Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Luciola are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct qualities and benefits for users. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is known for its exceptional value and quality, providing an affordable option without compromising on performance. This tactile switch offers a gentle bump that enhances typing flow without being overwhelming. With a frosted light diffuser, this switch also allows for vibrant RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. Additionally, it provides a medium-high pitch that delivers satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola stands out with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature. This linear switch offers a smooth and bouncy typing feel, creating a satisfying tactile experience. It also produces a distinctive sound profile, reminiscent of a "can of spray paint being shaken." These switches are snappy, clacky, chirpy, marbly, buttery, high-pitched, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision and choose the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
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
3.60 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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Luciola differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize a higher-pitched sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects, enhancing the keyboard's aesthetic appeal. On the other hand, the Luciola features a proprietary INK blend top housing, offering a pointed and slightly high-pitched sound that is not excessively sharp. This produces a satisfying, clacky sound that is unique to the Luciola switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Brown incorporates a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing. This can be appealing for individuals who prefer a more immersive and resonant typing experience. Similarly, the Luciola utilizes a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which adds to its distinctive sound profile. The INK blend contributes to a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, giving the Luciola switch its characteristic clacky sound.
While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Luciola have different housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing work together to create a sharp and clear sound during keypresses, while the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings produce a slightly high-pitched and clacky sound. Therefore, although their housing materials differ, both switches deliver satisfying auditory experiences, allowing users to choose based on their personal sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, we find a similarity in their actuation forces, both requiring 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. However, there is a slight difference in their bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Luciola has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 60 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Luciola would be the better choice as it requires less force to bottom out. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions, such as in a work environment or during long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Brown, as it has a slightly heavier bottom out force.
Overall, both switches fall within the medium force range, ensuring a balanced and comfortable typing experience. Whether one prefers a slightly lighter or heavier switch will depend on their personal preference and the level of feedback they desire.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Luciola. The G Pro 3.0 Brown's 4.0mm travel distance is the more traditional option, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Luciola's 3.6mm travel distance is shallower, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize fast response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Luciola with its shorter travel distance might be the better option. However, for those who enjoy a deeper key press, the G Pro 3.0 Brown with its slightly longer travel distance would be a suitable choice. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming 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 Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 switch provides a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. It is described as having a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, with a gentle bump that won't overpower your typing flow. This switch also features a frosted light diffuser, which enhances the RGB lighting and creates an immersive visual experience. In comparison, the Luciola switch is described as having a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. This unique sound profile sets it apart from other switches and gives it an interesting auditory characteristic. Ultimately, the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The typing feel is responsive and low-impact, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Luciola switch is described as having a smooth and bouncy typing feel. It provides a medium heft and a snappy response, giving the typing experience a lively and responsive quality. With its buttery and polished characteristics, the Luciola switch offers a seamless and uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switch provides a medium-high pitch sound with a delightful and subtle tactile sensation. It offers an easy-to-press feel, making typing effortless and low-impact. On the other hand, the Luciola switch has a unique "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile and provides a smooth and bouncy typing feel. Both switches have their own characteristics that can enhance the typing experience for different individuals. Although they provide different qualities, they both offer enjoyable experiences in their respective aspects. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose the switch that aligns with their desired sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a subtle tactile sensation and a satisfying auditory feedback, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is the choice for you. With its medium bottom out force, it offers a gentle bump without overpowering your typing flow. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances the visibility of RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. On the other hand, if you value switches that glow in the dark and provide a smooth and bouncy typing feel, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is the better option. It has a similar medium bottom out force and offers a unique "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. Moreover, the Luciola switch provides a snappy and polished typing experience, with its responsiveness and smooth key travel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for tactile feedback, sound profile, and visual aesthetics.
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