Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately boils down to your personal preference and typing style. The G Pro 3.0 Black offers a heavy linear switch experience with a balanced medium-heavy feel, perfect for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Blueberry provides a sharp tactile bump that appeals to users looking for a distinct typing sensation. While the G Pro 3.0 Black boasts a medium-high pitch sound and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Blueberry switch offers a lower-than-average sound frequency and a textured feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics and benefits, so it is important to consider your typing preferences before making a decision. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
3.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry both feature POM top housings, creating a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted compared to other materials. However, the G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing is characterized by a slightly higher-pitched sound that is not overly sharp, providing a clacky sensation that differs from the more muted sound of the POM material. This difference in sound profile can significantly impact the overall typing experience for users who prefer a specific type of sound when typing.
In terms of bottom housings, both switches feature POM material that provides a deep and muted sound profile. This consistency in housing material for the bottom of the switches ensures a similar typing experience when it comes to the sound produced during bottom-out. However, since the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the differences between the two switches may still be noticeable to users who are sensitive to changes in typing feedback. Overall, the choice of POM material for the bottom housing helps maintain a consistent typing experience across both switches.
When considering the overall sound profile and typing experience, it is clear that both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry offer unique qualities based on their housing materials. While the POM top housing of both switches creates a similar deep and muted sound, the proprietary INK blend top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a slightly higher-pitched and clacky sound that sets it apart from the Blueberry. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel, as both offer a high-quality typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch with an actuation force of 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Black requires 70 grams while the NovelKeys Blueberry needs 80 grams, making it heavier. The G Pro 3.0 Black provides a medium-heavy typing experience, while the NovelKeys Blueberry offers a heavier push feel. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the G Pro 3.0 Black may be the better option. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the NovelKeys Blueberry. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. Users can expect consistent tactile feedback and actuation force from both switches. With their equal travel distance, both switches are suitable choices for those looking for a smooth and responsive 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 Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Blueberry for $6.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch offers a clacky and subdued sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound with a more subtle overall signature. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch presents a low-pitched and resonant sound, with a bass-heavy and mellow tone accompanied by a clean and sharp sound profile. Depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard, users may prefer the sharper sound of the G Pro 3.0 Black or the deeper, more resonant sound of the Blueberry switches.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and subtle, offering a smooth, buttery typing experience with gentle resistance and a light typing feel. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch provides a snappy, buttery, textured, invigorating, and stiff typing sensation. These switches are super responsive, smooth and fluid, with noticeable friction for those who appreciate a textured feel, and they also require higher force for actuation and bottoming-out. Again, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which feel is preferred.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles catering to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The G Pro 3.0 Black provides a clacky and subdued sound with a creamy, silky typing feel, while the Blueberry switches deliver a low-pitched and resonant sound alongside a snappy, buttery, and textured typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, as both options offer high-quality performance at different ends of the spectrum.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Blueberry tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy feel with balanced actuation and bottom-out force, as well as a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting effects, the G Pro 3.0 Black is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a sharp tactile bump, lower-than-average sound frequency, and a typing feel that is snappy and invigorating, the NovelKeys Blueberry might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the typing feel, sound profile, and overall experience each switch offers.
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