Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Maple Leaf are both tactile switches designed to enhance your typing experience, but they have their own unique qualities to consider. The G Pro 3.0 Brown stands out for its economical yet high-quality build, providing a subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump while maintaining a smooth typing flow. With a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback, this switch offers a well-rounded typing experience. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch has not been extensively documented or described yet. If you are looking for an easy-to-press, mild, and stepped tactile switch, the G Pro 3.0 Brown may be the ideal choice for you. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 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
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches both feature a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound, making typing on these switches a more subdued experience compared to switches with stiffer housings. However, the G Pro 3.0 Brown's top housing is made of polycarbonate, giving it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the typing experience.
While both switches share a nylon bottom housing, the differences in their top housings give them distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a clear and resonant sound, thanks to the relatively stiffer plastic material. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon is softer and absorbs sound more effectively. These contrasting characteristics in the top housing impact the overall typing experience, from the sound produced when pressing down on a key to the sound when releasing it.
Despite the differences in their top and bottom housings, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches provide a unique typing experience that combines the qualities of their housing materials. Whether it's the sharp and crisp sound of polycarbonate in the G Pro 3.0 Brown's top housing or the deep and full sound of nylon in the Maple Leaf's top housing, users can expect a satisfying sound profile when typing on these switches. The softer nylon bottom housing in both switches further enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke feel more substantial and adding depth to the overall sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, both have an actuation force of 55 grams, meaning they require the same amount of pressure to register a keystroke. However, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Maple Leaf has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier when fully pressed. This slight difference means that the Maple Leaf offers a bit more resistance and a firmer typing experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown, while those who prefer a bit more resistance may opt for the Outemu Maple Leaf. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf switch, providing a more traditional key press feel. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter 3.3 mm travel distance of the Maple Leaf switch. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the G Pro 3.0 Brown may feel more substantial due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for key travel depth and responsiveness.
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 Maple Leaf 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 producing a medium-high pitch feedback that adds a satisfying auditory element to typing sessions. The Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch's sound quality is not specified. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is praised for being easy-to-press, providing a gentle resistance that requires minimal force for key activation. This ease of typing minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. The switch is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground for most users. Additionally, the stepped design of the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch provides a tactile sensation with two stages, distinguishing it from hyper-tactile switches. The specific feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch is not provided, so it's unknown how it compares in terms of ease of pressing and overall typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offers a budget-friendly and quality option for those seeking a tactile typing experience. With its subtle tactile bump, pleasing auditory feedback, and easy-to-press design, it provides an enjoyable typing experience. While the Outemu Maple Leaf switch may offer similar qualities, without specific information on its sound and feel characteristics, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference and individual typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. Choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown if you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a tactile typing experience with a gentle bump and satisfying auditory feedback. This switch is ideal for those looking for an easy-to-press and mild typing feel. On the other hand, opt for the Maple Leaf if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and prioritize other factors such as sound and feel. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and what you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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