Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. TKC Tangerine

Overview

Presenting the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the TKC Tangerine, two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, a tactile switch, offers an economical solution without compromising on quality. It provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump that won't overpower your typing flow. With a frosted light diffuser, it also ensures that your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine, a linear switch, takes your typing experience to the next level with its incredibly smooth feel. Each keystroke is a pleasure, thanks to the UHWMPE housings, which are a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. It offers a frictionless and buttery typing experience with a fairly high-pitched clack. Both switches have their unique attributes that make them desirable, however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown Tactile

TKC Tangerine Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$6.30 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the TKC Tangerine differ in their choice of housing materials, which greatly affects the sound profile and feel of the switches. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound when typing. The translucency of the polycarbonate material also allows for RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the keyboard setup. In contrast, the Tangerine features a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that offers a bright sound signature with resonant clacks. While both housings contribute to an enhanced typing experience, they provide distinct sound profiles.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Brown employs a nylon material. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housing and offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Tangerine incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing, also known for its bright sound signature. This newer housing material contributes to resonant clacks that add a satisfying feedback while typing. The bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of the keypress, providing a substantial impact on the typing experience.

Although the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Tangerine have different housing materials, they both offer unique advantages in terms of sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a higher-pitched and crisper sound, complemented by its translucency for RGB lighting enthusiasts. Similarly, the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine produces resonant clacks, offering a distinct sound signature that enhances the typing experience. Furthermore, the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine creates a bright and resonant sound. Although there are differences in the housing materials, both switches guarantee an improved typing experience with their unique qualities.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, we find some similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires 55 grams of pressure to trigger a keystroke, while the Tangerine's actuation force is unknown. Therefore, we cannot determine if they are similar in this aspect.

Moving on to bottom out force, both switches exhibit medium levels of force. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, slightly heavier than the Tangerine's 62 grams. Although the difference is minimal, it can result in a slightly more substantial typing experience on the G Pro 3.0 Brown.

Considering weight as a factor, those who prefer lighter switches may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown as it requires a lighter actuation force. This lightness allows for comfortable typing over extended periods, making it suitable for work or long gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a stronger push feel for a more tactile typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. While the Tangerine's actuation force remains unknown, its bottom out force is marginally lighter than the G Pro 3.0 Brown, indicating a slightly lighter overall feel.

In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Brown requires a lighter actuation force but has a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Tangerine. While the exact actuation force of the Tangerine is unknown, its bottom out force is marginally lighter. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for lighter or heavier switches.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will experience the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the Tangerine switch, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is known for delivering a medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory feedback to enhance your typing sessions. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is described as having a high-pitched clack when typing on them. This means that the Tangerine switch will produce a sharper and crisper sound when pressed compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is known for being easy to press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as having a mild typing experience, meaning it provides a gentle tactile sensation without being overly pronounced. It is also considered a stepped switch, meaning it has a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.

On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is described as being frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. This switch provides a fluid travel and is often referred to as buttery due to its smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Additionally, the Tangerine switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch and the TKC Tangerine switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a medium-high pitch sound and an easy-to-press, mild, and stepped feel. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch produces a high-pitched clack sound and offers a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel. It's important to consider personal preferences and typing style when choosing between these switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly switch that still offers a high-quality typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is a great choice. With a medium bottom out force of 63 grams, it provides a gentle tactile sensation without overpowering your typing flow. The frosted light diffuser ensures that your RGB lighting shines brightly, creating an immersive visual experience. The medium-high pitch adds a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing sessions.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, it offers an incredibly smooth feel that makes each keystroke a pleasure to type. The UHWMPE housings contribute to this smoothness, making it a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches. Additionally, the Tangerine switch produces a high-pitched clack when typing, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a sharper and crisper sound profile.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the TKC Tangerine switch depends on your personal preferences. If you value a gentle tactile sensation, medium-high pitch, and budget-friendliness, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is a solid option. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a high-pitched sound, the Tangerine switch will enhance your typing sessions. Consider your desired typing feel, sound profile, and budget when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown Tactile

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.30 per 10

Learn more