a hefty actuation weight of 60g and a 70g bottom-out force that provides a substantial typing experience, complemented by a medium-high pitch sound profile. This switch is an excellent choice for gamers and typists who crave a smooth, consistent keystroke without any tactile bump, making it ideal for rapid key presses and prolonged use. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade shines with its innovative hall effect design, delivering a bright and clacky acoustics that elevate the auditory experience of typing. This switch is particularly well-suited for those looking to enhance their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards, bringing a lively character to every keystroke. While both switches offer unique advantages, one prioritizes a heavier linear feel for a more subdued experience, and the other emphasizes an electrifying sound profile for maximum auditory enjoyment. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Magnetic Jade, significant differences can be observed in both the top and bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is engineered to deliver a pointed, high-pitched sound profile often characterized as clacky. This material contributes to a sound that is satisfying yet not overly sharp. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade employs a polycarbonate top housing known for its sharper, crisper sound due to the material's stiffness and translucency, which can enhance RGB lighting effects. While both switches aim for a higher-pitched sound, the nature of the resonance differs due to their distinct top housing materials—providing unique auditory experiences despite some overlap in tonal quality.
On the bottom side, the G Pro 3.0 Black features a POM housing that promotes a deeper, more muted sound profile, effectively absorbing some of the sharper tones from the switch's top housing. Conversely, the Magnetic Jade's nylon bottom housing is recognized for its softer texture, allowing it to produce a fuller, rounder sound. This difference significantly impacts how the switches feel and perform: while the POM cushioning may yield a more subdued feedback when bottoming out, the nylon housing enhances the overall richness of the sound. Each bottom housing's unique properties contribute to the tactile and auditory characteristics of the respective switches, underscoring the importance of material choice in performance.
Overall, when the top and bottom housings differ, they create distinct sound profiles that govern how the switches interact during typing. The G Pro 3.0 Black blends the sharpness of its INK blend top housing with the muted resonance of POM at the bottom, leading to a unique auditory experience defined by contrasting qualities. Meanwhile, the Magnetic Jade combines the crisp sounds of its polycarbonate top with the full-bodied tones allowed by nylon at the bottom. Though they may share similarities in producing a high-pitched output, the nuances in their respective materials dictate the overall performance and sound, highlighting how the interplay of housing materials can result in markedly different switch experiences.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different typing preferences and use cases. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, which caters to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, allowing for longer, more controlled keystrokes—ideal for those who enjoy that tactile feedback when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade switch features a much lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more effortless typing experience, perfect for extended sessions without fatigue. This medium-light feel makes it suitable for users who prioritize comfort over the tactile push of heavier switches. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the heavier option, while the Magnetic Jade is the lighter choice, leading to different user experiences based on their weight preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Black the option for those who prefer a more substantial key press, as it provides a deeper feedback that can feel more satisfying for some users. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade's 3.5 mm travel distance caters to those who enjoy quicker response times, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking an efficient performance. Therefore, if you prefer a more traditional, deeper feel in your keystrokes, the G Pro 3.0 Black offers that extra half millimeter. However, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Magnetic Jade would suit your needs well with its shorter travel distance.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 provides a medium-high pitch auditory experience that can be characterized as somewhat subdued. When typing, it delivers a more subtle sound signature compared to louder clacky switches, making it suitable for quieter environments while still offering a satisfying auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch is designed to produce a bright and clacky sound profile, which is ideal for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience. However, it’s important to remember that sound characteristics can vary greatly depending on the specific keyboard build, including the choice of materials for the board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for offering what can be described as creamy and silky sensations during typing; this results in a pleasantly smooth experience due to its heavier actuation force. Users will likely enjoy the resistance this switch provides, making keystrokes feel more purposeful without being overly cumbersome. On the other hand, the feel of the Magnetic Jade switches remains unspecified in the provided details. Without specific descriptors, we can't provide a direct comparison, which leaves some uncertainty regarding the tactile experience they offer.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is a well-rounded option for those seeking a smoother typing experience with a more subdued sound profile. Conversely, the Magnetic Jade switches cater to users who prefer a brighter, more reactive sound but lack detailed information on their tactile feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will hinge on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback; both switches can complement different typing styles depending on what auditory and tactile sensations you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black is an excellent choice. Its 70g bottom-out force and creamy, silky feel make it ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feedback and a more pronounced keystroke when typing or gaming. This switch is also great if you are looking to enhance your keyboard’s RGB lighting, as it amplifies the effects beautifully. Conversely, if you lean towards a lighter switch that delivers a bright and clacky sound, the Magnetic Jade is your best bet. With a 55g bottom-out force, this switch provides a more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Moreover, its improved acoustics make it perfect for users seeking a lively auditory experience while typing. Ultimately, you should consider what aspects—whether it’s tactile feedback, weight, acoustics, or visual effects—are most important for your unique setup and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
