Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Everglide Rice Pudding

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the options between various designs to suit their typing preferences. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch offers a linear feel that appeals to users who appreciate a heavier touch, featuring a 60g actuation and a 70g bottom-out force that provide a robust tactile experience. Known for its subtle auditory feedback, this switch is perfect for those wanting a more muted sound in their keystrokes, and its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, creating eye-catching effects. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch introduces a unique hall effect mechanism, delivering an exceptionally smooth operation alongside a deep acoustic profile that many gamers and typists find highly satisfying. This switch not only provides a precise typing experience but also boasts compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards, appealing to enthusiasts looking for versatility and advanced performance. Both switches have their own merits depending on your desired experience—be it the heavier tactile feedback of the G Pro 3.0 Black or the smooth and resonant performance of the Rice Pudding. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black Linear

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Everglide Rice Pudding, there are notable differences in both the top and bottom housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which creates a pointed and high-pitched sound that many users describe as clacky. In contrast, the Rice Pudding features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its crisp and clear sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. While both switches yield higher-pitched auditory cues, the G Pro 3.0 Black's INK blend produces a more muted, albeit still bright, resonance compared to the sharper clarity offered by polycarbonate in the Rice Pudding.

Examining the bottom housing materials reveals a more significant contrast that affects the overall acoustics of each switch. The G Pro 3.0 Black’s POM (polyoxymethylene) bottom housing is designed to deliver a pleasingly deep and muted sound, which is characteristic of its softer-than-average plastic composition. In contrast, the Rice Pudding utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which tends to produce a deep, full sound profile that absorbs more vibrations. The nylon material benefits from its sound-dampening properties, leading to a rounder bottom-out sound, while POM emphasizes a unique harmonization that balances depth with some amount of clarity. Consequently, the bottom housing material plays a crucial role in defining how each switch feels and sounds when a key is pressed down.

Although the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Rice Pudding differ in their housing materials, they can still provide similar results in terms of high-pitched sound profiles and satisfying keystrokes. The unique characteristics of each housing material influence the auditory experience at different stages of key presses; the top housing shapes the release sound, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound. When combined, these materials foster an engaging typing experience that can share similarities, especially for users who appreciate a pronounced auditory cue when typing. Whether opting for the G Pro 3.0 Black or the Rice Pudding, keyboard enthusiasts may find that both switches deliver a fully satisfying interaction, albeit through their distinctly blended acoustic elements.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch with its actuation force of 60 grams and bottom out force of 70 grams to the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, which boasts an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, a clear distinction emerges in their weight characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Black is classified as medium-heavy, making it suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience and a firmer feedback during usage. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch is significantly lighter, appealing to users who appreciate a softer touch that allows for longer typing sessions or extended gaming without fatigue. While the G Pro 3.0 Black requires more effort to actuate and bottom out, resulting in a more deliberate feel, the Rice Pudding provides a more effortless experience. Therefore, for those seeking a lighter option, the Rice Pudding is the clear choice, while the G Pro 3.0 Black caters to users who favor a heavier, more tactile response.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, a notable difference emerges. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Rice Pudding measures at 3.5 mm. This indicates that the G Pro 3.0 Black has a longer travel distance, providing a deeper feel when pressed, which may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial keypress. In contrast, the Rice Pudding, with its shorter travel distance, offers a quicker response, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who prioritize speed and rapid key actuation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for depth versus responsiveness in typing or gaming experiences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black presents a medium-high pitch accompanied by a clacky auditory profile. This makes it relatively bright and percussive, delivering a sharp and snappy response with each keystroke. In contrast, the Everglide Rice Pudding is known for its deep sound, creating a more subdued auditory experience that leans towards dampened tones. While the G Pro 3.0 Black’s sharper sounds might stand out more, the Rice Pudding's deeper profile offers a quieter alternative, making it a suitable choice for environments where noise levels matter. Ultimately, both switches can create noticeably different sound atmospheres depending on your configuration, particularly influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black shines with its creamy and silky characteristics, providing a smooth, buttery typing sensation that allows fingers to glide effortlessly over the keys. This smoothness can be enhanced by the lubricant used in the switch, resulting in a delightful typing experience that minimizes resistance. While little information is available regarding the exact feel of the Rice Pudding switch, it is designed for smooth operation, suggesting it may offer a satisfying typing experience as well. However, without specific descriptors for its feel, we can't make a direct comparison. The G Pro 3.0 Black’s medium-heavy resistance may also cater to typists who prefer a more substantive feedback, while the Rice Pudding's nuances remain largely unspecified.

In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Everglide Rice Pudding key switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences catering to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out with its clacky sound and smooth, creamy feel, favorable for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. Meanwhile, the Rice Pudding's deep sound adds a subdued ambience, leaving its tactile qualities less known but potentially appealing as well. Thus, the choice between these switches mainly hinges on your auditory and tactile preferences, but either option promises a rewarding keyboard experience tailored to diverse typist needs.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switches and Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a more robust and tactile typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the way to go. With its medium-heavy actuation and bottom-out force, combined with a clacky sound profile, it's perfect for those who want a substantial feel while typing or gaming. These switches are ideal for environments where sound is less of a concern and for typists who appreciate a switch that requires a bit more force for actuation, providing a satisfying feedback loop with every keystroke. On the other hand, the Rice Pudding switches offer a lighter touch and a uniquely smooth operation that excels in precision and responsiveness. Their compatibility with Wooting keyboards also adds versatility for gamers who prioritize performance. If you value a more muted typing experience that remains enjoyable yet discreet—suitable for both personal and shared spaces—then the Rice Pudding switches are likely your best bet. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style, desired sound level, and the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

Everglide Rice Pudding Hall Effect

$8.00

$6.79 per 10

Learn more