Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Outemu Ocean
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Ocean stand out as distinct options for different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch, is celebrated for its heavy actuation and bottom-out force, catering to those who enjoy a more solid typing experience. The satisfying medium-high pitch sound and enhanced RGB lighting effects through the frosted light diffuser make it a visually and audibly appealing choice. On the other hand, the Outemu Ocean, a tactile switch, offers a different typing sensation with its unique characteristics that cater to a different audience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Ocean differ in their housing materials, as the G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing while the Ocean has a polycarbonate top housing. The INK blend top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, described as clacky, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Ocean creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Ocean's housing leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially beneficial for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency.
On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing and the Ocean's nylon bottom housing also offer distinct characteristics. The POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black produces an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Ocean creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic properties, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. These differences in bottom housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Ocean showcase differences in their housing materials, each switch offers unique sound profiles derived from the combination of top and bottom housing materials. Whether it be the clacky sound of the G Pro 3.0 Black's INK blend top housing or the sharper sound of the Ocean's polycarbonate top housing, users can expect a distinct auditory experience from both switches. Similarly, the deeper and muted sound of the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing and the fuller sound of the Ocean's nylon bottom housing showcase how different materials can impact the overall typing sound and feel. Ultimately, users can choose a switch based on their preference for sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Outemu Ocean tactile switch's 55 grams. However, the G Pro 3.0 Black requires a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the bottom out force of the Ocean switch is unknown. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a more substantial typing experience overall, with a heavier force needed to fully press the keys. In contrast, the Outemu Ocean switch may offer a lighter typing experience due to its lower actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Ocean switch may be the better choice to avoid hand fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. But for users who enjoy a more tactile and responsive typing feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch would be the ideal option.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing their travel distance, users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of how far the key travels when using either switch. This means that whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Black or the Ocean, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Black and Outemu Ocean switches offer a standard key travel distance, providing users with a familiar typing experience regardless of their choice between the two switches.
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 Ocean 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is known for its clacky sound, which provides a sharp and snappy typing experience. On the other hand, information on the sound of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is unavailable. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's build quality and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 Black is described as having a creamy and silky typing experience, offering smooth and buttery keystrokes with minimal resistance. This enhances the overall typing feel, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. Unfortunately, there is no information available on the feel of the Outemu Ocean tactile switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch stands out for its clacky sound and creamy, silky feel, providing a premium typing experience at a budget-friendly price point. While information on the Outemu Ocean tactile switch is limited, it is possible to expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel based on the descriptions provided for the G Pro 3.0 Black switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience each user is looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Outemu Ocean tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you desire a medium-heavy linear switch with a more substantive typing experience, a balanced actuation and bottom-out force, and a clacky, medium-high pitch sound profile, then the G Pro 3.0 Black is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and a subtle typing feel, the Ocean tactile switch may be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and priorities to enhance your overall typing experience.
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