Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Medium Tactile stand out for their unique characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch, offers a heavier typing experience with its 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, catering to those who prefer a more substantial feel. Its medium-high pitch auditory feedback and vibrant RGB lighting effects make it a popular choice for gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch, provides a pronounced yet balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature that appeals to users looking for a tactile typing experience. Each switch has its own set of qualities that make it desirable, but diving deeper into their specific attributes will help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
65g
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 Medium Tactile switches both feature unique housing materials that significantly impact their sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a pointed and high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. In contrast, the Medium Tactile's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics based on their top housing materials, with the G Pro 3.0 Black leaning towards a thinner and higher-pitched sound, while the Medium Tactile delivers a clearer and more resonant sound profile.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes POM, which produces a deep and relatively muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 Black tends towards a deeper and more muted sound, whereas the Medium Tactile offers a rounder and duller sound profile.
Overall, the housing materials used in the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Medium Tactile switches play a crucial role in determining their respective sound profiles. While the G Pro 3.0 Black leans towards a clacky and slightly muted sound with its INK blend and POM housing combination, the Medium Tactile offers a sharper and fuller sound profile with its polycarbonate and nylon housing combination. Despite their differences, both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the materials used in their top and bottom housings.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Durock Medium Tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This means that while the G Pro 3.0 Black may require a slightly heavier initial push to register a keystroke, both switches will feel relatively similar when fully pressed down. The weight difference may be a factor for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may appreciate the stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same distance traveled from top to bottom. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, resulting in similar typing experiences in terms of key travel. Whether choosing the G Pro 3.0 Black or the Medium Tactile, users can expect a consistent typing feel with the same 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 Durock Medium 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 Medium 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a jelly-like sound signature that adds a unique tactile experience to typing. Both switches offer distinct sounds that cater to different preferences; while the G Pro 3.0 Black delivers a crisper sound, the Medium Tactile provides a more subdued and tactile auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is praised for its creamy and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch features an accented and stepped tactile profile, providing a balanced tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Black leaning towards a smoother feel while the Medium Tactile emphasizes a structured tactile feedback.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a heavier linear typing experience with a clacky sound and creamy feel, the Medium Tactile offers a more pronounced tactile feedback with a jelly-like sound signature. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, consider your typing preferences carefully. If you prefer a more substantive typing experience with a medium-heavy feel and enjoy a clacky, medium-high pitch sound, then the G Pro 3.0 Black might be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a balanced tactility with a jelly-like sound signature and a variety of tactile descriptors like accented, stepped, mild, and polished, the Durock Medium Tactile switch might suit your typing style better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and overall experience. Choose wisely to enhance your typing enjoyment.
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