Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Are you in the market for a new mechanical keyboard switch but not sure which one to choose? Look no further! Today, we will be comparing and contrasting two popular options: the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Red, both of which are linear switches. The G Pro 3.0 Red is known for its smooth typing experience and budget-friendly price. With a medium-light actuation force, this switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, the G Pro Red features a frosted light diffuser, allowing for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, while its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Ink Red offers a lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. These switches are also praised for their smoothness, crispy and clacky sound profile, and effortless typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Red have different top housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This translucent material is especially useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows light to shine through. In contrast, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing is known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. It offers a satisfying thin and clacky sound, which many users find enjoyable. While both materials contribute to a unique sound, the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Red may produce a slightly clearer and resonant sound than the Ink Red's blend.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material and is known to elicit 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 Ink Red's proprietary INK blend bottom housing shares similar characteristics with its top housing. It contributes to the switch's pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. While both materials create a satisfying sound, the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Red may offer a slightly deeper and fuller sound compared to the Ink Red's blend.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Red offer distinct sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Red delivers a sharper and crisper sound, while the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a more pointed and clacky sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Red creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Ink Red's INK blend bottom housing contributes to its high-pitched and clacky sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer unique and satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a relatively lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes it ideal for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and provides a smoother and faster typing feel. On the other hand, the Ink Red has the same actuation force of 45 grams but has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, which adds a bit more resistance during typing and results in a more substantial key press. Despite the differences, both switches offer a similar actuation force, ensuring that users will achieve similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference, with the G Pro 3.0 Red being lighter and the Ink Red being slightly heavier.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches provide a consistent tactile experience with a 4 mm travel distance from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Red or the Ink Red, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when pressing down on a key. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other, offering a comparable typing 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 Red 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 Red for $7.35.
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, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Red switches fall under the category of "Neutral" in terms of their sound profiles. This means that they have a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work. However, it's important to note that the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch has been described using several different descriptors. It is often referred to as "creamy," offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This smoothness may be due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. The G Pro 3.0 Red is also considered "mild," providing a gentle typing experience without any extreme characteristics. Additionally, it can be described as "polished," indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in sleek typing. Lastly, the switch is said to be "silky," offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch is also described as "silky," offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance. This makes it similar to the G Pro 3.0 Red in terms of feel. Additionally, the Ink Red is also considered "mild," providing a gentle typing experience without any extreme characteristics. Lastly, like the G Pro 3.0 Red, the Ink Red also falls under the descriptor of "polished," indicating a smooth and refined finish that enhances the typing experience.
Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of feel, being described as silky, mild, and polished. While the sound profiles are both categorized as neutral, it's important to consider other factors such as the choice of board and keycaps for the actual sound produced. Ultimately, regardless of whether you choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red or the Gateron Ink Red, you can expect a smooth and satisfying typing experience with a moderate actuation force requirement.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch that offers a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch would be a great choice for you. This switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch features a frosted light diffuser that allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects and a medium-high pitch for a satisfying auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lower actuation force and have a lighter typing style, the Gateron Ink Red switch would be more suitable for you. These switches are known for their satisfyingly smooth feel, crispy and clacky sound profile, and effortless typing experience. With a moderate sound profile and a silky typing feel, the Ink Red switch offers an exceptionally smooth and enjoyable typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Red switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a budget-friendly option with medium-light actuation force, go for the G Pro 3.0 Red switch. However, if you prefer a lower actuation force and a smoother typing experience, the Ink Red switch would be a better fit. Both switches offer a moderate sound profile and can be used for various purposes, whether at home or work.
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