Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Black V2, two mechanical keyboard switches that excel in delivering exceptional typing experiences. First up, we have the G Pro 3.0 Red, a linear switch praised for its budget-friendly nature. With a medium-light actuation force, this switch strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting effects, adding a touch of vibrancy to your keyboard setup. The G Pro 3.0 Red also boasts a medium-high pitch, providing a satisfying auditory experience with each key press. On the other hand, we have the Ink Black V2, a beloved linear switch among the community. Renowned for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, this switch offers a delightful typing experience. Categorized as low-pitched, this switch produces a bassy and chirpy sound, adding a unique element to your keyboard's auditory feedback. However, let's dive deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you make an informed decision based on your preferences and requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Black V2 have different materials used for both their top and bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic material resonates more clearly, resulting in a higher-pitched sound. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which provides a satisfying thin and clacky sound. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, they differ in terms of pitch and sharpness.
In terms of bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes a nylon material, which offers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound due to its relatively soft nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing as well, offering a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile like its top housing. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound characteristics.
When comparing the overall impact of the top and bottom housings on the switch's sound and feel, it's important to note that they play different roles. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, as it absorbs more sound due to its softer material. In contrast, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the materials used may differ for the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Ink Black V2, their similar approaches to sound production ensure that users can achieve comparable results in terms of the switch's overall auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, meaning it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Red requires 50 grams of force to fully press down, while the Ink Black V2 demands even more at 70 grams. This demonstrates that the Ink Black V2 is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red.
Considering weight, individuals may have varying preferences. Some users may appreciate lighter switches like the G Pro 3.0 Red as it allows for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. This makes it suitable for those using the keyboard at work or engaging in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more robust typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces, such as the Ink Black V2. The 60-gram actuation force and 70-gram bottom out force of the Ink Black V2 provide a stronger push feel, satisfying individuals who prefer a more substantial and deliberate keystroke.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch features lighter actuation and bottom out forces of 45 grams and 50 grams respectively, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has heavier forces of 60 grams for actuation and 70 grams for bottom out. By considering these differences, users can choose the switch that aligns with their preferred typing experience, whether they prioritize lighter weight for extended usage or the heavier force for a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Therefore, the results you'll get in terms of travel distance will be similar for both switches. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel without any tactile bump or click, making them suitable for gamers and typists looking for a consistent keystroke experience.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is considered a neutral switch, offering a moderate sound profile. This makes it suitable for a variety of purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use the keyboard at home or work. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 has a low-pitched, bass-rich sound profile, providing a deeper and richer sound experience during key presses. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 has a unique acoustic signature, described as "chirpy," giving it a slight squeak that sets it apart from other switches. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Black V2 fall under the mild category. Mild switches offer a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, as their characteristics fall within a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches also feature a polished finish, contributing to a smooth and refined typing experience. This can be due to either the materials used or factory lubrication, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Red is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation akin to effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys. Similarly, the Ink Black V2 offers a silky typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys and enhancing overall smoothness.
Based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Black V2 have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Red offers a neutral sound profile and a creamy, polished feel, offering a pleasing auditory and tactile experience. Alternatively, the Ink Black V2 presents a low-pitched, bass-rich sound profile with a chirpy characteristic and a mild, polished feel. The choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound and typing experience. However, it is worth noting that if you are seeking similar results, opting for the G Pro 3.0 Red may provide comparable sound and feel to the Ink Black V2, albeit with slight variations.
Conclusion
In closing, 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 the switch for you. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams, it is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether for home or work. The G Pro Red also features a frosted light diffuser that allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, and its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and enjoy a low-pitched, bass-heavy, and rich clack sound profile, then the Gateron Ink Black V2 is the ideal choice. It is a classic linear switch that has been favored by the community for its smooth downstroke and unique chirpy sound. The Ink Black V2 offers a mild typing experience with a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Black V2 boils down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force. Consider what feels comfortable for you and whether you prefer the lighter actuation force and brighter lighting effects of the G Pro Red or the heavier bottom out force and unique sound profile of the Ink Black V2. By keeping these factors in mind, you can make an informed choice that suits your needs and enhances your overall typing performance.
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