Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Mini i both offer unique advantages worth considering. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is praised for its budget-friendly yet high-quality design, featuring a subtle tactile sensation that enhances typing experience without being too disruptive. Its medium-high pitch and RGB lighting compatibility make for an immersive visual and auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches are tailored for office settings, offering a gentle tactility and a quiet sound profile that is perfect for professional environments. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown is 'Easy-to-press' and 'Stepped', the Mini i is described as 'Bouncy' and 'Subtle'. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Mini i, we can see that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches with stiffer plastic bottom housings. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience with both switches when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel.
However, the top housing materials of these two switches differ, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown using polycarbonate and the Mini i using nylon. Polycarbonate is described as creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, nylon in the top housing of the Mini i will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is softer and absorbs more sound. This contrast in top housing materials will result in a noticeable difference in sound when releasing a key, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown offering a sharper sound compared to the Mini i's rounder sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Mini i will come down to personal preference in sound profiles. While both switches share similar bottom housing materials that create a deeper and fuller sound profile, the difference in top housing materials will lead to distinct sound characteristics when typing. The G Pro 3.0 Brown will provide a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Mini i will offer a rounder and duller sound with its nylon top housing. Users looking for a more resonant sound may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Brown, while those seeking a softer sound may lean towards the Mini i.
Weight
Comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it is evident that the Mini i is the lighter option with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. The actuation force is the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures pressing all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Mini i for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons, while individuals looking for a more substantial typing experience may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Brown. Ultimately, the lighter actuation force of the Mini i will provide a softer typing experience, while the heavier actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Brown will offer a more solid feel with each keystroke.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may feel more substantial and satisfying to some users compared to the Mini i's shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Mini i with its shorter travel distance, allowing for quick key presses during intense gameplay. Both options offer different experiences in terms of key travel, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference on whether you prefer a shorter or longer travel distance when choosing a switch.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 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 offers a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i provides a fairly muted sound profile that still maintains the satisfying feedback of typing, making it ideal for quiet office environments. Both switches offer a pleasant sound profile that won't disturb those around you, ensuring a peaceful typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the mild tactile sensation of these switches falls in a safe middle-ground zone, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches are described as bouncy, providing a spring-like feedback sensation that adds liveliness to each keystroke. These switches also offer an easy-to-press feel with gentle resistance, making them comfortable for long typing sessions.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Mini i switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a medium-high pitch sound and an easy-to-press feel with a subtle tactile sensation, the Mini i offers a fairly muted sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press feel. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these two switches to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch or the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, you should keep in mind the differences in bottom out force and characteristics of each switch. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 63 grams and a more pronounced tactile bump with a medium-high pitch sound profile, then the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a more subtle tactile sensation with a fairly muted sound profile, then the Gateron Mini i would suit your preferences better. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal typing style and preferences for sound and feel.
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