Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Huano Sakura present intriguing yet distinct options for enthusiasts seeking a tailored typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its solid construction and heftier feel, featuring a 60g actuation force and a 70g bottom-out force, which cater to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and a balanced typing experience. Its medium-high pitch auditory signature adds an engaging sound profile, while the frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects, making it a great choice for those who value both function and aesthetics. In contrast, the Huano Sakura offers a feather-light touch that’s perfect for extended typing sessions, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize speed and comfort. With its medium acoustics, the Sakura provides a subtler auditory experience, which may appeal to those seeking a quieter work environment. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Huano Sakura, significant differences emerge, particularly in the composition of the top housing. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is noted for producing a clacky sound profile that is characterized as sharp yet satisfying. In contrast, the Huano Sakura utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing that is renowned for its durability and smoothness, contributing to a sound profile that is also clacky. While both switches result in a similar auditory experience, with a high-pitched clack, the underlying material properties are distinct, with the INK blend focusing on sound sharpness and the POK emphasizing smooth functionality through lower friction.
Diving deeper into the bottom housing materials, we observe another divergence that affects the overall acoustic and tactile feedback of each switch. The G Pro 3.0 Black employs a POM bottom housing, which is celebrated for generating a deeper, more muted sound. This is due to POM's harder nature, which produces a unique auditory signature upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Sakura's bottom housing is made of nylon, a material known for its softness that absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a fuller and rounder audio experience. These differences indicate that while the top housings of both switches are designed to produce distinct types of clacky sounds, the bottom housings contribute significantly to the overall sound profile, with POM leading to a deeper tone and nylon offering a more rounded effect.
Ultimately, the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials work in tandem to create a unique playing experience for both switches. While the G Pro 3.0 Black and Huano Sakura may share similarities in their clacky sound profiles due to their respective upper housings, the deeper impact of the bottom materials results in varied auditory feedback, with the POM resulting in muted tones and nylon providing a fuller sound. Therefore, when typing on these switches, users can expect crisp key releases with distinct sound characterizations that reflect the influence of each housing material. By understanding these differences and how they affect the performance of each switch, keyboard enthusiasts can make informed decisions based on their sound and feel preferences.
Weight
Comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch reveals notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that typists or gamers who favor lighter switches for extended use would find the Sakura more comfortable, while those who prefer the tactile feedback of a heavier push would lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Black. Therefore, users looking for a more substantial typing experience should opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black, while those aiming for reduced fatigue during long sessions may prefer the Sakura.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch offers a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the more traditional and deeper option compared to the Huano Sakura linear switch, which has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm means that those who favor a more responsive experience, such as gamers, might appreciate the Sakura switch for its quicker actuation. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial depth and feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the G Pro 3.0 Black being suited for those who appreciate a deeper keypress and the Huano Sakura catering to those seeking quicker response times.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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 switch has a distinctive auditory profile characterized by a medium-high pitch that can lean towards a clacky sound, producing sharp and snappy tones with each keystroke. This makes it a noticeable switch, especially in quieter environments, while still being more subdued compared to other louder clacky switches. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch delivers a feather-light touch with medium acoustics, making it more suitable for those who prefer less auditory distraction during typing sessions. This balance offers a pleasant typing experience while potentially making it less disruptive in shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black excels with a creamy and silky touch that results in a smooth and buttery typing experience. This luxurious feedback allows for a seamless flow between keystrokes, enhancing the overall typing experience with minimal resistance. The heavier actuation force contributes to a more substantive feel, making it better suited for typists who appreciate tangible feedback. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch is designed for a lighter touch, although the specific feel characteristics are unknown. Nevertheless, its intended use suggests a softer, more delicate experience that can help reduce fatigue during extended typing sessions.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch offers a richer sound profile and a luxurious feel, ideal for those seeking a more tactile experience. Meanwhile, the Huano Sakura switch aims for a softer auditory experience and a lighter touch, catering to users who may prioritize comfort during lengthy typing tasks. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards a more robust sensory experience or a gentle, fatigue-free typing style. Both switches cater to different preferences, but each can provide satisfactory results based on your personal typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, your decision will largely depend on your individual preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a more substantial feel with a heavier actuation force—ideal for a more deliberate typing experience that helps prevent accidental key presses—the G Pro 3.0 Black is the way to go. Its 70-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying feedback that can enhance your accuracy, particularly if you type with a heavier hand or enjoy gaming where precision is key. Additionally, if you're keen on RGB illumination, the G Pro 3.0's frosted light diffuser will ensure your keyboard shines extravagantly. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch, particularly for extended typing sessions where fatigue might be a concern, the Huano Sakura is a fantastic choice with its 45-gram bottom-out force. Its feather-light action can minimize finger strain, making it great for long hours of work or gaming without discomfort. Furthermore, if sound level is a consideration, the Sakura’s medium acoustics help maintain a quieter environment, which is beneficial in shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your typing style, the pressure you like under your fingers, and the conditions in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
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