Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Presenting the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Ink Red, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features for different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is known for its exceptional quality within Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series. These tactile switches provide a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, ensuring a gentle bump that enhances typing flow. With a frosted light diffuser, the G Pro Brown allows for brighter RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. Additionally, its medium-high pitch offers a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch perfect for those with a lighter typing style. It stands out with its lower actuation force, providing an effortless typing experience. Known for being smooth and producing a crispy and clacky sound profile, the Ink Reds excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. It is crucial to consider these generalities, but it is also essential to dive deeper into the specific characteristics of each switch to make the best decision for your personal needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Ink Red, it is evident that the top housing materials differ. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is useful for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This sound is described as clacky, which is satisfying and not overly sharp.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both switches differ as well. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which also contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. The bottom housing material has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Ink Red differ, they both offer distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Brown with its polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the Ink Red with its proprietary INK blend top housing offers a satisfying clacky sound. Similarly, both switches have different bottom housing materials with the G Pro 3.0 Brown having a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, and the Ink Red having a proprietary blend for a high-pitched sound. Despite their differences, each switch delivers unique and enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Ink Red's 45 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches have a medium level of actuation force, meaning that they offer a balanced typing experience.
In terms of bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a higher force of 63 grams compared to the Ink Red's 60 grams. This indicates that the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a slightly more substantial typing experience when fully depressed. Despite this slight difference, both switches fall under the medium category for bottom out force.
Considering the weight of the switches, some users may prefer the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Ink Red switch, as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This can be especially beneficial for those who use their keyboards extensively at work or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Brown, with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces.
Overall, while there are subtle variations in actuation and bottom out forces between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, both offer a medium level of force, providing a balanced typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience in terms of the physical feedback and distance traveled. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the Ink Red, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance of the switches.
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 Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is best described as having a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. This adds an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red has a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it is also described as having a chirpy sound, with a little squeak to them, which sets them apart from other switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is known for offering an easy-to-press experience. These switches have gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The typing experience is enhanced by a responsive and low-impact feel. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience. It also has a stepped feel, meaning there is some pre-travel and/or post-travel, creating a subtle two-stage tactile sensation.
On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red is known for its silky smooth typing experience. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience. They minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys, allowing for effortless typing. Similar to the G Pro 3.0 Brown, the Ink Red is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. Additionally, the Ink Red switches are polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Ink Red switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a medium-high pitch sound with a satisfying auditory feedback, along with an easy-to-press feel that is gentle and low-impact. On the other hand, the Ink Red offers a neutral sound profile with a chirpy unique acoustic signature, as well as a silky smooth feel that minimizes resistance and provides effortless typing. It's important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, and experimenting with different factors such as keyboard boards and keycaps to further customize the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, your decision should be based on your preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a subtle tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the ideal choice for you. These switches are easy to press, offering a low-impact typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the G Pro Brown features a frosted light diffuser that enhances the brightness of RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a lower actuation force, the Ink Red is the switch for you. It provides an exceptionally smooth feel with a crispy and clacky sound profile. The Ink Reds are effortless to type on, making them perfect for those with a lighter typing style. These switches offer a neutral sound and feel, suitable for both beginners and advanced typists.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Ink Red comes down to personal preference. Consider your desired level of tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing style to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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