Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch, you may have come across the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the TTC Gold Brown. These two switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Red is a linear switch that prides itself on being budget-friendly while still delivering a smooth typing experience. It features a medium-light actuation force, making it responsive yet easy to use. With its frosted light diffuser, this switch allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, and its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch from TTC boasts a tactile experience with a slight, satisfying bump. It has a moderate weightiness to it and a softer sound profile compared to most switches. Both switches have their own unique attributes, allowing users to find their preferred balance between responsiveness, feel, and sound. However, let's explore these switches further to help you decide which one is the best fit for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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 Red and the TTC Gold Brown switches share many similarities. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their polycarbonate top housing.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gold Brown switches differ in material. The G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Gold Brown also incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches provide a unique typing experience with their nylon bottom housing.
When pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing become evident. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, contributing to the overall typing experience. However, the sound when letting go of a key is influenced by the top housing. As both switches feature polycarbonate top housing, they will produce similar sound profiles when keys are released.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the TTC Gold Brown differ slightly in their bottom housing material, they both feature polycarbonate top housing, resulting in similar sound profiles when keys are released. The nylon bottom housing of both switches offers distinct characteristics, with a deeper and fuller sound profile being achieved. Overall, these switches provide a range of options to cater to individual preferences in sound and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, meaning it requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Gold Brown's actuation force of 55 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the G Pro 3.0 Red at 50 grams and the Gold Brown at 63 grams. While the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of comfortable typing or gaming, the Gold Brown provides a slightly heavier push feel, which some individuals prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference regarding the desired actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a consistent distance from the top to the bottom when pressing down on a key. Whether you choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red or the TTC Gold Brown, you can expect to have a similar and satisfying tactile experience while typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red 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 Red for $2.77.
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the TTC Gold Brown switches are described as having a moderate sound profile. This means that they offer a balanced auditory experience, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work. It is important to note that the sound produced by the switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch has been described as creamy, mild, polished, and silky. These qualities contribute to a smooth and buttery typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on these switches can be compared to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke.
On the other hand, the Gold Brown switch is described as mild, buttery, accented, and polished. These switches offer a more gentle typing experience, with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. They provide a seamless and effortless typing feel, with a moderate amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the TTC Gold Brown switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both have a moderate sound profile and provide a smooth typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Red switch emphasizes a creamy and silky feel, the Gold Brown switch focuses on a buttery and accented tactile experience. Therefore, if you are looking for similar results in terms of sound and feel, either of these switches would be a good choice. The final decision may depend on other factors such as your personal preferences and the specific keyboard setup you plan to use.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a smooth typing experience and medium-light actuation force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice. It features a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting effects and a satisfying medium-high pitch sound profile. The G Pro Red switch will elevate your typing performance without breaking the bank. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced switch with a slight, satisfying bump and a moderate weightiness, the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch is ideal. It offers a rounded sound profile that is generally softer than most switches without being completely silent. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for any level of experience and various settings. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience, while the Gold Brown offers a mild, buttery, accented, and polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific typing experience you desire.
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