Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. TTC Honey
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the TTC Honey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the TTC Honey, two linear mechanical keyboard switches designed to enhance your typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Red, a budget-friendly option from Gateron's G Pro line-up, offers a smooth and responsive typing experience with its medium-light actuation force. It also boasts a frosted light diffuser that allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, complemented by a satisfying medium-high pitch. On the other hand, the TTC Honey provides a creamy and smooth typing feel, coupled with a deep and pleasant sound profile. With its subdued and buttery characteristics, this switch adds a subtle yet polished touch to your typing. Both switches offer excellent performance, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which one is the best fit for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
25.5 mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the TTC Honey both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, allowing for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting to shine through. Both switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and aesthetics due to their shared material for the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Red differs with its nylon material, while the Honey utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Honey contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, similar to its top housing.
Therefore, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a combination of the deeper and fuller sound from its nylon bottom housing, along with the sharp and crisp sound from its polycarbonate top housing. Conversely, the Honey provides a consistently high-pitched and clear sound throughout, as both its top and bottom housings are made of polycarbonate. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles depending on the housing materials used, highlighting the impact of these materials on the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the TTC Honey linear switches, it is evident that both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that when pressing the keys all the way down, both switches provide the same level of resistance. However, in terms of actuation force, there is a slight difference between the two switches. The G Pro 3.0 Red requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Honey switch only requires 42 grams. This slight variation implies that the Honey switch is slightly lighter to actuate compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red.
Considering weight as an important factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Honey switch, as its lower actuation force allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. This would be suitable for those who use their keyboard for work or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who seek a more substantial typing experience and prefer a heavier push feel may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Red, as its slightly higher actuation force provides a bit more resistance. Both switches, however, offer a similar bottom out force, ensuring that the overall typing experience would be consistent in terms of key depression.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the TTC Honey linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Honey has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Honey switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red.
In terms of preference, shorter travel distances are often favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the Honey switch may be ideal for those looking for a more responsive typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt or lacking in depth. For those who prefer a more substantial key press, the G Pro 3.0 Red with its slightly longer travel distance would be a better choice.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and TTC Honey linear switches offer different travel distances, allowing users to choose between a shorter and slightly longer travel experience depending on their personal preferences.
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 Honey has an MSRP of $9.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Honey for $6.78.
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 is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound when pressed, making it suitable for various purposes and environments, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or using the switch at home or work. On the other hand, the TTC Honey switch is described as having a subdued sound profile. This means that it produces a more dampened sound when pressed, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. It's not completely silent, but it provides a quieter and more muted typing experience.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and TTC Honey switches are described as creamy. This indicates that they both offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. The creamy sensation is achieved either through factory lubrication or specific materials used in the switch construction. Typing on these switches gives a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys, melting into each keystroke. Both switches also offer a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. The TTC Honey switch is additionally described as frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is also described as mild, which means it offers a gentle typing experience with qualities that appeal to a wide range of users.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and TTC Honey switches have some similarities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches offer a creamy typing experience with a smooth and buttery sensation, thanks to lubrication or specific materials. They also feature a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch has a neutral sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes, while the TTC Honey switch has a more subdued sound profile, providing a quieter and more muted typing experience. Overall, if you are looking for a smooth and creamy typing experience, both switches can deliver similar results, with the choice being based on your preference for sound characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch that offers a smooth typing experience with a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is a great choice. Its light bottom out force of 50 grams provides a comfortable typing feel that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users alike. The frosted light diffuser allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, while the medium-high pitch produces a satisfying auditory experience. In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Red is described as neutral, making it suitable for various environments. As for feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red is described as creamy, mild, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a deep and pleasant sound profile, the TTC Honey is worth considering. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it also provides a light typing feel that is approachable to most users. The Honey switch offers a subdued sound, which is dampened and more subtle compared to most switches. In terms of feel, the Honey is described as creamy, frictionless, buttery, subtle, and polished. These descriptors indicate a smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction, seamless keystrokes, and a gentle resistance. The Honey switch is suitable for shared spaces and provides a fluid typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the TTC Honey depends on your personal preferences. If you value a budget-friendly option with a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, along with a neutral sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Red is a solid choice. However, if you prioritize a deep and pleasant sound profile, along with a smooth and effortless typing experience, the TTC Honey is a great option. Consider your desired sound and feel, and choose the switch that best suits your typing preferences.
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