Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch, and the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, it's important to consider the key differences between the two. The G Pro 3.0 Black is ideal for those seeking a heavier linear switch with a balanced medium-heavy feel, perfect for a more substantial typing experience. Its 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, combined with a medium-high pitch auditory experience, make it stand out. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, providing vibrant effects. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown offers a tactile typing experience but lacks unique standout features. 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
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches offer contrasting options. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing which creates a relatively high-pitched and clacky sound profile. In contrast, the Crystal Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. While the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a more pointed sound, the Crystal Brown provides a clearer and resonant sound, making for a distinctive auditory experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the differences between the two switches become even more apparent. The G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing generates a unique and deeper sound, adding a muted quality to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and deeper sound profile. The softer nature of nylon as a material absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black.
While the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches create distinct sound profiles, both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Black's combination of INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing offers a unique blend of characteristics, resulting in a pleasing and deep sound profile. In comparison, the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing combine to deliver a sharper and fuller sound. Whether you prefer a clackier and pointed sound or a sharper and crisper sound, both switches offer quality housing materials that cater to different preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it's evident that the G Pro 3.0 Black is the heavier option with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Crystal Brown is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. The G Pro 3.0 Black provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown offers a lighter typing experience, making it perfect for longer typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Both switches provide different levels of feedback and resistance, catering to the preferences of users who may prefer either a lighter or heavier actuation and bottom out force. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual typing preferences and comfort levels.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get consistent results in terms of key feel and feedback when using either switch. However, it is important to note that while the travel distance is the same for both switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black is known for its smooth linear feel, while the Outemu Crystal Brown offers a tactile bump during actuation. This difference in key feel may make the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black feel shorter in travel distance compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown, even though they technically travel the same distance. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for linear or tactile 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 Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10 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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is characterized by a clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's sound profile is unknown. When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black is praised for its creamy and silky typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with a medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown's tactile feel is unspecified. Overall, while the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a clacky sound and creamy, silky feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown's qualities remain unknown, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches. Ultimately, if you are looking for a switch with a robust typing feel and vibrant RGB lighting, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black may be the ideal choice, while the Outemu Crystal Brown may offer a different, yet unknown, typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, ultimately if you are looking for a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a balanced typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black is the way to go. It offers a clacky sound and a creamy, silky feel that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light bottom-out force and a more subtle typing feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
