Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Cherry MX Purple RGB offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black, recognized as the heaviest linear switch in Gateron’s lineup, caters to typists who prefer a more substantial feel, boasting a 60g actuation force and 70g bottom-out force that create a rich typing experience without tactile feedback. Its smooth travel and medium-high pitch sound profile make it appealing to gamers and typists looking for a clacky yet satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches deliver a refined tactile sensation, featuring a notable bump that engages the fingers without the noise associated with clicky switches. This switch excels for those who appreciate tactile feedback during typing, enhancing precision and satisfaction with every keystroke. Both switches are designed with RGB lighting in mind, but the G Pro 3.0 Black's frosted light diffuser creates vibrant lighting effects that may steal the spotlight. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black Linear

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches, distinct differences can be noted in their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which is known for producing a higher-pitched and slightly sharper sound profile often referred to as "clacky." This sound is characterized by a pointed quality that adds a lively component to typing experiences. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound due to the material’s softer nature. The nylon's acoustic properties allow it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches can provide satisfying auditory feedback, the nature of that feedback differs considerably based on their top housing materials.

The bottom housings of both switches also contribute significantly to their respective sound profiles, offering yet another point of comparison. The G Pro 3.0 Black incorporates a POM bottom housing, which further enhances its deeper and more muted sound characteristics. POM, being a hard plastic, produces a unique sound that contrasts with the softer nylon material used in the Cherry MX Purple RGB's bottom housing. As with the top housing, the nylon bottom housing also contributes to a fuller and rounder sound, reinforcing the overall auditory experience associated with the Purple RGB. Consequently, the combined effects of their unique top and bottom housings create a distinct sound profile for each model, ensuring that the user's typing experience is influenced by these materials.

In synthesizing these differences and similarities, it's clear that while the G Pro 3.0 Black and Cherry MX Purple RGB employ different materials for their top and bottom housings, the resulting auditory profiles can still share certain parallels. For example, both switches feature qualities in their bottom housings that lean toward deeper sounds, but they achieve this acoustic effect through the differing properties of POM and nylon. When a user types, the bottom-out sound and feel are impacted significantly by the bottom housing, meaning that both switches provide unique auditory experiences based on their constitutive materials, yet can offer a sense of depth through their respective engineering. This interplay exemplifies how housing materials can influence the tactile and auditory aspects of mechanical switches, making them distinct yet forging a bridge of similarity through shared low-frequency sound characteristics.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch with the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, significant differences in actuation force and bottom out force become evident. The G Pro 3.0 Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB is lighter at 45 grams. This distinction makes the G Pro 3.0 Black more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel, ideal for a substantial typing experience, while the Cherry MX Purple caters to users who favor a lighter touch, making it more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Black exhibits a measurable bottom out force of 70 grams, indicating that it requires more force to bottom out, whereas the bottom out force of the Cherry MX Purple is unknown. Therefore, if you seek a switch that offers more resistance for a pronounced tactile response and possibly a stronger feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the better choice, whereas the Cherry MX Purple offers a lighter, easier keystroke.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning users can expect similar keypress feedback and performance when typing or gaming. This equal travel distance indicates that both switches will provide a consistent experience, allowing for smooth actuation and response during use. Consequently, whether opting for the G Pro 3.0 Black or the MX Purple RGB, users can enjoy a similarly satisfying feel as they engage with their keyboards.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the auditory characteristics, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch produces a distinctly clacky sound, which delivers a sharp and snappy auditory feedback upon each keystroke. This crisp, bright, and percussive sound can enhance the tactile experience for users who appreciate an audible confirmation of their typing. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch does not have a specified sound profile, making it difficult to ascertain its auditory characteristics directly. However, it’s worth noting that sound can vary greatly based on the keyboard’s build, including factors like the choice of board and keycaps, suggesting that users might find some similarities in sound depending on their configurations.

Regarding the feel of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 Black offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, characterized by its creamy and silky textures. The switch is designed to provide a buttery sensation, allowing for effortless key presses that glide seamlessly under the fingers. This smoothness can foster a comfortable typing environment, even when engaged in prolonged use. In contrast, the tactile Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is engineered to give a refined bump, although specific details about its tactile feedback are not provided. Due to the absence of a comprehensive description, it remains uncertain how the feel of the Purple switch compares directly with the creamy and silky nature of the G Pro 3.0 Black.

In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches offer differing experiences primarily in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out with its clacky sound and buttery smoothness, making it appealing for those seeking an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the sound profile of the MX Purple RGB remains undefined and its tactile feedback is subtly different, emphasizing a more refined bump. While the G Pro 3.0 Black delivers a uniquely satisfying auditory and tactile experience, the exact qualities of the MX Purple RGB are less well-defined, leaving room for exploration and preference among keyboard enthusiasts.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, your personal preferences and typing style will play a pivotal role in your choice. If you are someone who values a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Black should be your go-to option. Its medium-heavy feel and creamy, silky touch make it ideal for those who enjoy a smooth and immersive typing journey, especially during long writing sessions or gaming marathons. Moreover, the clacky sound profile adds to the tactile enjoyment, making every keystroke satisfying. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback that provides clear actuation points without the heaviness, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is an excellent alternative. While the specifics of its bottom-out force remain unknown, the refined tactile bump is crafted for a balance of feedback and comfort that many typists and gamers appreciate. If you enjoy a distinct tactile sensation that helps in typing accuracy but still want a lighter touch, the MX Purple RGB will cater to your needs effectively. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a heavier, smooth experience or a tactile, light-touch engagement.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Purple RGB Tactile

$6.19

$5.79 per 10

Learn more