Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Outemu Lime (V3)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Lime (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Presenting two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Lime, both offering tactile feedback but with their distinctive features. The G Pro Brown, part of Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, is known for its economical solution without compromising on quality. These switches provide a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, enhancing your typing experience with a gentle bump that seamlessly integrates into your flow. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser ensures that your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. On the other hand, the Lime switches are incredibly unique as they are lightweight, feature an approachable tactility, and are silenced. This makes them perfect for tactile fans who seek a feathery light typing experience with just a touch of tactility. The Lime switches provide a neutral and muted tactile feedback, allowing for a polished and subtle typing experience. Both switches have their advantages, but let's delve deeper into their specific characteristics so you can make the best choice for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Lime differ in their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Lime uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Lime elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deep and full sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housings of both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Lime share similar sound characteristics, creating a satisfying typing experience.
When comparing the top and bottom housings, it is important to note that their properties contribute differently to the overall sound and feel of the switch. Pressing down on either switch will mainly showcase the qualities of the bottom housing, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Meanwhile, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Therefore, different combinations of housing materials can create variations in the typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate top housing providing a sharper sound upon release, while the Lime's nylon top housing offers a fuller sound when keys are released.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there are some notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a medium actuation force of 55 grams, meaning it requires a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke compared to the Lime's light actuation force of 35 grams. This lighter actuation force of the Lime switch allows for faster and more effortless typing, making it suitable for those who value speed and ease of use.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch has a heavier bottom out force of 63 grams compared to the Lime's 45 grams. This means that when typing on the G Pro 3.0 Brown, users will experience a more substantial and satisfying push feel, which some prefer for a more tactile typing experience.
In terms of weight, the Lime switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, offering a smoother and more effortless typing experience. This lighter weight can be advantageous for extended typing sessions, making it an ideal choice for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch, with its heavier forces, provides a more substantial and satisfying typing experience, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a stronger push feel.
While the actuation and bottom out forces differ between the two switches, it is worth noting that both switches offer a desirable tactile feel. Whether one prefers the lighter and smoother typing experience of the Lime or the heavier and more substantial feel of the G Pro 3.0 Brown, both switches provide a satisfying tactile response, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a longer travel distance compared to the Lime. A travel distance of 4.0mm is considered more traditional, while a travel distance of 3.3mm is shallower. Gamers, in particular, often prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Lime would be a suitable choice for you. However, some individuals find short travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial keypress, the G Pro 3.0 Brown with its longer travel distance would be a better fit. In summary, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Lime, providing a different typing experience depending on your preferences.
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 Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. It provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump that won't overpower your typing flow. This creates an immersive typing experience with a pleasant sound. The Lime switch, on the other hand, is described as neutral and muted. A neutral switch has a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use it at home or work. A muted switch produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The sound of both switches will also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as easy-to-press, providing a gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience, making it effortless and comfortable, while reducing finger fatigue during extended sessions. The Brown switch also falls into the mild category, offering a safe middle-ground typing experience that will be approachable to most users. The Lime switch is also described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is suitable for a wide range of users. It is also labeled as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from your fingers. This reduces finger fatigue and makes it comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Based on the available information, both switches offer a similar sound profile with the G Pro 3.0 Brown providing a medium-high pitch while the Lime switch is described as neutral and muted. In terms of feel, both switches fall into the mild category, providing a gentle typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is easy-to-press and offers a subtle tactile sensation, while the Lime switch is feathery and provides a subtle resistance. Both switches aim to offer an improved typing experience with their tactile feedback and light actuation force. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on personal preference and specific requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is a great choice. It offers a medium bottom out force of 63 grams, making it suitable for most typing preferences. The G Pro Brown also features a frosted light diffuser, enhancing the visual experience with brighter RGB lighting. In terms of sound, it has a medium pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. In terms of feel, the G Pro Brown is easy-to-press and provides a low-impact typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
On the other hand, if you prefer a feather-light typing experience with just a touch of tactility, the Outemu Lime switch would be ideal for you. With a bottom out force of only 45 grams, the Lime switch is incredibly lightweight. It also features an approachable tactility, giving you a gentle bump while typing. Additionally, the Lime switch is silent, making it perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The Lime switch offers a mild typing feel and a sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Lime switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a budget-friendly option with a delightful tactile sensation and medium-bottom out force, go for the G Pro Brown. However, if you prefer a feather-light typing experience with a touch of tactility and a silent operation, the Lime switch would be the better option for you. Both switches offer their own unique benefits and can enhance your overall typing experience.
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