Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Cherry MX Brown 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 Cherry MX Brown stand out as popular choices for different reasons. The G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch, boasts a heavy actuation that appeals to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. With its medium-high pitch and vibrant RGB lighting effects, it offers a clacky and creamy feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown, a tactile switch, provides a lighter typing experience with subtle tactility and bassy audio feedback. While the G Pro 3.0 Black caters to those who prefer a heavier touch, the MX Brown is perfect for users who appreciate a more delicate feel. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Cherry MX Brown, one can see that they both feature unique qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, while the MX Brown's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the overall typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Black offering a more clacky sound and the MX Brown offering a rounder sound.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM material creates a deeper and muted sound profile, while the MX Brown's nylon bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Both housing materials have their own unique qualities that can affect the overall sound and feel of the switch. While the G Pro 3.0 Black may offer a more unique and pleasing sound with its POM bottom housing, the MX Brown's nylon bottom housing still provides a solid typing experience with its sound-absorbing properties.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Cherry MX Brown provide users with a choice based on their preferred typing experience. The unique qualities of each housing material can greatly impact the sound and feel of the switches. Whether you prefer a clacky and high-pitched sound profile or a deeper and fuller sound, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience. In the end, while the housing materials may be different, users can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance from both the G Pro 3.0 Black and the MX Brown switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer contrasting experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users may prefer for added feedback. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where lighter keypresses are desired. Despite the differences in force, both switches offer quality performance and reliable keystrokes, so users can expect similar results regardless of their choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force feedback.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience a similar distance traveled from the top to the bottom of the keystroke. As a result, the typing experience between the G Pro 3.0 Black and the MX Brown switches will be quite similar in terms of the distance felt when pressing a key. Overall, both switches offer a consistent typing experience with a travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is characterized by a more clacky and medium-high pitched sound, offering a sharp and snappy audio feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound, giving off a deeper and richer tone with each key press. Depending on personal preference, users may choose between the more pronounced and crisp sound of the G Pro 3.0 Black or the subtle and bass-heavy sound of the MX Brown.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch offers a creamy, silky, and subtle tactile experience, thanks to its medium-heavy actuation and bottom-out force. This results in a smooth and buttery typing sensation, allowing fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this slight texture for a more tactile feedback compared to the smoother feel of the G Pro 3.0 Black.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the G Pro 3.0 Black excels in delivering a clacky sound and a creamy typing experience, the MX Brown stands out with a bassy sound and a textured tactile feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether the user prefers a sharper, medium-high pitched sound with a smooth feel or a bass-heavy, low-pitched sound with a slightly textured feedback. However, both switches provide quality options for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, consider your typing preference and environment. If you enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a crisp, clacky sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Black may be the perfect fit for you. Additionally, the vibrant RGB lighting effects and smooth, buttery feel of the G Pro 3.0 Black can enhance your overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing experience with gentle tactility and a bassy, low-pitched sound profile, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a more subtle and subdued typing experience that is suitable for shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing environment.
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