Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Outemu Dustproof Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Black present distinct options to suit different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is hailed for its tactile feedback, offering a gentle bump that enhances typing without being overly intrusive. With a focus on budget-friendliness and quality, these switches also boast a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black is a linear switch that lacks the tactile bump of the G Pro Brown, providing a smooth key press from start to finish. While the Dustproof Black may not have specific standout features like the G Pro Brown, its simplicity and reliability make it a solid choice for those who prefer a consistent typing experience. 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
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
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 the Outemu Dustproof Black both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the typing experience. However, while both switches share this top housing material, they may differ in terms of the design and aesthetics of their respective housings.
On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Black have nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that can enhance the typing experience. This difference in bottom housing material may influence the overall typing feel of the switches, as the bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key.
While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Dustproof Black share similar top housing material in polycarbonate, as well as nylon bottom housings that enhance the sound profile, they may offer slightly different typing experiences due to variations in design and construction. The split between the qualities of the two housing materials can affect the overall sound and feel of typing on the switches, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams, compared to the Dustproof Black's heavier actuation force of 60 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly lighter force of 63 grams, while the Dustproof Black exerts a heavier force of 80 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a more balanced typing experience with a medium actuation force and bottom out force, while the Outemu Dustproof Black offers a stronger push feel with heavier forces, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience. If you prefer a lighter feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be the better option, while if you prefer a heavier push, the Outemu Dustproof Black would be more suitable.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in terms of how far the switch travels from top to bottom. This means that no matter which switch you choose, you will get a similar tactile experience when pressing down on a key. Both switches provide a moderate amount of travel distance, allowing for a satisfying keystroke without feeling too shallow or too deep. Users who prefer a consistent travel distance may find both switches to be suitable options for their typing or gaming needs.
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 Dustproof Black 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 is known for offering a medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience with an extra layer of joy. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Black switch's sound characteristics are unknown. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is described as having easy-to-press keys that offer a gentle resistance during typing, requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a comfortable and effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The mild characteristic of these switches ensures that the typing feel remains approachable to most users, providing a balanced and responsive typing sensation. Additionally, the stepped nature of the G Pro Brown switch offers a more subtle tactile feedback compared to other tactile switches, adding to the typing experience. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Black switch is unknown.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offers a delightful tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch sound and easy-to-press keys, the specifics of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch remain unknown. Based on the available information, it can be inferred that the G Pro Brown switch would provide a pleasant typing experience with its gentle tactile feedback and satisfying sound profile. However, without details on the Dustproof Black switch, it is hard to make a direct comparison between the two. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch, you should choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown if you prefer a medium bottom out force, enjoy a subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump for typing comfort, and value a responsive and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, opt for the Outemu Dustproof Black if you prefer a heavier bottom out force, want a linear switch without tactile feedback, and prioritize durability with dustproof features. Consider your preferences for typing experience, bottom out force, and tactile feedback to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.