Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Blue Jade offer distinct features to cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown stands out for its tactile feedback, providing a gentle bump that enhances typing without being disruptive. It also boasts a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade is a clicky switch that delivers a crisp and audible click with each keystroke. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown is ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience with tactile feedback, the Outemu Blue Jade is perfect for users who enjoy the audible clicky sound. 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
65g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Blue Jade switches have distinct differences in terms of sound profile and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. In contrast, the Blue Jade has a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as the softer nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder tone. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown's top housing is ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency, the Blue Jade's nylon top housing offers a classic typing experience.
The bottom housings of both switches also differ, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown sporting a nylon bottom housing and the Blue Jade featuring a nylon bottom housing as well. Both switches benefit from the deeper and fuller sound profile provided by the softer nylon material, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel for both switches. However, the impact of the bottom housing will be more prominent during the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and Outemu Blue Jade switches have different housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences. The stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a sharp and crisp sound, while the softer nylon top housing of the Blue Jade creates a deeper and fuller tone. Both switches benefit from the absorbing qualities of nylon in their bottom housings, ensuring a consistent and satisfying typing experience with a rounder sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, we can see that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Blue Jade's 50 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Brown will require a bit more pressure to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Blue Jade is heavier at 65 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown is slightly lighter at 63 grams. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range, offering a balance between typing comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown being slightly lighter overall.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. This consistency in travel distance may result in a similar typing experience regardless of whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Browns or the Blue Jade switches. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is the same, providing a consistent feel when typing.
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 Jade 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch provides a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is known for its distinct and crisp click sound, offering a more pronounced auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the G Pro Brown being more subtle and the Blue Jade being more audible.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is recognized for its easy-to-press nature, offering a gentle resistance during key presses that requires minimal force to activate. The mild tactile sensation provides a comfortable typing experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions. Additionally, the stepped feel of these switches provides a unique typing experience that is both responsive and low-impact. Unfortunately, the feel of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch is unknown at this time.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and Outemu Blue Jade switches offer different but equally appealing qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The G Pro Brown excels in providing a more subtle and immersive typing experience with its gentle tactile bump and medium-high pitch sound, while the Blue Jade stands out for its distinct clicky sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, either switch can enhance your typing sessions and provide a satisfying experience. Regardless of the choice made, both switches promise a quality typing experience that will surely meet the expectations of any newcomer to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a gentle tactile bump that won't overpower your typing flow, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is the way to go. With a medium bottom out force and a delightful auditory feedback, these switches provide a satisfying typing experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, if you prefer a more clicky and pronounced tactile feedback with a slightly heavier bottom out force, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch might be more up your alley. Ultimately, your choice between the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Blue Jade will depend on your preference for typing experience, budget, and desired tactile feedback.
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