Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Sea Glass, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black is praised for its premium quality at an affordable price, offering a heavier typing experience with 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force. Its clacky and creamy feel is complemented by a medium-high pitch sound, while the frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switches are known for their captivating pastel colors and proprietary material blend that results in a dry, wispy, and airy typing experience. Despite a 62g bottom-out force, they feel weightless and produce a uniquely hollow sound. While the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a balanced medium-heavy feel, the Sea Glass provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience. 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
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Sea Glass both feature unique housing materials in their switches. The G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a high-pitched and clacky sound profile, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing provides a brighter and pleasant sound. In terms of the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM material creates a deeper and muted sound profile, while the Sea Glass's bottom housing maintains a pleasant and brighter tone. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, with the G Pro 3.0 Black leaning towards a sharper sound and the Sea Glass providing a brighter tone.
The difference in housing materials between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Sea Glass also affects the overall feel of the switches. The bottom housing material is crucial in determining the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. The POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black contributes to a deeper and more muted experience, while the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend of the Sea Glass maintains a pleasant and bright feel. On the other hand, the top housing material has a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key. The INK blend top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black creates a clacky sound, while the Sea Glass's top housing offers a more pleasant and brighter sound upon key release.
While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Durock Sea Glass have different housing materials for their top and bottom parts, they both bring unique characteristics to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The G Pro 3.0 Black leans towards a deeper and clacky sound profile, thanks to its POM bottom and INK blend top housing. On the other hand, the Sea Glass offers a brighter and more pleasant sound due to its Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend housing materials. Despite the differences in sound profiles, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Black also requires more pressure at 70 grams, while the Sea Glass only needs 62 grams. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black provides a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass offers a lighter touch, perfect for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Both switches have their advantages based on individual preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Black being heavier and the Sea Glass being lighter in terms of force required.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Black offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Sea Glass. The 4 mm distance is more traditional, while the 3.8 mm is slightly shallower. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the Sea Glass with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress might lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Black. Both switches offer a balance between responsiveness and depth, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for users.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is often described as producing a clacky sound, characterized by a sharp and snappy noise when keys are pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a uniquely hollow sound signature, providing a different auditory experience for the user. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black switch is praised for its creamy and silky typing experience, offering smooth and buttery key presses with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Sea Glass switch is known for being frictionless, providing an effortless typing experience with a weightlessness that defies expectations. Both switches offer a unique feel that caters to different preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Black leaning towards a medium-heavy weight and the Sea Glass embracing a lighter touch.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a clacky sound and a creamy typing feel, the Sea Glass switch offers a hollow sound and a frictionless typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and cater to different preferences, so choosing between them would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Ultimately, users can expect a premium quality typing experience with either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you enjoy a more substantive and balanced medium-heavy feel with a clacky and subdued sound, the G Pro 3.0 Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a weightless and frictionless typing experience with a unique hollow sound signature, the Sea Glass switch series could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer excellent quality and performance, so your decision will come down to personal preference and the typing experience you desire.
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