Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that often come up for consideration are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Zuoce Lavender. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch, known for its gentle bump that enhances typing without being too aggressive. It offers a satisfying auditory feedback and a medium-high pitch, perfect for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender is a linear switch, praised for its smoothness and crisp, clacky sound signature. It provides a distinct typing experience right out of the box, making each keystroke satisfying. Both switches are easy to press, but they differ in their tactile feedback and sound profile. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Zuoce Lavender, we can see that the G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing while the Lavender has a POM top housing. Both materials offer unique sound profiles, with polycarbonate creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound, and POM producing a deeper and more muted sound. However, the G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting, which is not a feature of the Lavender switch.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Lavender also incorporates a POM bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and muted sound. While both switches offer a unique sound experience, the choice between nylon and POM bottom housing may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel when typing.
Overall, despite some differences in housing materials between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Zuoce Lavender, both switches offer pleasing and unique sound profiles. The impact of the housing material on the sound and feel of the switch can be felt differently depending on whether it is the top or bottom housing being used. Ultimately, the decision between these switches may come down to individual preferences for sound, feel, and aesthetics in a mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
The actuation force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is slightly heavier at 55 grams compared to the Zuoce Lavender linear switch at 48 grams. Both switches have medium actuation forces, which means they provide a good balance between ease of typing and tactile feedback. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly heavier force of 63 grams, while the Zuoce Lavender has a lighter bottom out force of 53 grams. The difference in bottom out force may result in a softer typing experience with the Lavender switch compared to a more substantial feel with the G Pro 3.0 Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lavender, which may appeal to users who prefer a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Lavender offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times and may be favored by gamers looking for quick key actuation. Both switches provide different tactile feedback and actuation force, but in terms of travel distance, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is longer than the Lavender. Ultimately, whether you choose the shorter or longer travel distance will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Lavender switch is characterized by a crisp and clacky sound signature, making each keystroke a distinctly satisfying experience. Depending on your preferences, the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a more medium-high pitch sound, while the Lavender switch offers a crisper and brighter sound profile.
When it comes to feel, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Lavender switch are described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This characteristic makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is also noted for its mild typing experience, falling in a safe middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown features stepped switches, providing a tactile sensation with two stages during key presses. The Lavender switch shares similar qualities in terms of ease of pressing, making both switches a comfortable and responsive choice for typing enthusiasts.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a medium-high pitch sound and a subtle tactile sensation with stepped switches, the Lavender switch delivers a crisp and clacky sound signature with exceptional smoothness. Depending on whether you prefer a gentle bump in your typing experience or a sharper sound profile, both switches offer quality performance and comfort for your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you will achieve similar results regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is ideal for those looking for a subtle tactile bump with a medium bottom out force, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too heavy. On the other hand, the Lavender switch offers a smooth and clacky feel with a slightly lighter bottom out force, perfect for those who prefer a linear switch that is easy to press and produces a distinct sound feedback. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prefer a tactile typing experience with a medium bottom out force or a smooth linear feel with a lighter bottom out force and crisp sound signature.
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