Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the SP-Star Meteor White. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is hailed for its exceptional quality and affordability, making it a great choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing performance. With its carefully designed tactile sensation, these switches offer a gentle bump that adds a delightful touch to your typing experience, while still maintaining a smooth flow. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser ensures that the RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. On the other hand, the Meteor White offers a subdued and gentle linear switch. It is easy to press and produces a soft, pitter-patter sound profile. Both the type feel and sound profile of the Meteor White switches are incredibly gentle and soft. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the SP-Star Meteor White switches differ in their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the Meteor White features a nylon top housing. This distinction has a significant impact on the sound profile of the two switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Meteor White elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate material used in the G Pro 3.0 Brown's top housing allows for better utilization of RGB lighting due to its translucency. The nylon material of the Meteor White's top housing does not offer the same benefit in terms of RGB lighting.
Similarly, in terms of their bottom housing materials, both switches opt for nylon. This classic switch housing material contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile in both cases. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, when typing on either the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the Meteor White, users can expect a similar experience in terms of the sound profile produced by the nylon bottom housing.
Although the top and bottom housings differ for these switches, they still share certain qualities. Both the G Pro 3.0 Brown's nylon bottom housing and the Meteor White's nylon bottom housing contribute to the deeper and fuller sound profile experienced when typing. This is because nylon, as a relatively softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, it is important to note that the top housing has a more pronounced impact on the sound when releasing a key, while the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is slightly lighter in both actuation and bottom out force. It requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke and 63 grams to bottom out. On the other hand, the exact actuation force of the Meteor White switch is unknown, but it has a bottom out force of 57 grams, which is considered medium-light.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be a suitable choice as it allows for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. The Meteor White, with its medium-light bottom out force, may also provide a similar result in terms of overall typing comfort. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel and prefer a stronger push, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be the better option with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, although the specific actuation force of the Meteor White is unavailable, it can still be compared and contrasted to the G Pro 3.0 Brown based on their respective bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results with both switches.
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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 produces a satisfying auditory feedback. The sound is described as pleasant and adds an extra layer of joy to typing sessions. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch is known for its gentle and pitter-patter sound profile. It is described as soft and subdued. Both switches provide different sound profiles, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown offering a medium-high pitch and the Meteor White providing a softer sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is known for being easy to press. It offers gentle resistance during key presses and requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Additionally, it is mentioned that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump that won't overpower the typing flow. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White switch is described as mild in terms of feel. It offers a gentle typing experience and stands in a safe middle-ground zone. It is also mentioned that the switch is polished, resulting in a smooth and refined finish and providing a sleek typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the SP-Star Meteor White switches provide different subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a medium-high pitch sound profile with a delightful and subtle tactile sensation. It is easy to press and provides a low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch offers a softer and more subdued sound profile. It is also mild in terms of feel and provides a polished typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and are suitable for different preferences. However, it is important to consider other factors such as personal preference, keyboard board, and keycaps choice when selecting a switch. Based on the available information, it is likely that the G Pro 3.0 Brown will provide a similar sound and feel to the Meteor White switch, but with some differences in pitch and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when it comes to choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences and typing style.
If you value a subtle tactile sensation and a medium-high pitch with satisfying auditory feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is a great choice. These switches offer a delightful typing experience without overpowering your typing flow. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that is easy to push and provides a gentle, pitter-patter sound profile, the Meteor White is the way to go. These switches offer a soft and subdued typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement. They are suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and can be used at home or at work.
Both switches offer a mild typing experience, making them approachable to most users. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown is described as easy-to-press and stepped, providing low-impact typing feel and a mild tactile sensation, the Meteor White is described as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In the end, it is important to consider your personal preferences for sound and feel when making a decision between these two switches. Whether you prioritize a subtle tactile sensation and a medium-high pitch or prefer a switch that is easy to push with a soft sound profile, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the SP-Star Meteor White have their own unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
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