Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Cold Plum are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer different experiences for users. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch, known for its gentle bump that enhances typing without being too overpowering. It also features a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback and a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum is a linear switch, offering a smooth keystroke and a unique thocky sound profile due to its fully nylon construction. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown is great for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience, the Cold Plum appeals to enthusiasts seeking a distinct and enjoyable feel. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Cold Plum, it is clear that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon is known for creating a fuller and deeper sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound when using either of these switches.
However, the top housing materials are where the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Cold Plum differ, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown featuring a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing on switches. Additionally, due to its translucency, polycarbonate is especially useful for switches with RGB lighting. This contrast in top housing materials between the two switches may lead to a noticeable difference in sound and feel when typing, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown offering a clearer and more resonant sound compared to the Cold Plum.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for a switch plays a significant role in determining the sound profile and typing experience. While the bottom housings of both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Cold Plum share the same nylon material, the top housings set them apart. The G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharper and crisper sound, ideal for RGB lighting, while the Cold Plum's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. Users looking for a switch with a distinct sound profile can choose between these options based on their preferences for sound and aesthetics.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch are different, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown being lighter and the Cold Plum being heavier. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a medium-force switch. In comparison, the Cold Plum has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience to avoid fatigue during extended use, the G Pro 3.0 Brown may be the better option. In contrast, those who enjoy a more pronounced and substantial typing feel may prefer the heavier Cold Plum switch. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches compared to the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The difference in travel distance will affect the overall feel and feedback when typing or gaming. The G Pro 3.0 Brown's longer travel distance may provide a more tactile and deliberate typing experience, while the Cold Plum's shorter travel distance could offer quicker response times and a more fluid feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, with some users preferring the shorter distance for speed and others opting for the longer distance for a more substantial key press.
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 Cold Plum 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 is known for its medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience with a pleasant sound profile. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is recognized for its thocky sound profile, offering a unique typing experience with a distinct and enjoyable sound that sets it apart from other switches. The sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used, so it is essential to consider these aspects when evaluating the sound quality of a switch.
When it comes to the feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is described as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the mild and stepped characteristics of the G Pro Brown switches offer a more approachable typing experience for most users, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is known for its smooth keystroke and satisfying feel, offering enthusiasts a unique typing experience with a distinct tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the G Pro Brown provides a medium-high pitch sound and an easy-to-press, mild tactile feel, the Cold Plum stands out with its thocky sound profile and smooth keystroke. Depending on individual preferences in sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience that meets the demands of different users. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that each user is seeking to achieve.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a gentle tactile bump that won't disrupt your typing flow, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the way to go. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force, a thocky sound profile, and a smooth keystroke with a satisfying sound, then the Outemu Cold Plum may be the better choice for you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences, so choose based on what aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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