Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Akko Rosewood stand out as popular options that cater to differing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, known for its tactile feedback, offers a gentle bump that enhances your typing experience without disrupting the flow, making it ideal for those who appreciate a bit of character in each keystroke. Its medium-high pitch and satisfying auditory feedback contribute to an enjoyable atmosphere while typing, and the frosted light diffuser enhances the brilliance of RGB lighting—all at an affordable price. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch opts for a smoother experience with a linear design, delivering a deep, thocky sound enhanced by factory-applied lubricant. This makes it a great choice for users who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience that prioritizes fluidity over tactile feedback. Both switches have their unique appeals: the G Pro 3.0 Brown is a solid choice for tactile enthusiasts, while the Rosewood caters to those who enjoy the sleekness of linear switches. 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
50g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Akko Rosewood both employ nylon for their bottom housing, which provides a tangible similarity in their overall auditory experiences. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which effectively absorbs sound waves. This shared characteristic ensures that both models deliver a more muted and rounded sound when bottoming out, creating a satisfying tactile sensation for typists. The consistency in material choice at the bottom also means that users of both switches can expect a similar feel and acoustic effect during gameplay or typing, reinforcing a sense of continuity in performance.
However, the contrasts are pronounced in the top housing materials, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizing polycarbonate and the Akko Rosewood featuring nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown is designed to produce a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, owing to the stiffness of the material. This not only heightens the overall auditory experience when releasing keys but also adds clarity, making it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Akko Rosewood offers a less resonant quality and a softer sound, imparting a fuller feel but diminishing the auditory sharpness found in the G Pro 3.0 Brown. This divergence means that while both switches can provide significant enjoyment and performance levels, they cater distinctly to different auditory preferences and aesthetic designs.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials will affect the overall sound signature of each switch, despite the shared characteristics of their nylon bottom housings. If one were to interchange the top housings while maintaining the nylon bottoms, the resulting sound profile would still reflect both the sharper clarity associated with polycarbonate and the deeper, fuller resonance of nylon. Users who value a clear sound when releasing keys may gravitate toward the G Pro 3.0, while those seeking a softer, rounder auditory experience might prefer the Rosewood. This analysis underscores the importance of material choices in crafting distinct sensory experiences through seemingly minor variations in housing types, demonstrating how thoughtfully engineered components can shape user interaction and satisfaction.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch offer distinct actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, positioning it as a medium-weight option suitable for those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless keystroke, promoting comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. Consequently, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown is heavier and provides a more substantial feel, the Rosewood is lighter, allowing for quicker and less strenuous typing. If users opt for the G Pro 3.0 Brown, they can expect a more tactile response, while those choosing the Rosewood will experience a smoother and more linear typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, resulting in an identical tactile experience for users. This means that when pressing down on either switch, the distance traveled from the top to the bottom is the same, leading to similar results in terms of key actuation and overall feel during typing or gaming. Since both switches have matching travel distances, users can expect comparable responsiveness and engagement when using either option, allowing them to choose based on other preferences such as tactile feedback or switch type rather than travel distance.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 produces a medium-high pitch that offers satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This quality can elevate the overall experience, adding a layer of enjoyment to each keystroke while ensuring it doesn't overwhelm the user. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch delivers a deep and satisfying thocky sound, often enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that contributes to its acoustics. This deeper note can provide a more pronounced auditory satisfaction compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown, appealing to those who prefer a richer sound profile. Keep in mind that the sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is designed to be easy to press, featuring a gentle resistance that requires minimal force for activation. This characteristic allows for effortless typing and reduces finger fatigue during prolonged use. It also has a mild tactile response, providing a subtle bump without overwhelming the user, making it suitable for various typing tasks. The stepped tactile nature further enhances its accessibility, allowing typists to sense the travel stages without a significant jarring difference. Meanwhile, the feel of the Akko Rosewood switch is not explicitly detailed, which leaves its tactile characteristics open to interpretation. However, the tactile feedback likely complements its auditory quality, given the general expectations around linear switches, which typically prioritize smoothness and consistency in key presses.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a satisfying auditory experience with its medium-high pitch and enhances typing comfort through its easy-to-press and mild tactile characteristics. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch captivates with its distinct thocky sound, inviting users who seek a deeper auditory feedback, although specific details about its feel remain unknown. For those choosing between the two, your ultimate experience may hinge on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, since both switches are crafted to provide enjoyable typing experiences, albeit in slightly different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, your preferences and typing style play a crucial role. If you enjoy a balanced typing experience that provides a gentle tactile feedback without overwhelming your fingers, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is a great choice; its medium-bottom-out force of 63 grams allows for a satisfying typing sensation while minimizing fatigue during extended use. This switch excels in environments where you want to stay engaged with subtle auditory feedback and a nice aesthetic enhancement from its frosted light diffuser, ideal for both gaming and professional typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, linear feel that requires less force (50 grams) and delivers a deep, thocky sound profile, the Akko Rosewood is perfect for you. It’s particularly suited for users who favor rapid keystrokes and less tactile interruption, making it an excellent option for gaming or typing that prioritizes speed and smoothness. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value tactile feedback and a medium resistance or a lighter, linear experience that maintains a rich auditory presence.
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