Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between tactile and linear switches can significantly impact your typing experience. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown stands out as a tactile switch that delivers a delicate bump for feedback without disrupting your rhythm, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate subtle tactile sensations. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, adding aesthetic appeal alongside a medium-high pitch sound that offers satisfying auditory feedback. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai offers a completely different experience with its linear design, characterized by an incredibly light actuation force and a deep, rounded sound profile. This makes it an ideal option for users who prefer effortless keystrokes and a smoother typing experience without any tactile resistance. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, appealing to various users for their unique benefits. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the TTC Yunhai switches, notable distinctions arise, particularly in their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its rigidity. In contrast, the Yunhai's nylon top housing yields a deeper and rounder sound signature, attributed to nylon's softer nature, which tends to absorb sound rather than amplify it. This divergence in materials leads to contrasting acoustic experiences — the G Pro 3.0 Brown may resonate more sharply with a clear tone, while the Yunhai produces a fuller, warmer sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, which is a practical consideration for those who value visual aesthetics in their keyboard setups.
Moving to the bottom housings, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Yunhai utilize nylon material, which is entrenched in the keyboard switch design tradition. As previously noted, nylon creates a deeper and more resonant sound profile, effectively dampening sound and contributing to a softer bottom-out feel. This shared material choice means that users can expect a similar tactile sensation when a key is pressed down, since both switches benefit from nylon's sound-absorbing properties. This unanimity in bottom housing material provides a consistent experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, regardless of the differences found in the top housings.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different housing materials of the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the TTC Yunhai yields a unique character in each switch. While the nylon bottom housings of both switches provide a shared acoustic signature for the key presses, the distinctive top housings introduce varying sound profiles that cater to different preferences. In essence, keyboard enthusiasts can anticipate a clear and crisp auditory response from the G Pro 3.0 Brown, thanks to its polycarbonate top housing, while those who prefer a fuller and more muted experience may gravitate towards the TTC Yunhai. Thus, even when elements are shared, the overall sound and feel of each switch continue to enchant users in their own unique ways.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences are present in both actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Brown requires a medium actuation force of 55 grams, whereas the Yunhai is significantly lighter with an actuation force of only 42 grams. This makes the Yunhai a better choice for users seeking a switch that will allow for extended typing sessions with less strain. In terms of bottom out forces, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a force of 63 grams, contrasting with the Yunhai's 50 grams. Thus, the G Pro 3.0 Brown typically delivers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the TTC Yunhai provides a lighter and more effortless feel. Both switches can accommodate different preferences, with the lighter Yunhai being ideal for those who favor ease of use and the heavier G Pro 3.0 for those who enjoy a stronger tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it is evident that they differ, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown featuring a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yunhai measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Yunhai the shorter option, which might appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times due to its reduced travel distance. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a more pronounced depth, catering to those who prefer a tactile feedback and a more substantial keypress experience. While both switches have their unique advantages based on personal preference—shorter for speed and responsiveness versus longer for depth and feel—the differences in their travel distances highlight the choice users face depending on their typing or gaming styles.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 produces a medium-high pitch auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience without being overly distracting or loud. This balanced sound profile allows for a satisfying noise that feels reassuring during typing sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch is known for its deep, rounded sound, which evokes a sense of depth and richness while typing. This contrast in sound signature means that typists looking for a more mellow auditory experience might lean towards the Yunhai, while those who enjoy a bit more brightness in their keystrokes might prefer the G Pro 3.0 Brown. It’s important to note that the acoustic characteristics are influenced by the keyboard build and keycap choice, so achieving a preferred sound may vary based on personal setup.
When evaluating the feel of each switch, the G Pro 3.0 Brown stands out with its easy-to-press and mild characteristics, offering a gentle bump that adds a tactile satisfaction without imposing too much resistance. This design reduces finger fatigue and allows for a more effortless typing experience, making it a favorable option for long periods at the keyboard. In contrast, the feel of the TTC Yunhai switch is characterized by its incredibly light actuation force, which allows for a gentle and almost seamless typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate a soft touch. The preference between these two switches ultimately boils down to whether one enjoys a subtle tactile response or a purely linear, effortless press.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and TTC Yunhai switches each provide distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences. With the G Pro 3.0 Brown offering a subtle tactile feedback and a satisfying medium-high sound, it caters to those who like a bit of interaction with each keystroke. Meanwhile, the Yunhai switch presents a smooth, linear feel complemented by a deeper sound profile, perfect for users who favor light actuation with a serene auditory backdrop. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, with choices between tactile feedback and linear action allowing individual typists to find their preferred balance.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and the context of your usage. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that provides a gentle bump without disrupting your flow, and you’re looking for a reliable option that offers a satisfying auditory response, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is likely your best choice. It balances a medium actuation force of 63 grams, making it suitable for both gamers and typists who appreciate some resistance in their keystrokes. On the other hand, if your priority is a light, effortless keystroke and a smooth typing experience, the TTC Yunhai switches would be better suited for you. With a lower bottom-out force of 50 grams, these linear switches are ideal for extended typing sessions where minimal finger fatigue is desired, all while offering a pleasing deep sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prefer tactile feedback or a smooth linear experience, as each switch excels in different typing scenarios.
Mentioned in this article
