Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Dareu Snow both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Black is ideal for those seeking a heavier linear switch, with its 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force providing a solid typing feel. The medium-high pitch auditory experience and enhanced RGB lighting effects make it a favorite for those looking for a premium feel at an affordable price point. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch distinguishes itself with its innovative use of POK material, offering a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear feel. While the Snow switch may appeal to those who prefer a softer typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black caters to those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and Dareu Snow both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switches. The G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky, while the Snow's POK top housing offers smooth, clacky, and durable switches with exceptional strength and wear resistance. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Snow's nylon bottom housing elicits a fuller sound profile with a softer plastic that absorbs more sound.
While the top housing materials differ between the G Pro 3.0 Black and Dareu Snow, the bottom housing materials also showcase distinct characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing contributes to a unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively muted, while the Snow's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound. These differences in bottom housing materials can impact the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and Dareu Snow switches plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the switches. While the G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing, the Snow utilizes POK top housing and nylon bottom housing. Each housing material brings its own unique qualities to the switches, resulting in distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident that both switches have similar characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, offering a softer and smoother keystroke. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Black being the heavier option and the Snow being the lighter option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. The difference between the two switches may not seem significant, but those who prefer a quicker and more responsive typing experience may lean towards the Dareu Snow switch due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a bit more depth and feedback when typing may find the slightly longer travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Black to be more suitable for their preferences. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, so overall, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference regarding travel distance.
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 Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 characterized by a clacky and slightly subdued sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed with a medium-high pitch. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch provides a deeper, thocky, and low-pitched sound due to its innovative use of POK material for the top housing and stem. This leads to a richer and more satisfying typing experience in terms of auditory feedback.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is known for its creamy, silky, and subtle typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with a medium-heavy actuation force. In contrast, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a bouncy feel, giving users a spring-like and elastic feedback sensation when typing. While both switches offer different tactile experiences, they both aim to provide a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Black excels in providing a clacky and slightly subdued sound profile with a creamy and silky typing experience, while the Snow switch stands out with its thocky and low-pitched sound signature and bouncy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style. Whether you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch with a medium-high pitch and creamy feel or a switch with a deeper sound profile and bouncy typing sensation, both switches aim to provide a premium typing experience at their respective price points.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel with a more substantive typing experience and a medium-high pitch sound, the G Pro 3.0 Black may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and bouncier typing experience with a deeper sound signature, the Snow switch with POK material may be the more suitable option. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and which features align best with your typing style and preferences.
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