Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Akko Rosewood, both linear switches that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black is lauded for its robust design, featuring a 60g actuation point and a 70g bottom-out force, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more substantial, medium-heavy feel while typing. This switch not only offers a clacky and creamy auditory experience, but its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, creating stunning visual effects. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch delivers a deep and satisfying thocky sound straight out of the box, enriched by a factory-applied lubricant, perfect for users seeking a tactile auditory experience without compromising on smoothness. While both switches provide excellent performance and unique characteristics, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your specific needs and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and Akko Rosewood switches showcase distinct properties in their top housing materials, contributing to their respective sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend that is celebrated for its high-pitched, clacky sound. This unique blend is engineered to produce a pointed auditory experience that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Rosewood utilizes a nylon top housing, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material’s inherent softness and sound absorption qualities. This leads to a more muted auditory experience relative to the sharper tones produced by the G Pro 3.0 Black. While both switches prioritize sound quality, the INK blend offers a distinctive high-pitched characteristic, whereas the nylon housing favors warmth and richness.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches employ materials that affect the overall sound and typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a POM bottom housing, which is known for producing a pleasing and pronounced sound that remains on the deeper side, providing a relatively muted bottom-out sensation. On the other hand, the Rosewood adopts a nylon bottom housing similar to its top housing material. Like the top housing, the nylon in the bottom portion contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall muted effect. Therefore, while the G Pro 3.0 Black's bottom housing will fortify the higher-pitched sounds from its top casing, the Rosewood's matching top and bottom housings create a harmonious unity in sound quality, delivering consistent auditory experiences across the spectrum of key press and release.
When considering the overall impact of these switches on typing experience and sound, the interplay of different materials becomes crucial. For G Pro 3.0 Black, the differentiation between the sharp INK top and the muted POM bottom concentrates the auditory profile into two distinct elements: the sound on key release being high-pitched and the bottom-out sound being deeper. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood's dual nylon housing results in a more cohesive sound output, where both the upstroke and downstroke feel and sound rich and full-bodied. Ultimately, if users appreciate a more unified yet muted experience, they may find the Rosewood preferable. Conversely, those who enjoy pronounced, clacky sounds may gravitate toward the G Pro 3.0 Black, showcasing how the interaction of top and bottom housing materials significantly shapes the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, classifying it as a medium-heavy option. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter switch for sustained typing or long gaming sessions may find the Rosewood more suitable, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial, heavier push might lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Black. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a stronger tactile experience, while the Rosewood allows for a more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when you press down on either switch, you experience the same distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will have a comparable feel and responsiveness while typing or gaming with either switch. Since both switches have identical travel distances, those who prefer one over the other may do so based on factors such as design, key feel, or brand preference, rather than differences in the travel distance itself.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 switch produces a medium-high pitch, offering a clacky auditory experience that is sharp and snappy with a crisp, bright resonance on each keystroke. This sound quality can vary depending on the keyboard and keycaps used, but the inherent design of the switch leans toward a more percussive effect. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch delivers a completely different auditory experience characterized by a deep, satisfying thocky sound, thanks to a factory-applied layer of lubricant that enhances its acoustic profile right out of the box. While both switches provide distinct sound signatures, they cater to different preferences—one for those who enjoy a sharper, more pronounced sound, and the other for users who favor a deeper, more substantial auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black is renowned for its creamy and silky typing experience, making it exceptionally smooth due to its lubricated design. Users will find a delightful gliding sensation as their fingers effortlessly transition across the keys, paired with a subtle resistance that maintains an engaging yet non-intrusive typing feel. This medium-heavy actuation weight adds an element of heft that many typists appreciate. On the other hand, the feel of the Akko Rosewood switches is not specified, leaving users to explore its tactile qualities without prior expectations. However, if the feel is anything akin to the auditory signature, one might expect a unique typing experience that sets it apart from the G Pro 3.0 Black.
In summary, while both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Akko Rosewood linear switches offer distinct experiences, users can anticipate clear auditory differences, with the former providing a clacky sound and the latter a thocky tone. The G Pro 3.0 Black also excels in delivering a creamy and silky feel, blending a smooth typing sensation with medium-heavy actuation, whereas details about the Rosewood's feel remain unknown. Those choosing between these switches will find that their audible preferences and desired typing experiences point towards the best fit for their individual needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you use your keyboard. If you prefer a more robust and tactile feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black is an excellent option, especially for those who enjoy a weightier keystroke; its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams provides a more substantive typing experience. This switch is particularly well-suited for gaming and tasks that require firm keystrokes, accompanied by a clacky auditory feedback that can enhance the overall engagement while typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter typing experience that still delivers satisfying acoustics, the Akko Rosewood switch is more aligned with your needs. With a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams and a deep, thocky sound that's satisfying right out of the box, the Rosewood is ideal for extended typing sessions or shared workspaces, as its sound signature is less likely to disturb others. Ultimately, both switches are excellent in their own right, so consider what aspects matter most to you—whether that's the tactile feedback and auditory experience of the G Pro 3.0 Black or the lighter, smooth feel of the Rosewood. Your choice will enhance your typing experience in a way that best suits your personal preferences.
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