Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Haimu Viola Tricolor mechanical keyboard switches, it ultimately boils down to your preferred typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its heavy linear switch design, offering a more substantial feel with its 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, along with a medium-high pitch sound profile. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a balanced tactile feedback without being overly pronounced, delivering a thuddy and punchy sound profile. While the G Pro 3.0 Black caters to those who enjoy a more weighty typing experience, the Viola Tricolor appeals to users seeking a satisfying tactile feedback without being too overwhelming. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference highlights the unique characteristics that each housing material brings to the table - with the INK blend offering a thin and satisfying sound, while the polycarbonate provides a clear and resonant tone suitable for RGB lighting.
In terms of the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Black incorporates a POM material, resulting in a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This distinction showcases how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switch, with POM offering a unique sound experience and nylon providing a more rounded and duller tone.
While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Haimu Viola Tricolor feature different housing materials for both the top and bottom, they each bring unique characteristics to the switches. The G Pro 3.0 Black's blend of INK and POM creates a satisfying clacky sound with a deep and muted bottom-out, while the Viola Tricolor's polycarbonate and nylon combination yields a sharp, crisp sound with a fuller bottom-out experience. Despite the differences in materials, both switches prioritize sound quality and offer distinctive typing experiences based on the housing materials used.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which is unspecified. However, the bottom out force of the Viola Tricolor is heavier at 63.5 grams, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Black requires 70 grams. This means that while the G Pro 3.0 Black may feel slightly lighter to type on initially, the Viola Tricolor provides a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, making them suitable for users who prefer a bit of resistance in their keystrokes. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Black, while those who enjoy a more solid typing feel may opt for the Viola Tricolor.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more traditional key press feel, while the Viola Tricolor has a slightly shorter travel distance, offering a quicker and more responsive typing experience. Gamers may prefer the Viola Tricolor for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black. In this case, the Viola Tricolor is the shorter option, providing a quicker key press, while the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a slightly longer travel distance for a more traditional typing feel.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 and somewhat subdued sound profile, characterized by a sharp, snappy sound when pressed with a medium-high pitch. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound, giving a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences that can enhance the overall typing feel and enjoyment, depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch is known for its creamy, silky, and subtle typing experience. With a medium-heavy actuation and bottom-out force, users can expect a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, allowing fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch is described as offering an accented and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a pronounced amount of tactility without being overwhelming or too subtle. Both switches cater to different typing preferences, whether you prefer a smoother and more subtle feel or a more pronounced tactile response.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. Depending on whether you prefer a clacky, medium-high pitched sound with a medium-heavy feel or a bassy, low-pitched sound with an accented and invigorating tactile feedback, you can choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer a premium typing experience that can elevate your overall typing performance and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a heavier bottom-out force and a more medium-heavy typing experience with a balanced feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black would be the ideal choice for you. The auditory experience of the G Pro 3.0 Black is clacky and somewhat subdued, offering a crisp sound profile while not being overly loud. On the other hand, if you enjoy a switch with a pronounced tactility and a satisfying feedback without being overly tactile, the Viola Tricolor would suit you best. The Viola Tricolor provides a sharp sensation without overwhelming the user, accompanied by a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. Ultimately, whether you opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black or the Viola Tricolor, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience tailored to your liking.
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