Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between tactile and linear options, each offering distinct benefits that cater to different typing preferences. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch, known for its subtle tactile feedback, strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a gentle bump during their typing experience without overwhelming interruption. This switch not only features a frosted light diffuser that enhances RGB lighting effects, but also provides a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists crave. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch represents a linear alternative, designed to deliver smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps, catering to users who prioritize rapid key presses for gaming or fast-paced typing. Its reissue, with enhancements from the sought-after original MX Orange, emphasizes Cherry’s commitment to maintaining quality and performance. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown is ideal for users who appreciate tactile sensations, the MX Orange appeals to those who seek uninterrupted input. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and Cherry MX Orange switches, a notable distinction arises between their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. This is attributed to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, enhancing the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange uses a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nylon plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Consequently, users will note a considerable difference in sound character depending on the switch, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown providing a brighter sound, while the Cherry MX Orange delivers a more subdued tone.
In the context of the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and Cherry MX Orange utilize nylon materials, creating similarity in their sound profiles during wear. The shared use of nylon leads to a deeper, fuller sound due to its sound-absorbing qualities, which help mitigate harsher auditory feedback when the key is bottomed out. As a result, both switches offer a consistent feeling and sound when pressed down, highlighting the familiar characteristics of nylon. However, the overall experience differs when considering the combination of both housings, as the unique properties of the top housings steer the sound profile for each switch during keystrokes.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials result in distinct experiences for the user, despite similarities in the bottom housing. The G Pro 3.0 Brown’s polycarbonate top allows for a brighter resonance as a complement to the more profound sound of the nylon bottom, while the Cherry MX Orange’s fully nylon composition yields a more uniform, rounded auditory sensation throughout both the actuation and bottoming-out phases. Therefore, if a user prefers a sharper sound and crisper feel during key release, they would lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown, while those fond of deeper sounds might find the Cherry MX Orange to be more to their liking. Ultimately, users will experience a blend of different auditory qualities that stem from the unique composition of the switch housings.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch to the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 55 grams, which offers a consistent typing experience in terms of the effort required to trigger a keystroke. However, a notable difference arises in their bottom-out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a bottom-out force of 63 grams, indicating that it requires slightly more pressure to bottom out compared to the actuation. In contrast, while the Cherry MX Orange also starts at 55 grams for actuation, its bottom-out force remains unknown. In terms of typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is on the heavier side when considering how much force is ultimately needed to bottom out, given that it requires 8 grams more than its actuation force. This added weight could be preferable for users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel; whereas, the MX Orange, with its unknown bottom-out force, may present a lighter overall experience or possibly provide a more buttery feel when pressed all the way down. In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a defined tactile response with a moderate weight, whereas the Cherry MX Orange's weight characteristics remain indeterminate beyond the actuation force, suggesting it may appeal to those favoring a potentially lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that, when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, users will experience an identical length of key travel from the top to the bottom. As a result, if you switch between keyboards using these switches, the typing feel will remain consistent, providing a familiar experience across both scenarios. Since the travel distance is equal, users can expect similar performance and response when typing or gaming with either 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 Cherry MX Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown produces a medium-high pitch that results in satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience. This sound profile, while enjoyable, is generally subtle enough to not be distracting, allowing for focused work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange switch also features a unique sound characteristic, but specific details about its auditory experience are not provided. Given that sound quality can vary based on the keyboard’s construction and keycap materials, users may find that both switches can deliver an appealing sound depending on those factors.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown excels with its easy-to-press nature, requiring minimal force for actuation, which makes it particularly comfortable for extended typing sessions. It offers a mild yet distinct tactile bump without feeling overly harsh or pronounced, leading to a balanced typing experience. The stepped design means that users can feel a slight change in pressure during key travel, enhancing tactile feedback while still remaining approachable for most typists. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Orange switch's feel is not explicitly described, leaving its tactile or linear characteristics open to interpretation. Therefore, it’s challenging to make direct comparisons in this regard without more information.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and Cherry MX Orange switches offer unique qualities, especially regarding their auditory experiences and tactile feedback. The G Pro 3.0 Brown stands out with its satisfying sound and comfortable, easy-to-press feel. While the MX Orange holds its own reputation within the mechanical keyboard world, the lack of specific details makes it harder to evaluate directly. However, users can expect that both switches can provide a quality typing experience suited to different preferences, whether they prioritize tactile sensations or sound profiles.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Cherry MX Orange switch, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you seek a tactile feel that enhances your typing experience without overwhelming your fingers, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is a fitting choice. Its gentle bump and medium actuation force make it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is key, while the satisfying auditory feedback and improved RGB lighting performance can add an enjoyable element to your setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without any tactile bumps, the Cherry MX Orange might be the way to go. Known for its linear feel, the MX Orange switch allows for fluid motion, making it perfect for gaming or tasks that require rapid key presses. In essence, consider choosing the G Pro 3.0 Brown for a balanced typing experience that focuses on comfort, whereas the Cherry MX Orange is best for those who favor speed and fluidity in their key presses.
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