Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Dareu Holly
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Dareu Holly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Dareu Holly stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Red is a linear switch known for its smooth typing experience and medium-light actuation force, offering a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. With vibrant RGB lighting effects and a satisfying auditory experience, this switch is a budget-friendly choice for those looking to elevate their typing performance. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly is a tactile switch with a medium 50g actuation force, known for its unique sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements. This switch caters to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a creamy and polished feel, the Holly offers a chirpy and clacky sensation. 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
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Dareu Holly feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's relatively stiff nature. Polycarbonate is known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, both switches also have nylon bottom housings, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This split in housing materials means that pressing down on the switches will give you a feel of the qualities of the bottom housing, while releasing the key will showcase the impact of the top housing on the sound.
One key similarity between the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Dareu Holly is their use of polycarbonate in the top housing. This material choice results in a clear and resonant sound profile for both switches, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the differences lie in their bottom housings - the G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes nylon for a duller and rounder sound, while the Holly also opts for nylon for a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite this difference, both switches offer a unique typing experience with a combination of polycarbonate and nylon, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining sound and feel.
In terms of sound and feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Dareu Holly offer distinct experiences due to their housing materials. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and crisp sound, the G Pro 3.0 Red stands out with its nylon bottom housing for a deeper sound profile, compared to the Holly's nylon housing that creates a rounder sound. The split between top and bottom housing materials allows users to appreciate how each component contributes to the overall typing experience, with the impact of each material making a noticeable difference in the resulting sound and feel of the switches.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force at 45 grams compared to the Dareu Holly tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams. However, the bottom out force for the G Pro 3.0 Red is slightly heavier at 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the Holly switch is unknown. This means that although the actuation force for the G Pro 3.0 Red is lighter, the bottoming out experience may be similar in terms of force required. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Red for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the slightly heavier actuation force of the Holly switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that pressing down on either of these switches will result in a similar experience in terms of key travel distance. Both switches offer a consistent and relatively short travel distance, providing a quick and responsive typing or gaming experience. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Red or the Holly switch, you can expect a similar feel and performance when it comes to key travel distance.
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 Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 Red switch offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and purposes. On the other hand, the Dareu Holly switch provides a unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, giving it a more distinctive auditory experience. The choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a more standard sound profile or something more unique and attention-grabbing.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 Red is praised for its creamy, mild, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and gentle feel with reduced friction for effortless typing. In contrast, information about the feel of the Dareu Holly switch is not available. If you enjoy a silky and polished typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red may be the better choice for you, providing a satisfying tactile sensation with each keystroke.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Red provides a balanced and smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile, while the Holly switch offers a more distinctive sound signature with a combination of chirpy and clacky elements. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can choose between the two switches to enhance your typing performance. Remember that the overall sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Dareu Holly tactile switch, consider your preferences and typing needs. If you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a smooth typing experience, a medium-light actuation force, and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a unique sound signature that combines chirpy and clacky elements, catering to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience, the Dareu Holly switch would be an ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for your typing style.
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