Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Light Tactile, two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches that offer tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, part of Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, provides an economical solution without compromising on quality. These switches feature a subtle tactile sensation, carefully designed to offer a gentle bump that won't disrupt your typing flow. With a frosted light diffuser, the G Pro Brown ensures your RGB lighting shines brightly, creating an immersive visual experience. Additionally, it delivers a medium-high pitch that enhances the auditory feedback, making your typing sessions even more enjoyable. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a refreshing departure from the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. This switch provides a super gentle tactility, creating an angelic feel while typing. The jelly-like sound signature adds uniqueness to the typing experience. Categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Mild', the G Pro Brown offers a stepped feel, while the Light Tactile, categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished', presents a more sophisticated touch. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Light Tactile, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for an aesthetically pleasing feature, particularly when using RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and visual effects when using either switch.
In terms of the bottom housings, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Light Tactile employ nylon. Nylon is known as a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, both switches offer a duller and rounder sound when typing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, showcasing the impact of the nylon material.
Overall, while both switches share the use of polycarbonate for their top housings, they differ in terms of the bottom housing material. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, while the Light Tactile follows the same approach. This difference splits the qualities each housing material brings, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. However, users can expect similar sound profiles and typing experiences due to the similarities in their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile switch, it is clear that there are some notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams, slightly heavier than the Light Tactile's 52 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires 63 grams of force, whereas the Light Tactile needs 67 grams.
Considering weight, some individuals may prefer a lighter switch to type for extended periods, making the G Pro 3.0 Brown a suitable choice. It offers a slightly lighter actuation force, allowing for more comfortable and prolonged typing, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, others might desire a heavier push feel to enhance the typing experience, in which case the Durock Light Tactile satisfies this preference with both its actuation and bottom out forces being higher.
In terms of actuation force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a moderate resistance while the Durock Light Tactile falls within the same range, offering a similar typing experience. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Light Tactile switch requires a slightly heavier force, making it feel more substantial in comparison to the G Pro 3.0 Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding typing comfort and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch is the same, both measuring 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a similar distance of travel. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches offer equal tactile feedback and response.
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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 offers a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. While the exact sound profile is not described, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch is described as having a "jelly-like" sound signature. This suggests that it produces a unique, softer sound compared to other tactile switches on the market. It offers an angelic tactility that is a welcome contrast to sharper tactile switches. Overall, the Light Tactile switch provides a different, more gentle sound experience.
When it comes to feel, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Light Tactile switches offer a mild typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The G Pro 3.0 Brown also has a stepped feel, meaning it has two stages of tactility with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch provides a more gentle typing experience and stands in a safe, middle-ground zone. It offers an approachable sound and feel that can be enjoyed by most users. Additionally, the Light Tactile switch is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Light Tactile switches offer pleasant tactile sensations tailored to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a delightful and subtle tactile bump, while the Light Tactile offers a super gentle tactility with a jelly-like sound signature. Both switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. However, it's important to consider other factors such as your choice of keyboard and keycaps, as these can also influence the sound and feel of the switches. Ultimately, whether you choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown or the Durock Light Tactile, you can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation without overpowering your typing flow, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is the switch for you. With a frosted light diffuser, this switch ensures your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a satisfying auditory feedback with its medium-high pitch. On the other hand, if you prefer a super gentle tactility with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Light Tactile switch is a great choice. This switch offers an angelic tactility that is a welcome contrast to sharper tactile switches in the market. Overall, both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a mild typing experience, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has an easy-to-press feel, while the Light Tactile switch is polished for a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
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