Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Mountain Top both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its heavy linear switch design, providing a more substantial typing experience with its 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch is designed specifically for office environments, offering a quiet yet satisfying typing experience with its light actuation. While the G Pro 3.0 Black excels in providing a medium-heavy feel and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Mountain Top switch prioritizes discretion and comfort in professional settings. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Mountain Top both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Black combines a proprietary INK blend top housing with a POM bottom housing, resulting in a pointed and higher-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. In contrast, the Mountain Top utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that is softer and rounder in comparison. While the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a more distinct and sharp sound, the Mountain Top provides a smoother and more muted typing experience.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Mountain Top offer a satisfying typing experience. The combination of the INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing in the G Pro 3.0 Black creates a unique sound that is deep, yet muted. On the other hand, the nylon top and bottom housings of the Mountain Top contribute to a fuller and softer sound profile that is characterized by a rounder tone. While the two switches may sound different due to their housing materials, they ultimately provide a similar level of satisfaction for users looking for a premium typing experience.
When comparing the top and bottom housings of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Mountain Top, it is important to consider the impact each housing material has on the overall typing feel. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. The POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black creates a deeper bottom-out sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Mountain Top offers a fuller typing experience. In contrast, the INK blend top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black delivers a sharp and clacky sound upon key release, while the nylon top housing of the Mountain Top produces a softer and rounder tone.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch. The G Pro 3.0 Black requires 60 grams of force to actuate and 70 grams to bottom out, making it a more medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a lighter typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter Mountain Top switch for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may prefer the heavier G Pro 3.0 Black switch for a stronger push sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Gateron Mountain Top has a shorter distance compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black. The 3.4 mm travel distance of the Mountain Top makes it a more responsive option, which is ideal for gamers who prioritize speed and quick reaction times. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a slightly deeper press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. This sound can be characterized as crisp and bright, adding a tactile element to typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offers a neutral sound profile, striking a balance between actuation force and sound level, making it suitable for various environments without being too distracting. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the G Pro 3.0 Black offering a more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the Mountain Top's more subdued nature.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch provides a creamy and silky typing experience, characterized by a smooth and buttery feel that enhances the overall typing comfort. The switch offers a balanced resistance level that is not too heavy but provides enough feedback for a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch emphasizes a bouncy and easy-to-press feel, offering a spring-like feedback that makes typing effortless and comfortable. Both switches offer unique tactile sensations, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch stands out for its clacky sound and creamy feel, appealing to users seeking a more tactile and substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch focuses on a neutral sound and bouncy feel, prioritizing a quiet yet responsive typing experience perfect for professional settings. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to achieve their desired typing experience. While the switches offer distinct qualities, users can expect reliable performance and quality construction from both Gateron products.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, consider the factors of typing experience and environment. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing feel with a clacky sound profile and a more substantial tactile feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Black would be your choice. On the other hand, if you work in an office setting and require a quieter, more discreet typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Mountain Top switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your preference for typing feel, sound, and environment will guide you in selecting the ideal switch for your mechanical keyboard.
Mentioned in this article
