Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the SP-Star Polaris Gray, two mechanical keyboard switches with distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown stands out as an exceptional addition to Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, offering an economical solution without compromising on quality. This tactile switch provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, crafted to offer a gentle bump that seamlessly integrates into your typing flow. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. With a medium-high pitch, the G Pro Brown delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, further enhancing your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch is known for its bouncy typing experience, lending a clean and clacky sound profile. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished, the Polaris Gray offers a unique typing experience that some may find appealing. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can ultimately decide on the best switch for your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the SP-Star Polaris Gray have similar housing materials in their top housing - polycarbonate. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing due to its stiffness, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches are likely to produce similar sound profiles and aesthetic effects when the top housing is considered.
However, the bottom housing materials of these switches differ. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Polaris Gray uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known to create a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature, which absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Polaris Gray contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, similar to its impact on the top housing. The differences in the bottom housing materials may result in variations in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switches.
In summary, while both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the SP-Star Polaris Gray share the use of polycarbonate for their top housing, the differences lie in their bottom housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes nylon, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Polaris Gray uses polycarbonate, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. These differences may influence the overall typing experience of each switch, particularly in terms of the sound and feel during key presses.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. The actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Brown is 55 grams, while the actuation force of the Polaris Gray is unknown. This means that it is uncertain whether the Polaris Gray requires a lighter or heavier force to trigger a keystroke compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown. However, both switches have a medium actuation force, indicating that they may provide a similar typing experience in terms of sensitivity.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a force of 63 grams, while the Polaris Gray has a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams. This indicates that the Polaris Gray requires a slightly heavier force to fully press down the key compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown. This may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel.
When considering weight as a factor, both switches offer options for different preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for long periods of use may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown, as it has a slightly lower bottom out force. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing feel may choose the Polaris Gray, as it has a slightly higher bottom out force.
In summary, although the actuation force of the Polaris Gray is unknown, both switches have a medium actuation force. However, the Polaris Gray has a higher bottom out force, indicating a slightly heavier typing experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to individual preferences for typing feel and the desired weight for extended typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a similar tactile feedback and provide a satisfying keypress experience. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the Polaris Gray, you can expect to get similar results in terms of travel distance and overall typing feel.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 switch provides 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 Polaris Gray switch is described as low-pitched, which means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Furthermore, the Polaris Gray switch is also described as thocky, meaning it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience, but the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is known for its medium-high pitch, while the Polaris Gray switch provides a low-pitched thocky sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is known for being easy-to-press. These switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as mild, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. It also has a stepped feel, meaning it has a mild two-stage tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch is also described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience. It is also considered polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a comfortable typing feel, but the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch has the added advantage of being easy-to-press and stepped, offering a unique tactile experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switch have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switch provides a medium-high pitch sound and an easy-to-press, mild, and stepped feel. It offers a delightful tactile sensation without overpowering your typing flow. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch offers a low-pitched, thocky sound and a mild, polished feel, providing a bouncy typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience depending on your preferences. If you are looking for a similar result, you can expect a mild, approachable typing experience from both switches. However, for specific preferences in sound and feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch and the Polaris Gray switch offer distinct qualities to cater to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is a great choice. With a medium bottom out force of 63 grams, these switches provide a delightful and subtle tactile sensation that won't overpower your typing flow. The frosted light diffuser ensures that your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. Additionally, the medium-high pitch of the G Pro Brown delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is a fantastic option. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches offer a clean and clacky sound profile. Furthermore, the Polaris Gray switches have a mild and polished feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches depends on your preference for tactile sensation, sound profile, and typing experience.
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