Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Cherry MX Red mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black by Gateron boasts a heavier 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, providing a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a medium-heavy switch. Additionally, its medium-high pitch and frosted light diffuser enhance the RGB lighting effects, making it visually appealing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is renowned for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, delivering a robust typing experience with a satisfying auditory depth. While the G Pro 3.0 Black is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Subdued', 'Silky', 'Subtle', the MX Red falls into the categories of 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured'. Each switch offers its own set of advantages, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you determine the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Cherry MX Red switches offer distinct sound profiles due to their different materials. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and higher-pitched sound, often described as clacky. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red utilizes a nylon top housing that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in sound can greatly impact the typing experience for users, as the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a sharper sound, while the Cherry MX Red offers a more rounded sound.
Additionally, the bottom housings of these switches also contribute to their overall sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Black uses a POM bottom housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red's nylon bottom housing continues to enhance the deeper and fuller sound profile that the nylon top housing provides. This difference in bottom housing material further distinguishes the sound of these switches, giving users a variety of options based on their sound preferences.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Cherry MX Red switches offer unique sound profiles, they still share similarities in how they impact the overall typing experience. Both switches utilize high-quality materials that contribute to a satisfying typing feel, with the G Pro 3.0 Black and Cherry MX Red offering different sound profiles due to their housing materials. In the end, users can choose between a sharper, clacky sound with the G Pro 3.0 Black or a deeper, fuller sound with the Cherry MX Red based on their personal preferences.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Red is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the MX Red for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may enjoy the more substantial typing experience of the G Pro 3.0 with its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance. Therefore, whether you choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black or the Cherry MX Red, you can expect to get similar results in terms of key press feel and feedback.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it is important to note that the G Pro 3.0 Black is described as having a more clacky and medium-high pitch sound, while the MX Red is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound profile. The G Pro 3.0 Black provides a crisper and brighter sound when pressed, appealing to those who enjoy a more percussive auditory experience. On the other hand, the MX Red offers a deeper and richer sound profile, creating a more satisfying thud or knock when keys are pressed and released. Depending on personal preference, the G Pro 3.0 Black may be preferred for its sharp and snappy sound, while the MX Red may be favored for its bass-heavy and mellow tone.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is known for its creamy, silky, and subtle typing experience. These descriptors indicate a smooth and buttery feel with gentle resistance, perfect for those seeking a medium-heavy yet light typing sensation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may appeal to users who prefer noticeable friction when typing. The G Pro 3.0 Black's smooth and effortless keystrokes may be preferred by individuals looking for a more fluid typing experience, while the MX Red's textured feel may provide a tactile sensation that some users find satisfying.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Black provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy, silky typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a medium-heavy keypress with a subtle sound signature. On the other hand, the MX Red offers a thocky and low-pitched sound profile with a textured feel, catering to users who prefer a deeper and richer auditory experience with noticeable friction when typing. Depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall mechanical keyboard user experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch or the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a balanced feel and medium-high pitch sound, then the G Pro 3.0 Black might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you seek a slightly heftier feel with a deeper sound profile that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth, then the MX Red could be the better option. Whichever switch you choose, both offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what attributes matter most to you in a keyboard switch.
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