Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Ice King Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes evident that both switches offer distinct features catering to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown stands out for its budget-friendly nature while still maintaining a high level of quality. With a subtle tactile sensation and a medium-high pitch for auditory feedback, it provides a satisfying typing experience without overpowering the user. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile excels in blending creamy smoothness with a pronounced tactile bump, creating a uniquely satisfying tactile experience. While the G Pro Brown offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, the Ice King Tactile provides a silky and frictionless touch. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Ice King Tactile both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom parts. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This is ideal for those who prefer a clear and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. While both materials have unique qualities, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Ice King Tactile use nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for a more muted and rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that users of both switches will experience a consistent feel and sound when pressing down on the keys. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing showcases a focus on creating a comfortable and satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the typing experience. While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Ice King Tactile differ in their top housing materials, both switches offer a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and fuller sound of nylon, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience. The selection of top and bottom housing materials in these switches showcases the attention to detail and customization options available to keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific sound and feel.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch have differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a more medium-weight option. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile has a slightly heavier actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the Ice King Tactile offers slightly more resistance for those looking for a firmer keypress. Depending on individual preferences, users may choose the lighter G Pro 3.0 Brown for longer typing sessions or opt for the heavier Ice King Tactile for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches cater to varying preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm compared to the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Durock Ice King Tactile. The difference may not be significant for some users, but those who prefer a more traditional travel distance may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown, while those looking for a slightly shallower press may prefer the Ice King Tactile. Both switches offer a good balance between depth and responsiveness, providing a satisfying typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of the user.
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 Tactile 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 Tactile 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 is known for providing a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the typing experience with an extra layer of joy. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile is described as producing a subdued sound, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches, creating a quieter typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown providing a slightly more pronounced auditory feedback compared to the more subdued sound of the Ice King Tactile.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force to activate and enhancing the typing experience with a gentle resistance during key presses. The switch is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the switch has a stepped feel, providing a mild tactile sensation with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile is known for its silky and frictionless feel, offering an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience. The switch also has a stepped feel, similar to the G Pro 3.0 Brown, providing a mild tactile sensation with pre-travel and post-travel stages. The polished finish of the Ice King Tactile enhances the smoothness of the typing feel, minimizing friction and providing a sleek typing experience.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a slightly more pronounced auditory feedback and a gentler typing experience with easy-to-press qualities, the Ice King Tactile offers a more subdued sound profile and an exceptionally smooth and frictionless typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer a satisfying tactile typing experience, ensuring that newcomers can expect similar levels of tactile satisfaction, albeit with slightly different characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and tactile feel. If you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a subtle tactile bump with a medium-high pitch, the G Pro 3.0 Brown may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you favor a slightly heavier bottom out force and a creamy smooth tactile experience with a pronounced bump, the Ice King Tactile could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the typing experience you seek.
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