Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Blue mechanical keyboard switches, we find two distinct options catering to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch that offers a gentle bump during typing, creating a satisfying tactile sensation without being too overwhelming. It is known for its budget-friendly nature while still maintaining quality and providing a medium-high pitch for auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue is a clicky switch, known for its audible click sound with each press. While the G Pro Brown focuses on a subtle tactile experience, the Outemu Blue puts emphasis on the auditory feedback. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and Outemu Blue switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both switches offer similar advantages with their polycarbonate top housings.
However, the nylon bottom housings of the G Pro 3.0 Brown and Outemu Blue switches differ in their sound profiles. Typing on switches that use nylon for the bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. While both switches offer the benefits of using nylon for the bottom housing, the sound experience will vary between the two switches due to this difference in housing material.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and Outemu Blue switches may come down to personal preference in sound profile. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound, but the nylon bottom housings differentiate the sound experience. Whether you prefer the crisper sound of the G Pro 3.0 Brown with its nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile, or the Outemu Blue with its nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Outemu Blue clicky switch, which requires 50 grams of force to actuate. However, the bottom out force for the G Pro 3.0 Brown is also slightly higher at 63 grams compared to the Outemu Blue, which has an unknown bottom out force. Both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of actuation force, but the G Pro 3.0 Brown may provide a slightly more substantial feel due to its higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences, with some users preferring the lighter actuation force of the Outemu Blue for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier feel of the G Pro 3.0 Brown for a more satisfying keystroke.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, offering users a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel. This means that whether you choose the G Pro or the Blue switch, you can expect similar results in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. Therefore, the travel distance is not a factor to consider when deciding between these two 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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a medium-high pitch with a satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience with a joyful sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is known for its distinct clicky sound that is crisp and satisfying, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The mild characteristics of these switches make them approachable to most typists, providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. In comparison, the Outemu Blue switch's feel descriptor is unknown, but typically, clicky switches like the Outemu Blue provide a tactile bump and audible click during key presses, offering a more tactile and responsive typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Blue switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a medium-high pitch sound with a gentle tactile bump, while the Outemu Blue clicky switch offers a distinct clicky sound with a more pronounced tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you'll get similar results in terms of quality, albeit with different characteristics tailored to your individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a tactile and smooth typing feel with a gentle bump, along with a medium-high pitch for auditory feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky and audible typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Outemu Blue switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your preference for typing feel and sound will guide you towards the switch that best suits your needs.
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