Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, a linear switch. These two mechanical keyboard switches have distinct features that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown offers an exceptional addition to Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, providing an economical solution without compromising on quality. With its subtle tactile sensation and gentle bump, typing on this switch won't disrupt your flow. The switch also enhances the visual experience with its frosted light diffuser, ensuring that your RGB lighting shines brighter. Additionally, it delivers a satisfying auditory feedback with its medium-high pitch. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switches are smooth and have a lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches, making them ideal for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke. These translucent switches also provide a higher-pitched clack, adding a unique sound element to your 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Ink Box Pink exhibit notable differences in their sound profiles and aesthetics. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the proprietary INK blend top housing of the Ink Box Pink generates a somewhat higher-pitched sound that is satisfyingly clacky, without being overly sharp. While both switches have distinctive sound profiles, they offer similar results in terms of sound frequency.
In terms of bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a nylon material that produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the Ink Box Pink employs the proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which contributes to the switch's pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. Despite their different materials, both bottom housings enhance the sound profile of the respective switches, but with contrasting qualities.
When pressed, the G Pro 3.0 Brown emphasizes the qualities of its nylon bottom housing, impacting the switch's bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Similarly, with the Ink Box Pink, the bottom housing influences the switch's feeling upon bottoming out, while the sound when releasing a key is determined by the top housing. Despite the variations in housing materials, both switches offer a balanced typing experience, taking into account the impact of both top and bottom housings on sound and feel.
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 Pink linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. Both switches have a medium level of actuation and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Brown requires a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Ink Box Pink's 50 grams. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Ink Box Pink has a bottom out force of 60 grams. These slight differences may not be significant for some users, as they fall within the medium range. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter switch, the Ink Box Pink may be the better choice, providing a slightly lighter actuation and bottom out force. However, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown might be the preferable option, offering slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, we can see that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ink Box Pink has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. With the G Pro 3.0 Brown having a 4.0 mm travel distance, it falls into the category of a more traditional switch, providing a deeper feeling when typing. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink with its 3.6 mm travel distance offers a slightly shallower feeling. Gamers who prioritize faster response times typically prefer a shorter travel distance, such as the Ink Box Pink. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial keypress, the G Pro 3.0 Brown with its longer travel distance would be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference and whether a shorter or longer travel distance is 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 Gateron Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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 pitched sound that provides a satisfying auditory feedback to enhance your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you appreciate a sharper and more percussive sound, the Ink Box Pink switch would be a suitable choice. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses. This means you will require minimal force to activate the switch, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, the G Pro Brown switch is described as mild and stepped, providing a more gentle and approachable typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It offers a responsive and low-impact typing feel with a mild bump sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. If you prefer a smoother and refined typing feel, the Ink Box Pink switch is a good option.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is best known for its delightful and subtle tactile sensation, with a medium-high pitched sound that adds an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. It offers an easy-to-press feel with low resistance and a mild bump for a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is best known for its smooth and lighter typing feel, providing a clacky and high-pitched sound. If you're looking for a switch with a sharper sound and exceptional smoothness, the Ink Box Pink switch would be a great choice. However, it's important to consider your personal preferences and the overall typing experience you're seeking when choosing between these two switches.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown would be a great choice. This switch offers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, providing a gentle bump that won't interrupt your typing flow. With a frosted light diffuser, it ensures that your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown also delivers a satisfying auditory feedback with its medium-high pitch, adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a slightly lighter bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is the switch for you. These switches are smooth and offer a lighter typing feel. They are known for their higher-pitched clack, producing a crisp and bright sound when pressed. Additionally, the Ink Box Pink provides a silky and polished typing experience, minimizing resistance and offering an exceptionally smooth and refined feel. Ultimately, whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a smoother typing experience, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Ink Box Pink have unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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