Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Box Pink, two popular linear switches with distinctive qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Red, a budget-friendly option from Gateron's G Pro line-up, is designed to provide a smooth and satisfying typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches strike a perfect balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, while the medium-high pitch enhances the auditory experience. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switches, known for their beautiful translucent design, offer a lighter typing feel compared to other mechanical switches. These switches provide a higher-pitched clack, contributing to a unique auditory feedback. Now, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Box Pink differ in their housing materials, which ultimately affects the sound profile of the switches. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. Both housing materials offer distinct sound profiles, with the G Pro 3.0 Red leaning towards a clearer and resonant sound, while the Ink Box Pink offers a satisfying and clacky tone.
In terms of the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Red incorporates a nylon material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which complements its top housing by contributing to the pointed and higher-pitched sound profile. While the G Pro 3.0 Red's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper sound, the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Box Pink enhances the overall clacky and satisfying sound experience.
When it comes to the overall sound and feel of the switches, the differentiation between top and bottom housing materials becomes significant. The G Pro 3.0 Red's sound profile heavily relies on the qualities brought by its polycarbonate top housing when releasing a key, resulting in a sharper sound. On the other hand, pressing down on the switch reveals the impact of the nylon bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out. Similarly, the Ink Box Pink's sound depends on the combination of its INK blend top and bottom housing, providing a pointed, high-pitched, and clacky sound when pressing and releasing keys. While the specific qualities may differ, both switches offer distinct sound experiences based on the materials used for their top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there are notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Ink Box Pink's slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Ink Box Pink has a medium bottom out force of 60 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be a suitable choice as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and reach the bottom out point. This lighter actuation and bottom out force can be beneficial for long typing sessions or extended gaming periods, as it reduces strain and fatigue on the fingers and hands.
On the other hand, if a more substantial typing experience is desired, the Ink Box Pink provides a more resistant push feel with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. This can give users a greater sense of control and feedback when typing, resulting in a more satisfying and tactile experience.
In terms of weight considerations, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be the lighter option, allowing for longer typing periods without undue strain. However, it is important to note that both switches offer a relatively light actuation force, and the difference between them may not be significant enough to noticeably impact typing comfort. Thus, users seeking similar results in terms of the actuation and bottom out forces may find both switches to be suitable choices for their needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Red switch the longer of the two. The traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm offers a more familiar feel, while the shorter 3.6 mm distance is becoming more popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. If quick responsiveness is important to you, the Ink Box Pink with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deeper, more substantial key press, the G Pro 3.0 Red with its slightly longer travel distance may be more to your liking. Both switches offer their own advantages, so it ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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, suitable for various purposes. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch is described as clacky and high-pitched. When using Ink Box Pink switches, you can expect a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. The higher pitch of these switches adds to the uniqueness of their sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are described similarly. They are both referred to as silky and polished, indicating that they offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience. These switches enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch is also described as creamy, which further emphasizes the smoothness of its typing experience. The mild characteristics of the G Pro 3.0 Red switch make it approachable to most typists, as it strikes a safe middle-ground in terms of feel.
Based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches have different sound profiles but share similar smooth and polished typing experiences. If you prioritize a neutral sound and a medium-light actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound and a lighter typing feel, the Ink Box Pink switch would be a great option. Both switches provide a pleasant typing experience with their smoothness and reduced friction. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel.
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 suitable choice. It has a light bottom-out force of 50 grams and features a medium-high pitch, providing a satisfying auditory experience. Additionally, the G Pro Red allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects with its frosted light diffuser. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel and enjoy a higher-pitched clack sound when typing, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of 60 grams, these translucent switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches have a silky and polished feel, ensuring minimized resistance and smooth key travel. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel when choosing between the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Ink Box Pink.
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