Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Presenting two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Kailh Plum. The G Pro 3.0 Brown from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series offers an economical solution without compromising on quality. With a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, this switch provides a gentle bump that won't overpower your typing flow. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. Furthermore, the medium-high pitch delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Plum switch feels quite hefty but doesn't feature a pronounced tactile bump, making it incredibly unique. Unlike many other tactile switches, the Plum switch's weightiness and tactility are not highly correlated. Moreover, the sound profile of the Plum switch is neutral and enjoyable. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 housing materials used in both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Kailh Plum switches are polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This means that both switches will provide a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing allows for a translucent design, making it perfect for RGB lighting enthusiasts. The nylon bottom housing, on the other hand, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. Therefore, in terms of sound characteristics, both switches will deliver comparable results.
However, despite the similarities in material composition, there might be subtle differences in the sound profile due to variations in design and manufacturing techniques. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown may have a slightly clearer and resonant sound compared to the Kailh Plum because polycarbonate is described as a relatively stiffer plastic. This stiffness can contribute to a more defined and vibrant sound when releasing keys. In contrast, the Kailh Plum's nylon bottom housing's softer plastic properties absorb more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound during bottom-out actions. So, while both switches share the same housing materials, their overall sound experiences may differ slightly.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the material used for the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. As such, the nylon bottom housing in both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Kailh Plum will contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on the switches. Conversely, the sound heard when releasing a key will be influenced by the polycarbonate top housing. Thus, while the top and bottom housings have distinctive characteristics, their respective impacts on the overall sound and feel of the switches create a cohesive and balanced typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Starting with the actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the actuation force for the Plum switch is not specified. Therefore, it is unclear if they have similar actuation forces. Moving on to the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is slightly lighter than the Plum switch's bottom out force of 70 grams, making it the heavier option.
Considering weight, some users prefer lighter switches as they allow for longer typing periods without straining the fingers. These lighter switches are also favored by those who use their keyboards for work or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, there are individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer switches with heavier forces, as they provide a stronger push feel.
In summary, while the actuation force for the Kailh Plum switch is unknown, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has a lighter actuation force. In terms of bottom out force, the Plum switch is heavier than the G Pro 3.0 Brown. Consequently, depending on individual preferences, one may choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown for a lighter typing experience or opt for the Plum switch for a more substantial and tactile feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch have different travel distances. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Plum has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a more traditional travel distance, which may be preferred by those who are accustomed to it. On the other hand, the Plum provides a slightly shallower travel distance, which is becoming more popular among gamers looking for faster response times. If you value a more responsive feel, the Plum may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the G Pro 3.0 Brown, with its longer travel distance, might be more to your liking. It's important to consider personal preference and typing/gaming style when choosing between these switches.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 switch offers a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. This adds an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Kailh Plum switch is described as neutral and enjoyable. This means that it does not have an overwhelming sound profile and can be suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it is important to note that the sound of the switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches provide pleasant sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance during key presses. It requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions and enhances the overall typing experience. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is classified as a mild switch, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The feel of this switch falls within a safe, middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is also considered a stepped switch, meaning it has a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Similar to the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch, the Kailh Plum switch is also described as a mild switch with a gentle typing experience. It falls within the safe, middle-ground zone for both sound and feel. Additionally, the Plum switch is also considered a stepped switch, providing a mild tactile sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. While the specific feel of the Plum switch is not explicitly mentioned, it shares many similarities with the G Pro 3.0 Brown in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and Kailh Plum switches offer pleasant sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience. They provide gentle tactile sensations without overpowering the typing flow and have similar qualities in terms of feel, including being classified as mild switches and having a stepped design. Therefore, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a satisfying auditory feedback and a gentle typing experience, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and Plum switches can provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch would be a great choice if you are looking for an economical option without compromising on quality. These switches provide a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, ensuring a gentle bump that won't overpower your typing flow. With its frosted light diffuser, the G Pro Brown enhances your RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. Additionally, it offers a medium-high pitch that adds an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a unique feel, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a neutral sound profile. It is a suitable choice for both beginners and advanced users, whether at home or work. Both switches have a mild feel and a stepped design, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and Kailh Plum tactile switches depends on your specific preferences and requirements.
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