Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron Ink Box Black

Overview

Introducing two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Ink Box Black. On one hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers an affordable yet high-quality option, with its subtle tactile sensation designed to enhance typing flow. With a frosted light diffuser, this switch also ensures vibrant RGB lighting. Meanwhile, the Ink Box Black showcases an incredibly smooth and creamy feel, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. Its clacky sound signature and polished finish add to the experience. Both switches have their unique strengths and characteristics, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make an informed decision on the ultimate switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown Tactile

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials used in the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches offer different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the clear housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown allows for RGB lighting to be showcased. In contrast, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. It produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. While different in sound characteristics, both housing materials enhance the typing experience in their own unique ways.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Brown employs a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. This also contributes to the overall sound profile and tactile feel of the switch, providing a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp.

When using these switches, the top and bottom housings play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the key press, while the top housing impacts the sound when releasing the key. Each housing material has its own unique qualities, resulting in differentiated sound profiles and tactile feedback. However, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics. Therefore, depending on individual preferences and desired sound profiles, either switch can deliver similar results in terms of overall typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, while the Ink Box Black requires a slightly heavier force of 60 grams to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires 63 grams of force, while the Ink Box Black needs 70 grams, making it the heavier option.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch would be the better choice, as its actuation force allows for effortless triggering of keystrokes. This would be particularly suitable for individuals who spend long hours typing for work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, if someone desires a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the Ink Box Black switch would be more suitable. Its slightly heavier actuation force provides a stronger push feel, delivering a more satisfying typing experience.

In terms of bottoming out, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. While the specific force required for the G Pro 3.0 Brown is unknown, it can be inferred that it is lighter than the Ink Box Black, given its lower actuation force. Therefore, users can expect a similar bottoming out experience with both switches.

Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black switch depends on personal preference. Those who prioritize a lightweight typing experience may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Brown, while those seeking a more substantial and tactile feel may prefer the Ink Box Black.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ink Box Black has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The difference may seem negligible, but it can have an impact on the overall typing or gaming experience. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Brown is considered more traditional, providing a deeper and more satisfying keystroke for those who prefer a sense of depth in their typing. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Ink Box Black offers a slightly shallower keystroke, which can be advantageous for fast-paced gaming or those seeking a more responsive and snappy typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches boils down to personal preference, with individuals having to decide between a longer, more substantial keystroke or a shorter, quicker response time. Regardless of the choice, both switches provide reliable performance and a satisfying tactile feel, ensuring a pleasant typing or gaming experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory feedback. It delivers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, resulting in a gentle bump that won't interrupt your typing flow. This switch also features a frosted light diffuser, allowing your RGB lighting to shine brighter and create an immersive visual experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. The sound signature of the Ink Box Black provides a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is characterized as easy-to-press and mild. It offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The overall typing experience is responsive and low-impact. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as stepped, meaning it has two stages of tactile feedback. It provides a more mild experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics like hypertactile switches. The Ink Box Black switch, on the other hand, is characterized as silky and polished. This switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch sound. It provides an easy-to-press and mild typing experience, featuring stepped tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound, offering a silky and polished typing feel with exceptional smoothness. While the two switches differ in sound and feel, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown being more gentle and the Ink Box Black providing a sharper experience, they both deliver satisfying typing experiences with their respective characteristics. Whether you prefer a more subdued or a more pronounced typing sensation, both switches offer quality options within their own subjective qualities.

Conclusion

In closing, if you prioritize a gentle tactile sensation and a medium-high pitch auditory feedback, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches offer an economical solution without sacrificing quality, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience with their easy-to-press and mild characteristics. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, creating a visually immersive environment. On the other hand, if you prefer an exceptionally smooth and polished typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is the perfect fit. These switches provide minimal resistance thanks to their silky feel and polished finish, allowing for effortless and satisfying keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown Tactile

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Box Black Linear

$8.50

$7.65 per 10

Learn more