Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron Ink Black V2

Overview

Introducing two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches for your typing pleasure: the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Ink Black V2. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is an ideal choice for those seeking a tactile switch that doesn't compromise on quality. With a gentle bump that enhances typing flow and a frosted light diffuser that amplifies your RGB lighting, this switch truly creates an immersive visual experience. Additionally, its medium-high pitch adds a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is a classic linear switch that has been a community favorite for a long time. This switch offers a smooth downstroke and a rich clack, providing a premium typing experience. Although both switches have their unique qualities, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown Tactile

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Ink Black V2, there are notable differences that affect the sound profile and overall typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that resonates more clearly. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate is beneficial for users who plan to incorporate RGB lighting. In contrast, the proprietary INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. The sound is still satisfying, yet not overly sharp. While the sound profiles differ, both switches offer a distinctive and enjoyable auditory experience.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the G Pro 3.0 Brown features a nylon bottom housing. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which complements the top housing by providing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. The sound is thin, yet substantial, offering a clacky sensation. Despite their different materials, both bottom housings greatly influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.

While the top and bottom housings differ for each switch, it is important to note that they contribute unique qualities to their respective switches. The impact of each housing material varies depending on whether you are pressing down or releasing a key. The bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when you let go of a key. Although their sound profiles may differ, the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Ink Black V2 offer similar experiences in terms of the housing materials' influence on the typing experience, ensuring that users can enjoy their preferred sound preference while typing.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires 55 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Ink Black V2 requires 60 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly lighter actuation force compared to the Ink Black V2.

Moving on to the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a measurement of 63 grams, while the Ink Black V2 has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. This indicates that the Ink Black V2 requires a bit more force to fully press down on the keys compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown. It is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of bottom out force.

Considering weight, there are individuals who prefer lighter switches as it allows for longer typing sessions, which is advantageous for work or gaming. For these individuals, the lighter actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, some users prefer a heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing experience. In this case, they may lean towards the Ink Black V2, which has a slightly higher actuation force.

In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Ink Black V2 differ in their actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a lighter actuation force, while the Ink Black V2 requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a lighter bottom out force compared to the Ink Black V2. Both switches, however, fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, providing a satisfying typing experience for users with varying preferences.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either switch, you will feel a consistent 4 mm travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a satisfying tactile or linear experience depending on your preference, allowing for smooth and responsive keystrokes. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the Ink Black V2, you can expect a similar keystroke experience in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is best described as having a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. It offers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, without overpowering your typing flow. While specific information about the sound of the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is not provided, based on its description, it is likely to produce a pleasant and moderately pitched sound during key presses.

On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch is described as having a low-pitched, bassy, and clack sound profile. It offers a smooth downstroke and a rich clack sound. These characteristics indicate that the Ink Black V2 switch produces a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses. Additionally, the mention of a "clack" suggests that the switch may have a slightly louder and more distinct sound compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch.

In terms of feel, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Ink Black V2 switches are described as offering a mild and approachable typing experience. They both fall within a safe middle-ground zone, where the typing feel is gentle and not too pronounced. However, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is also described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate. This feature enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction.

Based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches offer different subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switch provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, a medium-high pitch sound, and an easy-to-press feel. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch offers a smooth downstroke, a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, and a polished feel. Both switches provide a mild and approachable typing experience, but they excel in different areas. If you are looking for a switch with a tactile bump and a medium-high pitch sound, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be a suitable choice. If you prefer a linear switch with a low-pitched, bassy sound, and a smooth downstroke, the Ink Black V2 would be a better option. However, it's important to consider other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel of the switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality, and you prefer a tactile typing experience with a gentle bump, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is the switch for you. With a bottom out force of 63 grams, this switch offers an easy-to-press feel that requires minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, and you enjoy a smooth downstroke with a rich clack, then the Gateron Ink Black V2 is the switch for you. The Ink Black V2 offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. In terms of sound, the Ink Black V2 provides a low-pitched and bassy profile, adding depth and richness to your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Ink Black V2 depends on your preference for tactile or linear switches, as well as the specific sound and feel that you prefer during your typing sessions.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown Tactile

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Black V2 Linear

$7.50

$7.24 per 10

Learn more