Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Presenting the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the TTC Gold Brown, two exceptional tactile mechanical keyboard switches. The G Pro 3.0 Brown from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series offers an economical solution without compromising on quality. It provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, carefully crafted to provide a gentle bump that won't overpower your typing flow. With a frosted light diffuser, this switch ensures your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. Additionally, it delivers a medium-high pitch for a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gold Browns from TTC are all about balance. These switches offer a slight yet satisfying bump and have a moderate weightiness to them. They boast a rounded sound profile that is generally much softer than most switches without being completely silent. Both switches offer a tactile experience but differ in their specific characteristics. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and TTC Gold Brown switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a more distinct typing experience. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to these switches. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the Gold Brown, you can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and visual appeal.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches opt for nylon material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its ability to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This material choice brings a duller and rounder sound, ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gold Brown will deliver this characteristic sound profile, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
When it comes to the overall impact on the typing experience, the combination of top and bottom housings plays a crucial role. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key, while the top housing affects the sound when you release a key. Despite differences in their housing materials, both switches aim to deliver a satisfying typing experience by utilizing the unique qualities of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch have the same actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches require 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke and 63 grams of force to bottom out. This means that users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience with both switches. Weight can be an important consideration for keyboard users, with some preferring lighter switches for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others prefer a heavier push for a more substantial typing experience. However, in this case, both switches offer a medium actuation and bottom out force, making them suitable for a range of typing preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch are equal, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on a key with either switch will result in a similar distance traveled. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback, making them suitable options for keyboard enthusiasts who prioritize a specific travel distance for their typing experience.
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 TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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 Brown switch offers a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. This adds an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switch has a rounded sound profile that is generally much softer than most switches without being completely silent. This means that the Gold Brown switch provides a more subtle and pleasant typing experience in terms of sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also dependent on other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, both switches offer satisfying sound profiles, but if you prefer a slightly softer and more rounded sound, the Gold Brown switch would be a better choice.
In terms of feel, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the TTC Gold Brown switches offer a mild typing experience. This means that they provide a gentle and approachable tactile sensation without being too harsh or overwhelming. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is also described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch is described as buttery and polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Gold Brown switch is also accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. Both switches offer a comfortable and satisfying typing feel, but the Gold Brown switch provides a slightly smoother and more polished experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and TTC Gold Brown switches offer enjoyable and tactile typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switch provides a medium-high pitch sound with a delightful and subtle tactile sensation. It offers an easy-to-press feel with a mild and stepped tactile experience. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch has a softer rounded sound profile and offers a buttery, accented, and polished typing feel. Both switches provide satisfying results, but if you prefer a slightly softer and more polished typing experience, the Gold Brown switch would be a great choice. Regardless of your choice, you can expect a pleasant and tactile typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switches offer a delightful typing experience with a moderate bottom out force of 63 grams. However, there are some slight differences between the two switches that may help you make a decision.
The G Pro 3.0 Brown is known for its economical yet high-quality design. It offers a subtle and gentle tactile sensation, ensuring that the typing flow is not interrupted. The frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. Additionally, the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions.
On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown switches are all about balance. They offer a slight but satisfying bump, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback. The switches have a moderate weightiness to them, offering a pleasant typing experience. The rounded sound profile of the Gold Brown switches is generally softer than most switches, contributing to a quieter typing experience.
In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch does not have a specific descriptor, while the Gold Brown switch is described as having a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as easy-to-press, mild, and stepped. This means that it offers gentle resistance, a comfortable typing feel, and a subtle two-stage tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch is described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience, a smooth and fluid keystroke, a prominent amount of tactility, and a sleek typing experience.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the TTC Gold Brown switches will depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer a more economical option without compromising on quality and enjoy a subtle tactile sensation, the G Pro 3.0 Brown may be the right choice for you. However, if you prioritize balance, a satisfying bump, and a softer sound profile, the TTC Gold Brown switches may be more appealing. Consider your typing style, preferences, and the overall typing experience you're looking for when making your decision.