Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Bsun Olive, one can't help but notice their distinct characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch, boasts a heavier actuation and bottom-out force, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive, a tactile switch, offers a unique tactile feedback and a resonant, deep sound due to its all-POM housings. While the G Pro 3.0 Black is known for its medium-heavy feel and medium-high pitch sound, the Bsun Olive provides a satisfying tactile feel and auditory experience. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Bsun Olive both feature POM top housing materials, which create unique and pleasing sound profiles. However, the G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, while the Olive's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. This difference in sound characteristics can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, with the G Pro 3.0 Black providing a clacky sound and the Olive offering a more subdued sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Bsun Olive utilize POM housings to enhance their sound profiles. The deep and muted sound produced by POM bottom housings in both switches results in a consistent typing experience that emphasizes the tactile feedback and sound of each key press. This similarity in bottom housing materials ensures that users will experience a similar level of performance and satisfaction when typing on either switch, despite any differences in their top housing materials.
Due to the unique qualities of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch, the typing experience on the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Bsun Olive will vary depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or releasing it. The bottom housing material will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing material will influence the sound produced when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings adds to the overall complexity and dynamic sound profiles of each switch, catering to different preferences and typing styles.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch differ in terms of weight. The G Pro 3.0 Black requires a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Olive's 45 grams, making the G Pro 3.0 Black a slightly heavier option for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the G Pro 3.0 Black at 70 grams and the Olive at 65 grams, falling into the medium-heavy category. This means that while the initial actuation of the keys may feel different between the two switches, the overall key press experience in terms of bottoming out will be relatively similar. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on whether a lighter or heavier typing feel is preferred by the user.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the G Pro 3.0 Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Olive switch. The G Pro 3.0 Black offers a more traditional travel distance, which may provide a more familiar and comfortable typing experience for some users. On the other hand, the Olive switch with a shorter travel distance may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 is known for its clacky and somewhat subdued sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound with a medium-high pitch that is not overly loud. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is described as having a resonant, deep sound due to its unique design and material composition. While the sound of a switch can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the G Pro 3.0 Black tends to provide a crisper and more vibrant sound compared to the Olive switch.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is often characterized as creamy and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience due to potential factory lubrication or specific materials used. Conversely, the Bsun Olive tactile switch provides an accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback that enhances typing precision and responsiveness. The G Pro 3.0 Black delivers a medium-heavy typing feel, while the Olive switch's tactile feedback is more prominent and satisfying for users who prefer a distinct tactile response during typing.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. While the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a balanced and substantive typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Bsun Olive switch stands out for its deep, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback. Depending on whether you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience or a more tactile and responsive feel, either switch can enhance your overall typing satisfaction. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch with a balanced feel and a medium-high pitch sound, then the G Pro 3.0 Black would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-weight tactile switch with pronounced feedback and a sharp, snappy feel, then the Bsun Olive switch might be more suited to your typing needs. Consider how you like your typing experience to feel and sound, and choose the switch that best aligns with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so you can't go wrong with either choice.
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