Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Spring Breeze offer distinct typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch that is lauded for its gentle bump and subtle tactile sensation, making it great for typists looking for a smooth and satisfying typing experience without being too loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze is a clicky switch that provides a more audible and pronounced click with each keystroke, ideal for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and appeal to different preferences and typing styles. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Spring Breeze, we see a stark contrast in their composition. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Spring Breeze utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The difference in stiffness between polycarbonate and nylon leads to distinct sound characteristics, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown offering a more resonant and clear sound compared to the Spring Breeze's duller and rounder sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Spring Breeze feature nylon bottom housings. This shared material choice results in a similar typing experience for both switches, eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound overall. This consistency in housing material between the two switches may lead to a similar typing feel and sound, making them interchangeable choices for those seeking a specific sound profile in their mechanical keyboards.
Overall, the choice of housing material in mechanical switches plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of each key press. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound, the Spring Breeze's nylon top housing provides a deeper and fuller sound experience. The nylon bottom housings of both switches offer a similar typing feel, thanks to the material's ability to absorb sound and create a rounder sound profile. Whether you prefer a more resonant and clear sound or a deeper and fuller sound, the housing materials of these switches offer options to cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch. The G Pro 3.0 Brown requires 55 grams of force to actuate and 63 grams to bottom out, while the Spring Breeze only needs 40 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out. This makes the Spring Breeze lighter to type on and may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the G Pro 3.0 Brown provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a medium actuation force, but the Gateron switch is heavier in terms of bottoming out. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The tactile feel of the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch may differ from the clicky feel of the Spring Breeze, but in terms of travel distance, they are equal. This makes them suitable for users who prefer a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. Overall, the travel distance of these switches is ideal for users who desire a standard key press feel without any extra travel distance variation.
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 Spring Breeze 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 offers a medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze's sound characteristics are currently unknown. Keep in mind that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard body and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides an easy-to-press experience with a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The mild tactile sensation of these switches offers a comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the stepped nature of the switch provides a unique feel with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages. As for the Spring Breeze, information regarding its tactile feel is currently unavailable.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offers a delightful tactile sensation, medium-high pitch sound, and an easy-to-press feel, making it a great option for those seeking a budget-friendly and high-quality switch. While the information on the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is limited, it is important to consider factors beyond just sound and feel when choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, such as personal typing preferences, typing style, and intended use. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, and through careful consideration and testing, you can achieve a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a gentle tactile bump and medium bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With its easy-to-press and mild feel, along with a medium-high pitch sound, this switch offers a pleasant typing experience without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a clicky switch with a different typing experience, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences in terms of tactile feedback, sound, and typing feel. Make sure to consider these factors to choose the switch that best fits your typing style and needs.
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