Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the decision often boils down to personal preference, especially between tactile and linear options. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch, a tactile variant, provides an engaging typing experience with its subtle bump that ensures you receive sensory feedback without disrupting your flow. Its frosted light diffuser not only enhances the brilliance of RGB lighting but also contributes to a satisfying auditory experience with a medium-high pitch sound. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte, known for its smooth linear performance, offers a more fluid keystroke that is ideal for those who favor rapid key presses and a quieter typing experience. The balanced sound profile of the Strawberry Latte is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, making it an appealing choice for users seeking a consistently soft and seamless response. While both switches cater to different preferences—whether you prioritize tactile feedback or smoothness—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
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Huano Strawberry Latte, the first notable difference lies in their top housing. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity and translucence, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This property is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows the colors to shine through more effectively. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is crafted from POK (polyketone), which boasts a slightly higher coefficient of friction but is considered to be one of the smoothest materials available—making it ideal for users looking for a fluid typing experience. Thus, while polycarbonate emphasizes brightness and clarity in sound, POK focuses more on smoothness and resilience.
However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing: both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Strawberry Latte utilize nylon. This choice yields a deeper, fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon's softer quality absorbs sound effectively. The result for both switches is similar—when pressed, the deeper sounds produced from the nylon bottom housing exhibit a rounder acoustics. This similarity in bottom housing emphasizes the traditional and widely appreciated usage of nylon in mechanical keyboards, ensuring that users will experience comparable acoustic qualities regardless of the switch brand in this particular aspect.
Ultimately, the interaction between the different materials in the housing configurations creates a unique typing experience for both switches. With the G Pro 3.0 BRown's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, users will enjoy a clearer sound when releasing keys combined with the deeper tones from the bottom housing upon pressing down. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte's POK top allows for a smooth engagement coupled with the same nylon bottom, reinforcing the full sound during bottoming out. When considering the overall sound and feel, both switches offer distinct experiences shaped by their materials; however, their shared nylon bottom ultimately leads to similar sound profiles during keypresses, highlighting the notable influence of housing materials on switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, which has a notably lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, significant differences in weight emerge. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is considered medium in weight, providing a more substantial push feel that some users prefer for a tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is lighter, making it ideal for those who seek a comfortable typing experience over extended periods, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. As a result, those who favor a heavier switch might gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown, while those who want a more effortless keypress should opt for the Huano Strawberry Latte. Thus, using both switches, individuals can expect different levels of feedback and comfort based on their weight preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a more pronounced tactile feel, catering to users who appreciate a deeper keypress. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker responsiveness and faster actuation times as they press down on the keys. Overall, if you prefer a more robust depth and tactile feedback, the G Pro 3.0 would be the better choice, while the Strawberry Latte might be favorable for those who prioritize speed and a more abrupt response.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Huano Strawberry Latte, the G Pro 3.0 Brown delivers a medium-high pitch that offers satisfying auditory feedback, contributing to an enjoyable typing experience. This switch's sound isn't overly loud, making it suitable for various environments while still enhancing the tactile sensation with a pleasant auditory cue. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte's sound profile is balanced—neither too quiet nor highly resonant—which makes it versatile for different settings as well. Both switches, through their distinct auditory qualities, can create an enjoyable typing atmosphere, although they cater to different auditory preferences.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown excels with a design that combines easy-to-press mechanics and a mild tactile feedback. This means it allows for effortless key presses with slight resistance, providing a comfortable experience that minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The stepped nature of the switch introduces a gentle bump that makes it accessible to a wide range of users. On the other hand, the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte is not explicitly detailed, leaving an opportunity for exploration. However, the G Pro 3.0 Brown’s mild tactile sensation and comfortable actuation force differentiate it, presenting a more defined tactile experience compared to what one might expect from a linear switch.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and Huano Strawberry Latte switches provide enjoyable typing experiences with their unique approaches to sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown is characterized by its pleasant and responsive tactile feedback alongside a satisfying auditory experience, the Strawberry Latte offers a more subtle auditory profile without specific details about its tactile feedback. When choosing between the two, your preference for tactile feedback versus a smoother experience will lead you toward either the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the Strawberry Latte, ensuring that you find a switch that aligns with your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you relish a physical feedback in your typing experience without being overly harsh, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is an excellent choice. Its medium bottom-out force of 63 grams strikes a balance between ease of actuation and tactile feedback, making it suitable for office environments or long writing sessions where you need that gentle bump to guide your fingers. The auditory response is satisfying, enhancing the overall experience without becoming distracting. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless keystroke, particularly for gaming or fast-paced typing, the Huano Strawberry Latte is your go-to option. With a lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams, these linear switches provide a quick, fluid action that can significantly reduce fatigue, allowing you to type or game for extended periods without strain. Their balanced sound profile complements a seamless experience, perfect for anyone who enjoys rapid keystrokes without the interruption of tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you prefer tactile sensations or an ultra-smooth feel, so consider your personal comfort and the context in which you'll be using the keyboard.
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