Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Red Panda, two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches that are known for their tactile feel. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, a member of Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, offers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation. Designed to provide a gentle bump that won't interrupt your typing flow, these switches maintain a high level of quality without breaking the bank. With a frosted light diffuser, the G Pro Brown ensures that your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating a visually immersive experience. Additionally, its medium-high pitch adds a satisfying auditory feedback, further enhancing your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda provides a light-medium amount of tactility and boasts a unique combination of sounds. With a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, typing on these switches becomes an auditory delight. Categorized as 'Easy-to-press' and 'Mild', the G Pro 3.0 Brown excels in providing a comfortable and smooth typing experience. Meanwhile, the Red Panda, categorized as 'Thocky' and 'Mild', offers a distinct tactile feel with its enjoyable sounds. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch suits your preferences perfectly.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Red Panda switches are both made of polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency is ideal for switches that make use of RGB lighting. Both switches provide similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their shared use of polycarbonate for the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes nylon, while the Red Panda also employs nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when using switches with nylon bottom housings.
It's important to note that the qualities brought by the different housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switches. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing will have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound produced. Both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Red Panda switches offer distinct sound profiles due to the combination of their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. In terms of weight, both switches fall within the medium range. However, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Red Panda has a slightly lower actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. Therefore, the G Pro 3.0 Brown can be considered slightly heavier.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Red Panda may be more suitable, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This can be advantageous for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, allowing for reduced finger fatigue over time. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces may provide a more substantial push feel, appealing to individuals who prefer a firmer typing experience.
In terms of obtaining similar results, both switches offer a medium weight category, meaning that they are neither too light nor too heavy. This provides a balanced feel that can suit a wide range of preferences. Additionally, their actuation and bottom out forces are relatively close, with only a slight variation. This means that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of force required for keystrokes with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Red Panda will come down to personal preference regarding the desired weight and push feel for the individual's typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered the more traditional option. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Red Panda a more shallow option compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown. The shorter travel distance of the Red Panda may be preferred by gamers who prioritize faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Brown may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and deliberate keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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. The switch provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, resulting in a gentle bump that enhances your typing flow. The frosted light diffuser on the G Pro Brown ensures that your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda switch produces a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, giving a distinct thocky auditory experience. Both switches have their unique sound profile, adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses. This means that they require minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. The light actuation force of the G Pro Brown enhances the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel, reducing finger fatigue even during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the G Pro Brown has a mild tactile experience, making it approachable to most users. The Outemu Red Panda switch also delivers a mild typing experience, similar to the G Pro Brown. Both switches offer a safe middle-ground zone in terms of feel, ensuring that the typing experience remains comfortable and enjoyable.
Based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Red Panda switches differ in terms of their sound profile. The G Pro Brown provides a medium-high pitched sound, while the Red Panda produces a distinct thocky sound. However, both switches offer a subtle and gentle tactile sensation, with a mild feel that enhances the typing experience without being too pronounced. If you prefer a switch with a higher pitch sound, the G Pro Brown would be a suitable choice, while those seeking a thocky sound may lean towards the Red Panda switch. Overall, both switches offer economical options without compromising on quality, ensuring an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switches offer their own unique benefits. If you value a more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is a fantastic choice. It provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, allowing for a gentle bump that won't disrupt your typing flow. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, creating a visually immersive experience. The medium-high pitch of the G Pro Brown also adds a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing sessions.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, the Red Panda would be more suitable for you. Its light-medium tactility provides a unique typing experience, and the switch is often described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.
When it comes to sound and feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a more varied and nuanced description, whereas the Red Panda is primarily described as mild. However, both switches provide a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Red Panda depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Consider factors such as budget, desired sound profile, and typing feel to make the best decision for your needs.
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