Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Medium Tactile mechanical keyboard switches - two fantastic options that offer unique features for an enhanced typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, part of Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, provides an exceptional solution without compromising on quality. With its delightful and subtle tactile sensation, these switches offer a gentle bump that won't disrupt your typing flow. The frosted light diffuser ensures vibrant RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience, while the medium-high pitch delivers satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, Durock's Medium Tactile switch offers a pronounced yet balanced tactility, providing a jelly-like sound signature. With its accented and polished design, this switch promises a smooth typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine which switch is best suited for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Medium Tactile both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice provides them with a similar set of characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it perfect for switches that require RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through beautifully.
Now, let's compare the housing materials for the bottom housing of these two switches. The G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Medium Tactile both feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing, you can expect a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon housing creates a duller and rounder sound, contributing to a more satisfying typing experience.
Although the top and bottom housings differ for the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Medium Tactile, they both bring unique qualities to the switches. The bottom housing's characteristics have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, giving users a tactile and satisfying experience when pressing down on the keys. Conversely, the top housing has more influence on the sound produced when letting go of a key. Both switches offer a combination of crisp, resonant sounds and deep, full tones, providing users with an enjoyable and dynamic typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. The actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Brown is 55 grams, while the actuation force of the Medium Tactile is unavailable. Therefore, we cannot directly compare their actuation forces. However, both switches fall within the medium range, indicating a moderate force required to trigger a keystroke.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is slightly lighter than the 65 grams of the Medium Tactile switch. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires slightly less force to fully press down the key compared to the Medium Tactile switch.
Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer a lighter feel may find the G Pro 3.0 Brown more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces provide a lighter and more effortless keystroke experience. On the other hand, the Medium Tactile switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who desire a more substantial push and a stronger tactile feedback while typing.
In essence, while the actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch is unavailable for comparison, its heavier bottom out force sets it apart from the G Pro 3.0 Brown, which has a lighter bottom out force. Thus, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown providing a lighter typing experience and the Medium Tactile offering a slightly heavier and more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance.
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 Medium 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 Medium 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 G Pro 3.0 Brown is described as having a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. The Medium Tactile, on the other hand, is described as having a jelly-like sound signature. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also dependent on other factors such as your choice of board and keycaps. Depending on these variables, you can expect similar results from both switches, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown providing a medium-high pitch and the Medium Tactile offering a jelly-like sound signature.
Moving on to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is known for being easy to press and offering gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is described as mild, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It also features a stepped feel, where you can feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel, adding to the overall typing experience.
The Medium Tactile switch from Durock is described as accented, providing a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Similar to the G Pro 3.0 Brown, the Medium Tactile offers a mild and stepped feel, providing a comfortable typing experience with noticeable tactility. It is worth mentioning that the Medium Tactile switch is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the information into consideration, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Medium Tactile switches offer a pleasant tactile sensation and are suitable for those seeking a medium level of tactility. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a satisfying auditory feedback with its medium-high pitch, the Medium Tactile switch offers a jelly-like sound signature. In terms of feel, both switches have an easy-to-press nature with a mild and stepped feel, making typing effortless and comfortable. The Medium Tactile switch also benefits from a polished finish, ensuring a sleek and smooth key travel experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and the overall typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Medium Tactile switches offer their own unique advantages. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is an ideal choice if you prioritize a gentle and low-impact typing experience. With an easy-to-press feel and a mild tactile bump, these switches provide a comfortable and effortless typing experience. Additionally, the G Pro Brown features a frosted light diffuser that enhances the brightness of your RGB lighting, creating a visually immersive experience. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is perfect for those who prefer a moderately tactile typing experience. With its pronounced yet balanced tactility and stepped feel, these switches offer a middle-ground zone between overwhelming and subtle tactility. Furthermore, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has a polished finish, resulting in smooth key travel and reduced friction. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock Medium Tactile switch depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound. Consider your typing style and prioritize the specific qualities that align with your preferences.
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