Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches with unique characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, part of Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, offers an economical solution without compromising quality. It provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, carefully crafted to offer a gentle bump that won't disrupt your typing flow. With a frosted light diffuser, this switch ensures your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. Additionally, it delivers a medium-high pitch that adds an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) is designed for maximum tactility enthusiasts. This switch promises a sharp tactility and a satisfying clean clack when typing. It offers a resonant and sharp feel, with accents that invigorate your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Proprietary
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-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 Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) differ in their housing materials, leading to distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, its translucency makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) boasts a POM top housing, resulting in an incredibly pleasing sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. While both switches have unique sound profiles, the G Pro 3.0 Brown focuses on a crisper tone, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) leans towards a deeper, more gentle sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a nylon material, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower) also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and relatively more muted sound. Although they both offer a deeper sound, the POM T1 (Sunflower) may provide a slightly more subdued auditory experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown.
In terms of overall impact, it is important to note that the qualities of the bottom housing significantly influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when a key is released. Although both switches have differences in their housing materials, their effects on sound can be compared. Both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the POM T1 (Sunflower) offer unique, pleasing sounds with deeper characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, with its polycarbonate top housing, creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) with its POM top housing exudes a deeper and relatively more muted sound. Despite these differences, the switches share similarities in providing a distinct and enjoyable auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, which can be considered medium. On the other hand, the actuation force for the POM T1 (Sunflower) is unknown, making it difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the bottom out force of the POM T1 is 67 grams, which can be regarded as medium-heavy.
Considering weight, some users may prefer a lighter option, such as the G Pro 3.0 Brown, as it allows for longer typing sessions and is suitable for work or extended gaming periods. Those who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience might opt for a switch with a heavier force, such as the POM T1. However, without information on the actuation force of the POM T1, it is challenging to determine whether it is lighter or heavier than the G Pro 3.0 Brown in terms of actuation force.
In terms of bottoming out, both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range. Users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of bottoming out force with these switches. It's worth noting that actuation force measures the force required to trigger a keystroke, while bottom out force refers to the force necessary to fully depress the switch. Overall, users seeking a medium actuation and bottom out force may find both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) to be suitable options, although more information on the actuation force of the POM T1 would be helpful for a more comprehensive comparison.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile 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 the same distance of travel. So, whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the POM T1 (Sunflower), you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance. Both switches provide a comfortable and consistent experience when typing or gaming.
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 Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) for $5.57.
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 is known for its medium-high pitch and satisfying auditory feedback. When typing on these switches, you can expect a delightful and subtle tactile sensation without an overwhelming sound profile. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is described as resonant, offering a higher-pitched sound profile and an immersive auditory experience. The sound produced by the POM T1 is clean and sharp. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a medium-high pitch and satisfying auditory feedback, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) offers a resonant and sharp sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is easy-to-press and offers gentle resistance during key presses. These switches have a light actuation force, making typing effortless and comfortable. The G Pro 3.0 Brown enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel. In comparison, the POM T1 (Sunflower) switch is described as sharp and accented, offering a strong and crisp tactile bump. The POM T1 provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming. Additionally, it is mentioned that the POM T1 may have a snappy and invigorating feel due to its responsive nature. Thus, the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides an easy-to-press and mild feel, while the POM T1 offers a sharp, accented, and potentially snappy or invigorating feel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switch have distinct subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, a medium-high pitch sound profile, and an easy-to-press, mild feel. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) provides a sharp and accented tactile feel, a resonant sound profile, and a potentially snappy or invigorating typing experience. Based on these descriptions, it can be inferred that the two switches will deliver different typing experiences. However, if you are looking for a similar feel and sound, it is possible to achieve comparable results by considering factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown would be a great choice. These switches offer a subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump that won't interrupt your typing flow. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser ensures that your RGB lighting shines brightly for an immersive visual experience. With a medium-high pitch and satisfying auditory feedback, the G Pro Brown adds an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize maximum tactility and a sharp tactile bump, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) is the switch for you. It provides a clean and sharp clack with a resonant and immersive sound profile. These switches are known for their sharp and crisp tactile bump, creating a satisfying typing experience. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is best suited for those seeking a budget-friendly option with a subtle tactile feel, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) is ideal for those who prioritize maximum tactility and a sharp clack sound.
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