Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Cherry Nixie offer distinct typing experiences. The G Pro Brown is a tactile switch that features a gentle bump for a subtle tactile sensation without disrupting your typing flow. With a frosted light diffuser to enhance RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback, it provides an economical yet quality option. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is a linear switch known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation. While the G Pro Brown is 'Easy-to-press' and 'Mild', the Nixie is 'Textured', 'Thocky', and 'Low-pitched'. Both switches have their unique benefits, but diving deeper into their specific features and characteristics will help you make the best choice for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Cherry Nixie, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softness of nylon, which helps to absorb sound and create a duller and rounder tone. This similarity in housing material suggests that the typing experience on both switches will be quite similar in terms of sound profile.
On the other hand, the top housing materials of the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Nixie differ, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown opting for polycarbonate while the Nixie uses nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness and resonant properties. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Nixie offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, with a softer plastic that absorbs more sound to create a rounder tone. These differences in top housing materials will likely result in distinct typing experiences between the two switches.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Cherry Nixie plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of typing on these switches. While both switches share a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, the different top housing materials lead to unique sound profiles for each switch. Whether you prefer the crisper and higher-pitched sound of polycarbonate in the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the deeper and rounder tone of nylon in the Nixie, the housing materials have a notable impact on the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, there are clear differences in weight. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a more moderate option. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown for longer typing or gaming sessions, while individuals seeking a stronger push feel may opt for the Cherry Nixie for a heavier typing experience. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches cater to different preferences, providing users with varying options to suit their typing needs.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie 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 amount of travel distance. This makes them equal in terms of the physical sensation felt when typing or gaming. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feedback and actuation point. Whether you prefer a tactile switch like the G Pro 3.0 Brown or a linear switch like the Cherry Nixie, the travel distance will be consistent and provide a satisfying typing experience.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 tactile switch is known for delivering a medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory feedback during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is described as producing a deep, rich, and satisfying "thocky" sound with a low-pitched tone, creating a bass-heavy and mellow sound profile. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the G Pro Brown providing a brighter auditory experience compared to the Nixie's deeper and more substantial tone.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a low-impact and effortless typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The switch also features a mild tactile sensation with a stepped feel, providing a subtle bump without being overpowering. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is characterized as having a textured feel, which may introduce noticeable friction when pressed. This textured sensation can offer a unique typing experience for users who prefer a bit more tactile feedback in their switches.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Cherry Nixie switches offer different sound and feel profiles that cater to distinct preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the G Pro Brown provides a medium-high pitch and a gentle tactile bump, the Nixie offers a deep "thocky" sound and a textured typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches would depend on whether you prioritize a brighter auditory feedback and easy-to-press feel or a deeper, more substantial sound profile and a textured typing sensation. However, both switches promise to enhance your typing experience with their unique qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a medium force of 63 grams, along with a gentle tactile bump and a satisfying auditory feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Brown may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier 80-gram bottom out force and enjoy a textured typing experience with a thocky, low-pitched sound, then the Cherry Nixie linear switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal typing style and what characteristics you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
