Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can dramatically influence your typing experience, and Gateron offers two notable options in their linear switch range: the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Zero Degree 0°. The G Pro 3.0 Black is tailored for those who appreciate a heavier tactile feedback, with a 60g actuation force and a 70g bottom-out force, providing a solid feel that enhances both typing and gaming scenarios while also presenting a pleasing auditory experience with its medium-high pitch sound profile. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° switch is ideal for anyone seeking a quieter, more discreet typing experience. Featuring an innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, it promotes smooth keypresses and significantly reduces noise, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces. Both switches cater to different preferences, be it the satisfying heft and sound of the G Pro 3.0 Black or the tranquility offered by the Zero Degree 0°. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, distinct differences and similarities reveal themselves. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, designed to produce a unique sound profile that is described as pointed and high-pitched yet not overly sharp. This material tends to provide a clacky sound, contributing to a satisfying auditory experience for typists. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper, crisper sound. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature enables a clearer resonance, making it particularly effective for users who value RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. Thus, while both switches aim for a higher-pitched sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Black leans towards a softer high-end sound, while the Zero Degree 0° delivers a more pronounced and crisp auditory response.
The bottom housing materials of these switches also present a fascinating contrast. The G Pro 3.0 Black employs a POM bottom housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. POM's acoustic properties allow it to produce a unique auditory experience that leans towards a pleasingly lower frequency. On the other hand, the Zero Degree 0° opts for nylon as its bottom housing material. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound waves, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. The deeper and fuller auditory experience provided by the nylon material contrasts with the POM's unique yet muted output. Thus, the distinct acoustic responses of the bottom housing significantly influence how each switch feels and sounds during typing.
Ultimately, the quality of sound and feel when pressing the keys is modified by the combination of both top and bottom housing materials in each switch. With the G Pro 3.0 Black, the INK blend top contributes to the release sound while the POM bottom influences the bottom-out sound and feel, resulting in an engaging typing experience. In comparison, the Zero Degree 0° combines the sharper sound from the polycarbonate top housing with the deeper resonance of the nylon bottom housing. Although their materials differ, both types maintain a balanced interaction between their housings, providing uniquely satisfying results that showcases the engineering behind each switch. This interplay between the materials ultimately creates nuanced typing experiences, making them both appealing options for different user preferences.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation forces, catering to different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, resulting in a more substantial typing experience that some typists and gamers may prefer for extended use. In comparison, the Zero Degree 0° is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of only 45 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a softer push and extended typing sessions without fatigue. While the bottom out force for the G Pro 3.0 Black is measured at 70 grams, reflecting its medium-heavy nature, the bottom out force for the Zero Degree 0° is not available, leaving an important comparison aspect unknown. Ultimately, for users desiring a lighter switch, the Zero Degree 0° would be the preferable choice, whereas those who appreciate a heavier feel would gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Black.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, the results show a clear distinction. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option. In contrast, the Zero Degree 0° has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, positioning it on the shorter side. The difference in travel distance may cater to different user preferences: those who appreciate a more profound keypress and tactile feedback might gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Black, while gamers and users seeking quick response times may prefer the slightly shorter travel of the Zero Degree 0°. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether one values more depth in their keystrokes or a snappier, more responsive 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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 presents a distinctive auditory profile characterized by a medium-high pitch, which strikes a balance between being noticeable yet not overly intrusive. Its sound can be categorized as clacky and subdued, allowing for a sharp, crisp response while still offering a dampened signature that isn’t overwhelming. In comparison, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is designed for silent operation with innovative self-padding features, meaning it likely excels in producing a very muted sound profile, although specifics on its sound characteristics are not detailed.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black switch is recognized for its creamy and silky typing experience, providing a smooth, buttery texture that encourages effortless key presses. This switch’s medium-heavy actuation force of 60g, coupled with a 70g bottom-out, results in a satisfying and tactile feedback. The Zero Degree 0° linear switch, on the other hand, focuses on delivering an exceptionally soft and elastic feel due to its dual-rail structure, which promotes smoothness and stability. However, specific descriptive qualities about its tactile sensation and resistance are not provided, leaving some uncertainty about how its overall feel stacks up against the G Pro 3.0 Black.
In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch offers a more tactile and audible experience, leveraging its clacky and subdued sound as well as a creamy feel, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch aims for a silent yet smooth typing experience with its self-padding design. Ultimately, if you prefer a more substantial and noticeable typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black is likely to be your pick, while the Zero Degree 0° would suit those seeking a quieter, softer touch. Regardless of choice, each switch’s performance can still be influenced by factors such as keyboard construction and keycap materials.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch will significantly depend on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate a more tactile and substantial typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black, with its medium-heavy 70g bottom-out force, offers a rewarding feel characterized by its creamy and silky responses. This switch is ideal if you enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback with a clacky sound profile, making it suitable for gaming or typing tasks where feedback is essential. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter, more subdued typing experience, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch would be your ideal option. Its innovative self-padding design minimizes noise, making it perfect for shared spaces or late-night typing sessions where you want to keep disturbances to a minimum. Ultimately, selection comes down to whether you want a rewarding tactile experience or a whisper-quiet, ultra-smooth typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
