Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Haimu Orange Sea offer distinct advantages tailored to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch that provides a subtle yet enjoyable bump during key presses, perfect for those who appreciate feedback while typing without overwhelming interruption. Its frosted light diffuser not only enhances the RGB lighting of your setup but also ensures that each tactile engagement remains satisfying with a medium-high pitch auditory response. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea, characterized as a linear switch, is designed for users seeking an impeccably smooth typing experience devoid of tactile feedback. This makes it an ideal choice for fast-paced gaming or for those who prefer a quieter, more fluid keystroke. While both switches offer quality and performance, they cater to different typing styles, which can greatly affect your overall keyboard experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Haimu Orange Sea switches share notable similarities in their top housing material, both employing polycarbonate, which brings a distinct sharpness and clarity to their sound profiles. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the resonance of the switches, producing a higher-pitched and crisper sound when a key is pressed. This property is particularly beneficial for RGB lighting enthusiasts, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination through the switch. Therefore, users can expect a consistent auditory response from both switches, contributing to a clear and responsive typing experience when activated.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is constructed from nylon, which significantly alters the auditory characteristics of the switches. Nylon, a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that while the top housing delivers clarity during key releases, the bottom housing enriches the sound when a key bottoms out. Consequently, despite sharing the same top housing material, the G Pro 3.0 Brown and Orange Sea switches exhibit a harmonious balance of sound qualities due to the differing properties of their respective bottom housings.
Overall, while both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Haimu Orange Sea utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, they capitalize on distinctly contrasting sound profiles provided by their nylon bottom housings. The interplay of these materials defines the overall acoustic signature of each switch, allowing for a unique typing experience that reflects the characteristics of the housing materials used. By understanding this combination, keyboard enthusiasts can select a switch that aligns with their desired sound and feel while achieving a delightful typing experience comparable between the two models.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Brown requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a solid choice for typists who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback during their typing experience. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch features a significantly lighter actuation force of just 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, which caters to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended hours of use. Therefore, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is better suited for those who enjoy a firmer push, while the Orange Sea is perfect for users seeking a lighter feel. The differences in weight can impact user comfort and performance, especially during long gaming sessions or extensive typing tasks.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference reflects a preference in key feel and responsiveness; the G Pro 3.0 Brown, with its longer travel distance, provides a more traditional and deeper keypress, which some users may find more satisfying. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Orange Sea may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times and a more agile typing experience. Thus, if you prefer a hearty depth and a more deliberate keypress, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the better choice, while those seeking faster actuation and a snappier feel might favor the Orange Sea 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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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
The sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is characterized by a medium-high pitch, which delivers satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. This sound provides a pleasant resonance without being overly loud or distracting, making it suitable for both quiet office environments and home use. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switch features a neutral sound signature, resulting in a more discreet auditory experience. This smooth sound may appeal to users who prefer less noticeable keystrokes, creating a serene typing atmosphere. However, it's important to note that the overall sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard frame and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a tactile experience that balances gentle resistance with an easy-to-press action, ultimately reducing finger fatigue during prolonged typing. This switch features a mild tactile bump combined with a stepped actuation that allows for a gradual typing flow, making it approachable for most users. On the other hand, the Orange Sea is known for its impeccably smooth typing feel, which provides a tactile-free experience. This smoothness is designed for those who enjoy fluid and uninterrupted keystrokes, making it ideal for gaming and fast-paced typists who thrive on a linear action.
In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and Haimu Orange Sea switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, they both cater to different preferences. The G Pro Brown combines a satisfying sound and gentle tactile feedback for a balanced typing journey, while the Orange Sea focuses on delivering a smooth, linear feel with a neutral sound. Depending on your preferences—whether you lean towards tactile feedback or a completely smooth action—you'll find rewarding typing experiences in either switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a tactile experience that provides a gentle bump to enhance your typing flow without being intrusive, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is likely the better choice for you. Its medium actuation force of 63 grams promotes a satisfying typing feel while minimizing the chances of accidental key presses, making it a solid option for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer an effortlessly smooth typing experience with a light actuation force of only 45 grams, the Haimu Orange Sea switch would be your best bet. Its linear design offers a seamless motion without any tactile feedback, making it ideal for gamers or those who value speed and rapid key presses without the additional resistance found in tactile switches. In summary, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is excellent for those seeking balanced tactile feedback during longer typing sessions, while the Orange Sea caters to users wanting a lightweight, fluid feel for quick, uninterrupted action.
Mentioned in this article
