Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Durock Mamba

Overview

Presenting two exceptional mechanical keyboard switch options: the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Mamba. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, offers an economical solution without compromising on quality. With a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, these switches provide a gentle bump that enhances your typing flow. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser ensures that the RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a smooth gliding typing sensation. These linear switches provide a rich and creamy auditory experience, making your typing sessions a true delight. The G Pro 3.0 Brown falls under the categories of easy-to-press, mild, and stepped, while the Mamba is categorized as neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision when choosing your ideal switch.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown Tactile

Durock Mamba Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Mamba offer contrasting housing materials for their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Mamba boasts a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. This blend produces a pleasant sound profile that leans towards the brighter side. It is not as sharp as polycarbonate but still offers a distinct auditory experience.

In terms of their bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a nylon material. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Mamba features a POM bottom housing, which has its own set of characteristics. POM housings produce a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards deeper tones. This material is relatively more muted compared to nylon, offering a different auditory experience.

While the housing materials of the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Mamba differ, it is important to note their impact on the overall switch performance. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed down. The use of nylon in the G Pro 3.0 Brown delivers a deeper and fuller sound, creating a distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing in the Mamba contributes to a relatively more muted and deeper sound. A notable similarity between the two switches lies in the impact of the top housing on the sound when a key is released. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Mamba both contribute to a brighter sound profile upon key release.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, we can see a few similarities and differences. Firstly, in terms of actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the actuation force of the Mamba is unavailable, meaning we do not have that information. However, both switches fall under the medium category, indicating a moderate level of force required for actuation. Moving on to the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a measurement of 63 grams, slightly heavier than the 60 grams of the Mamba. This suggests that the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a slightly more substantial typing experience when it comes to bottoming out.

Considering weight as a factor, some users might prefer a lighter switch like the G Pro 3.0 Brown, as it enables them to type for extended periods without fatigue. This lightweight nature makes it ideal for scenarios such as bringing the keyboard to work or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience might opt for switches with heavier forces, similar to the Durock Mamba and its bottom out force of 60 grams.

In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the bottom out force of the Durock Mamba remain unknown, we can still compare and contrast their attributes. The G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a medium actuation force of 55 grams and heavier bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Mamba falls under the medium category without specific numerical values mentioned. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between these two switches for their desired typing experience, whether it be a lighter touch for prolonged use or a heavier push for a more substantial feel.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Brown falls into the more traditional range with its 4 mm travel distance, providing a deeper press. On the other hand, the Mamba offers a slightly shallower press with its 3.5 mm travel distance. Both switches cater to different preferences and use cases. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances like the Mamba for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Brown with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and the desired level of responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is best known for its delightful and subtle tactile sensation. It offers a gentle bump that enhances typing flow without overpowering it. The sound profile of the G Pro Brown is medium-high pitch, delivering a satisfying auditory feedback. This adds an extra layer of joy to typing sessions and creates an immersive typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. While the specific sound profile of the Mamba is not mentioned, it is described as a neutral switch, which indicates a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. Both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, where the G Pro 3.0 Brown focuses on tactile feedback and medium-high pitch sound, while the Mamba switch provides a smooth and creamy typing feel.

In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses. It requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. This enhances the overall typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is also categorized as mild, indicating a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, it is described as a stepped switch, meaning it provides a tactile sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving it a more mild feel compared to hyper tactile switches. The Durock Mamba switch, on the other hand, is also described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience. It is categorized as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Mamba switches offer subjective qualities that enhance the typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch sound, while the Mamba switch offers a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. Both switches have a mild feel, making them approachable to most users. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is easy-to-press, while the Mamba switch is polished, providing a smooth typing experience. Overall, both switches offer enjoyable typing experiences, and depending on the individual preferences, one can choose the switch that aligns better with their preferred tactile and auditory experiences.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is a great choice. These switches offer a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, providing a gentle bump that won't disrupt your typing flow. With the added bonus of a frosted light diffuser, the G Pro Brown ensures your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. With a medium-high pitch, these switches also deliver a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions.

On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba linear switch is the way to go. These switches are a tribute to Kobe Bryant and offer a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you're using them at home or work. Additionally, the Mamba switches have a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most. They also have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Mamba switches depends on your preference for tactile or linear switches, as well as the specific sound and feel characteristics you desire. Both options offer their own unique advantages, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown Tactile

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

Durock Mamba Linear

$6.50

$5.17 per 10

Learn more