Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Glory Red present two distinct yet appealing options tailored to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch celebrated for its subtle bump that enhances typographical feedback without disrupting your flow, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a sensory typing experience. Its frosted light diffuser not only amplifies RGB lighting effects but also contributes to a visually engaging setup. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red, a linear switch, offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke perfect for gamers and typists who prefer a seamless transition between presses. With its lighter actuation force and satisfying travel distance, the Glory Red ensures an effortless typing experience. While the G Pro Brown excels in providing tactile feedback and RGB aesthetics, the Glory Red shines in its smoothness and speed. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Glory Red switches, a clear contrast emerges, particularly with the top housing. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing it to produce a more resonant sound when keys are released. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance. In contrast, the Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Given nylon's softer properties, it tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it, resulting in a sound experience that feels softer and rounder when keys are pressed and released.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Glory Red both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This alignment means that when typing, the fundamental characteristics of nylon—namely its ability to absorb sound—will influence both switches significantly. As such, the bottom-out sound and feel experienced during key presses will be comparable between the two switches, providing a similar tactile experience. This shared material ensures that, despite the differences in the top housing, users will find a sense of familiarity when engaging both switches.
In conclusion, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Glory Red employ different materials for their top housings, this distinction leads to underlying differences in sound profiles that can affect user experience. The polycarbonate top in the G Pro 3.0 enhances brightness and clarity, making it suited for gamers and typists who enjoy a more pronounced sound. Conversely, the nylon top of the Glory Red delivers a more subdued and thicker auditory experience, which may appeal to users who favor softer sounds. Ultimately, the impact of the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches offer similarities in bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, making them potentially interchangeable depending on personal sound profile preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch to the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force become apparent. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a moderate actuation force of 55 grams, requiring a bit more effort to trigger a keystroke compared to the Glory Red, which features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Glory Red a better choice for users who prefer a lighter feel, especially for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown's bottom out force is 63 grams, providing a more substantial feedback upon fully depressing the key. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Glory Red is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare this aspect. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Brown's heavier actuation and bottom out forces cater to those who favor a more solid typing experience, while the lighter actuation of the Glory Red is more suitable for those who prioritize ease of key presses.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, there is a clear distinction. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, which provides a traditional and hearty depth for users who prefer a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Glory Red switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to gamers and those who favor quicker response times. This shorter distance can facilitate faster actuation, making it an appealing choice for those prioritizing speed in their typing or gaming. Therefore, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the longer option, while the Glory Red is the shorter one, with the latter offering a more responsive feel at the cost of some tactile feedback.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown 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 Brown for $2.77.
The Gateron Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 G Pro 3.0 Brown switch produces a medium-high pitch that delivers satisfying auditory feedback during typing, enhancing the overall experience without being overly loud or distracting. The tactile bump contributes to a distinct sound profile that most users find enjoyable and inoffensive, making it suitable for both quiet environments and more social settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red switch is designed to be silent, producing a smooth, linear sound with no tactile bump, which means that while it offers a pleasing auditory backdrop, it is generally quieter and may not provide the same level of feedback as the Brown switch. However, it's important to note that sound characteristics can vary significantly depending on the keyboard’s construction, keycap choices, and overall setup.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch stands out with its easy-to-press design, requiring minimal actuation force that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The mild tactile feedback is approachable and inviting, making it an excellent choice for both typing and gaming. The stepped tactile sensation allows users to feel a slight differentiation in key travel, creating a balanced typing experience between tactile feedback and comfort. In contrast, the Glory Red switch is characterized by a linear feel, which means it offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. This switch provides a fluid typing experience, making it appealing to users who prefer consistent pressure from the top to the bottom of their keystroke, eliminating any interruption in flow typically provided by a tactile bump.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and Gateron Glory Red switches have their unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Brown switch offers a tactile experience with audible feedback, ideal for those who appreciate a balance of tactile sensation and sound. Meanwhile, the Glory Red provides a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke for users who prefer a linear feel and quieter operation. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and usage scenarios; if you're excited about tactile feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Brown will suit you well, while the Glory Red is perfect for a more serene and smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate feedback while typing and seek a balanced experience, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is an excellent choice because of its subtle tactile bump that enhances your flow without overwhelming you. Its medium actuation force of 63 grams makes it feel satisfying yet comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, if you're someone who enjoys a visual experience, the frosted light diffuser of the Brown switch will give your RGB lighting an exciting brightness. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother keystroke for gaming or fast-paced typing with no tactile feedback, the Gateron Glory Red switch may be the way to go. Its design caters to a linear feel that allows for quick key presses without the resistance of tactile bumps, offering a fast and fluid experience. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you want that gentle tactile feedback or a sleek, uninterrupted action for speed.