Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Ink Yellow mechanical keyboard switches, you'll find two distinct options catered to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is known for its exceptional value in Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series. These switches provide a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, ensuring a gentle bump that enhances your typing without disrupting the flow. With a frosted light diffuser, the G Pro Brown elevates your RGB lighting experience, creating an immersive visual display. Additionally, it offers a medium-high pitch that delivers satisfying auditory feedback, adding a layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch offers a shorter travel and provides an experience that falls between typing on a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It showcases a smoothness and clackiness that many find satisfying. The Ink Yellow switch is categorized as neutral, clacky, mild, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Ink Yellow differ in their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. This creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. Though both switches have different sounds, they both offer satisfying and distinct qualities.
In terms of the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Meanwhile, the Ink Yellow features Gateron's proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing. This blend offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, similar to the top housing. The combination of these materials in both switches creates unique and noticeable sound profiles.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Ink Yellow, both contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon bottom housing in the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the INK blend bottom housing in the Ink Yellow contributes to a pointed sound profile. On the other hand, the top housing has more impact on the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing in the G Pro 3.0 Brown produces a sharp and crisp sound, while the INK blend top housing in the Ink Yellow creates a higher-pitched clacky sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique sensations and sounds that enhance the 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 Yellow linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is slightly lighter than the 60 grams actuation force of the Ink Yellow. Both switches fall within the medium range of actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has a force of 63 grams, while the Gateron Ink Yellow has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. While both switches have a similar medium weight in terms of actuation, the Gateron Ink Yellow is slightly heavier when it comes to bottoming out.
Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience and a switch that requires less force to trigger a keystroke, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown may be the preferred option. On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier push feel is desired, the Gateron Ink Yellow may be the better choice. Regardless of the slight differences in actuation and bottom out forces, both switches offer a similar overall experience in terms of weight.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Brown's 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, offering a deeper press when compared to the Ink Yellow. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow's 3.5 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, making it a popular choice among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Ink Yellow would be the better option. However, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper feel when pressing down on the keys, the G Pro 3.0 Brown's longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is best described as having a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. It offers a pleasant and subtle tactile sensation without overpowering the typing flow. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. It produces a clacky sound that is sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive when pressed. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, both switches have some similarities. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is known for being easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses. It requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. This switch enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel. It is also described as having a mild characteristic, which means it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is mentioned to have a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages of tactile sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Similarly, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch is described as having a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. It also falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. The Ink Yellow switch is further characterized as being polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, it's worth noting that the specifics of the feel for the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch are more detailed and varied compared to the Ink Yellow switch.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offer unique qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch auditory feedback. It is easy-to-press, offers low-impact typing feel, and has a stepped design. The Ink Yellow switch, on the other hand, offers a different experience with a neutral sound profile and a polished, smooth feel. While they have some similarities, such as the mild typing experience, it's important to consider your personal preferences and the overall keyboard setup when choosing between these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, it is best suited for those who prioritize a medium actuation force and a pleasant typing experience. The G Pro Brown offers a subtle tactile sensation that adds a gentle bump and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. Overall, the G Pro Brown provides an economical solution without compromising on quality.
On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is recommended for individuals who desire a typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. With its shorter travel and pleasant smoothness, the Ink Yellow switch offers a comfortable and clacky typing experience. Furthermore, the Ink Yellow is described as having a mild and polished feel, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch depends on your preferences. If you value a gentle tactile sensation, medium actuation force, and enhanced RGB lighting, the G Pro Brown is the way to go. However, if you prefer a typing experience that is smooth, clacky, and falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow switch is the better option. Consider your typing preferences and requirements to make an informed decision.
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