Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deciding between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue stand out as top contenders. The G Pro 3.0 Black from Gateron boasts a heavy linear switch with a medium-high pitch and a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting effects. It provides a balanced typing experience with its 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue from Everglide offers a deep and thocky sound profile with a lengthened single-stage spring for a bouncy feel. It strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Both switches have their unique characteristics and appeal to different preferences. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 features a proprietary INK blend top housing and a POM bottom housing, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue has a polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The INK blend top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, whereas the polycarbonate top housing of the Tourmaline Blue provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both switches deliver unique sound experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 Black offering a deeper and more muted sound due to its POM bottom housing, contrasting the Tourmaline Blue's crisper and resonant sound from its polycarbonate bottom housing.
In terms of aesthetics, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing and INK blend top housing may not offer the same level of clarity and translucency as the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate top and bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in housing materials, especially for switches with RGB lighting, provides a visually appealing element that the G Pro 3.0 Black may lack. However, both switches deliver on unique sound profiles, with the G Pro 3.0 Black offering a more subdued and deeper sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound of the Tourmaline Blue.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue comes down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics. While the G Pro 3.0 Black may offer a more muted and deeper sound experience with its POM bottom housing, the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate housing materials provide a sharper and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the visual appeal of the clear polycarbonate housing in the Tourmaline Blue may be more attractive for users planning to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and design.
Weight
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have similar actuation and bottom out forces, with the G Pro being slightly heavier in both categories. The G Pro has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Tourmaline Blue has an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. These forces fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a bit of resistance. The G Pro may be preferred by those who prefer a slightly heavier feel, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a slightly lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for typing force and texture.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, you will experience the same distance traveled from top to bottom. With both switches offering the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and actuation. Whether typing on the G Pro 3.0 Black or the Tourmaline Blue, users can enjoy a consistent travel distance that allows for smooth and responsive typing.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 offers a clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch provides a neutral sound, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various users and environments. The choice of keyboard and keycaps will also influence the overall sound experience with these switches.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch gives a creamy and silky typing experience, with smooth and buttery keystrokes that can feel like effortlessly gliding across the keys. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch offers a buttery and easy-to-press sensation, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with gentle resistance and low-impact typing feel. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through their unique tactile feedback and smooth operation.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is a heavier switch offering a clacky sound and a creamy, silky feel, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, on the other hand, presents a neutral sound and a buttery, easy-to-press feel, appealing to a broader range of users with its balanced characteristics. When considering sound and feel preferences, choosing between these switches will ultimately depend on individual preferences and typing habits.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider your preference for the typing experience. If you desire a more substantive and substantial feel with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the G Pro 3.0 Black may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy and enjoyable typing experience with a balanced spring weight, the Tourmaline Blue could be the perfect fit. Additionally, take into account the sound profile you prefer, whether it be the clacky and medium-high pitch of the G Pro 3.0 Black or the neutral and immersive thocky sound of the Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, your decision should align with your typing preferences and the overall typing experience you seek.
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