Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Ice King Linear stand out as top contenders, each offering unique characteristics to enhance your typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is praised for its tactile response, providing a gentle bump that adds a subtle tactile sensation without disrupting your typing flow. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear boasts a smooth typing experience with its nylon construction and generous factory lube, offering a frictionless and creamy feel with a subdued touch. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown excels in providing a satisfying auditory feedback and enhanced RGB lighting experience, the Ice King Linear focuses on delivering a silky smooth typing experience. Both switches have their strengths and appeal to different preferences, so determining the best one for you will depend on your desired typing experience. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Ice King Linear, we find that the G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the Ice King Linear's nylon top housing produces a deeper, fuller sound. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown is more translucent and ideal for RGB lighting effects, while the nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear offers a classic feel and sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Ice King Linear utilize nylon, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a duller and more rounded sound compared to stiffer plastics. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing a tactile experience that can enhance the overall typing experience. While the top housing may have a more noticeable impact on sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing contributes to the overall typing feel.
Overall, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Ice King Linear may differ in their top housing materials - with polycarbonate and nylon, respectively - they both offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown creates a crisper and sharper sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear delivers a deeper and fuller sound. Despite these differences, both switches provide a quality typing experience that can cater to various preferences, making them both excellent choices for keyboard enthusiasts looking for distinct sound profiles.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, we can see that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Ice King Linear's 52 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires 63 grams while the Ice King Linear needs 62 grams. Both switches fall under the medium force category, providing a good balance between lightness and heaviness. The G Pro 3.0 Brown may feel slightly heavier to actuate, but both switches offer a similar typing experience overall. When choosing between the two, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and whether one prefers a slightly lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a longer travel distance compared to the Ice King Linear, making it slightly more traditional in terms of key press feel. Gamers who prefer a deeper key press may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown, while those looking for a faster response time may opt for the Ice King Linear with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 tactile switch is known for its medium-high pitch with a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch is described as producing a subdued and dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown providing a slightly louder and more distinct feedback compared to the Ice King Linear.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is recognized for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a comfortable and low-impact typing feel that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the switch is described as having a mild typing experience, providing a safe and approachable middle-ground feel for most users. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch boasts a silky and frictionless typing experience due to its full nylon construction and factory lube. This results in an exceptionally smooth key travel, allowing for effortless and fluid typing sessions. The Ice King Linear offers a luxurious and polished typing feel that prioritizes smoothness and minimal resistance.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch both offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown excels in providing a delightful tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch sound, while the Ice King Linear stands out for its silky smooth typing experience and subdued sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer a tactile bump with a bit more audible feedback or a buttery smooth typing feel with a quieter sound, you can achieve similar levels of satisfaction and comfort with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Ice King Linear comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are seeking.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a subtle tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch and a gentle bump that enhances your typing flow, then the G Pro 3.0 Browns are a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a silky smooth typing experience with full nylon construction and generous factory lube for minimal resistance, the Durock Ice King Linears would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize a tactile feedback or a linear feel in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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