Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between options like the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the TTC Yunhai. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out as the heaviest linear switch in Gateron's lineup, delivering a medium-heavy tactile experience with a 60g actuation force and a 70g bottom-out force, making it ideal for users who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Its expertise in sound design provides a medium-high pitch, while the frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects for gamers and aesthetics enthusiasts alike. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai offers a significantly lighter actuation force, catering to those who favor a smoother, more effortless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for fast typists or those who spend long hours typing without fatigue. While both switches provide linear action, their distinct characteristics cater to different user preferences—be it the heft and auditory feedback of the G Pro 3.0 Black or the light, rounded sound profile of the Yunhai. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Nylon
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 TTC Yunhai, one can observe distinct differences in sound profile due to the materials used in their construction. The G Pro 3.0 Black employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is designed to produce a higher-pitched, clackier sound. This pointed profile contributes to a more vibrant typing experience, appealing to those who favor auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Yunhai's top housing is made from nylon, recognized as a classic switch material that delivers a deeper, fuller sound. The inherent properties of nylon make it a softer plastic, resulting in a sound that is more muted and rounded compared to the sharpness of the INK blend.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further contrasts but also highlights an area of similarity. The G Pro 3.0 Black incorporates a POM bottom housing renowned for its unique, muted sound characteristics. This creates a deeper auditory experience, focusing on a sound that is rich yet less piercing. Meanwhile, the Yunhai also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which, like the top, contributes to a deep and round sound profile. Here, both switches benefit from the fundamentals of nylon’s sound absorption, ensuring the overall auditory experience remains consistent across both switches at the lower end. Nevertheless, the POM from Gateron tends to lend a distinct sonic depth, showcasing a unique character that may differ from the nylon’s standard sound.
Ultimately, the combination of the differing materials in the G Pro 3.0 Black and TTC Yunhai means they will produce unique auditory experiences, albeit with overlapping qualities. While both switches rely on softer plastics that emphasize a deeper sound profile, the impact of their individual top and bottom housing materials can lead to different acoustic results. For instance, users can expect a more clacky sound from the G Pro 3.0 Black due to its specialized INK blend top housing, while those opting for the Yunhai will enjoy a smoother, fuller sound from the softer, nylon top. Despite these differences, the commonality of nylon’s sound absorption in both models ensures that each can still provide a satisfying and rich typing experience, albeit in distinct tonal directions.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, qualifying it as medium-heavy, while the TTC Yunhai is significantly lighter, featuring an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction makes the Yunhai switch more suitable for users who favor extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons due to its lighter feel, which can minimize fatigue. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Black caters to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, providing a firmer push feel that some users prefer. In summary, if you favor a lightweight switch, the TTC Yunhai would be ideal, while the G Pro 3.0 Black would appeal to those seeking a heavier switch experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights how the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a more pronounced tactile experience, making it suitable for those who appreciate a deeper key press. In contrast, the Yunhai switch, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its more immediate activation. Thus, for users favoring a more substantial key press, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the preferable choice, while those who prioritize speed and responsiveness might lean toward the TTC Yunhai. Consequently, if you're looking for a switch that offers a hearty depth, the G Pro 3.0 Black is your go-to, while the Yunhai suits those who prefer a quicker interaction.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 exhibits a medium-high pitch, producing a crisp and percussive auditory experience that may give a clacky impression, especially when combined with the right keycaps and board. This allows for a sharp, engaging sound that can enhance the typing experience for users who enjoy auditory feedback. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai's sound profile remains unknown, but users should be aware that sound perception can vary significantly based on various factors such as the keyboard configuration and materials used.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black stands out with its creamy and silky attributes, delivering a buttery smooth typing experience. This allows for a sense of ease when transitioning between key presses, essentially providing a glide-like sensation that many typists appreciate, especially during extended typing sessions. Additionally, its balanced medium-heavy actuation force of 60g enhances the tactile feedback. The feel of the TTC Yunhai is not specified, leaving potential users curious about its typing experience; however, users can generally expect that linear switches will offer a smooth action without the tactile bump found in other switch types.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black excels in delivering a vibrant auditory profile and a carefully designed tactile experience, the TTC Yunhai's qualities remain unexamined in this respect. Those who favor a pronounced and clacky typing sound accompanied by a creamy feel would likely benefit most from the G Pro 3.0 Black. For newcomers, it’s essential to consider personal preferences in sound and feel, as well as experimenting with different keyboards and keycap combinations to find the right fit for their typing habits.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the TTC Yunhai linear switch largely depends on your personal typing style and preferences. If you prefer a more tactile and substantial typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black, with its medium-heavy actuation and bottom-out force, is an excellent choice. Its creamy and silky feel provides a smooth gliding sensation, which can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a firmer key press, whether for gaming or long typing sessions. Furthermore, its medium-high pitch sound adds a layer of acoustic feedback that can enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you’re someone who values a light and effortless key press, the TTC Yunhai switch would be more suitable. With a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, it offers a quick and responsive typing experience that minimizes fatigue, making it ideal for those who type extensively or prefer a gentler touch. Its uniquely deep, rounded sound profile tends to be less intrusive, allowing for a more subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences regarding tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing comfort.
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