Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch, and the Outemu Milk Tea, a tactile switch, there are distinct differences to take into account. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its heavy linear feel and satisfying auditory experience, making it appealing for those seeking a more robust and tactile typing sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea offers a tactile feedback that is gentle yet distinct, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Black boasts vibrant RGB lighting effects and a budget-friendly price point, the Milk Tea switch remains a bit of a mystery in terms of renowned 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
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Ly
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black features a unique combination of a proprietary INK blend top housing and a POM bottom housing. The top housing provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound profile, which is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. This combination results in a switch that offers a diverse sound profile, with sharp clacks when typing and a richer sound when bottoming out.
In comparison, the Outemu Milk Tea switch utilizes a Ly top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The Ly top housing produces a bright sound signature, offering resonant clacks when typing. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The combination of these housing materials ensures a switch that delivers a mix of sharp, bright sounds while typing and a deeper, rounder sound when bottoming out.
While the housing materials for the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Milk Tea switches differ, both switches offer a unique sound experience. The G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing create a balance between high-pitched clacks and muted deep sounds. Similarly, the Milk Tea's Ly top housing and nylon bottom housing combination provide a blend of bright, resonant sounds and fuller, deeper tones. Overall, both switches showcase how different housing materials can impact the sound profile of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch reveals some key differences. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a higher actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Milk Tea's lighter 45 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Black requires 70 grams, while the Milk Tea's bottom out force is unknown. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Black switch heavier overall, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch offers a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Both switches have their advantages depending on personal preferences, with the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black being on the heavier side and the Outemu Milk Tea on the lighter side.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that you will get consistent results in terms of key feel and responsiveness when using either of these switches. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance that is suitable for most typing and gaming purposes.
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 Milk Tea 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 known for its clacky sound profile, which provides a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's sound profile is unknown. When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a creamy and silky typing experience, characterized by smooth and buttery keystrokes with minimal resistance. The Milk Tea's tactile feel is also unknown. Overall, if you prefer a heavier linear switch with a clacky sound and a smooth typing feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black would be a great choice. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Milk Tea switch remain unknown, if you're seeking a similar experience to the G Pro 3.0 Black, it's likely that you'll get comparable results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force and a clacky, medium-high pitch sound, along with a creamy, buttery typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with no specified bottom out force, and are looking for a subdued sound and feel, the Milk Tea could be the better fit. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you desire.