Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Yellow, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits. The G Pro 3.0 Red, a linear switch, is best known for its budget-friendly price and smooth typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow, also a linear switch, stands out with its shorter travel and pleasant smoothness. Perfect for those who desire a typing experience between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Ink Yellow delivers a satisfying clackiness and is characterized by its neutral and polished nature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Yellow have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. In terms of aesthetics, the transparent polycarbonate housing is ideal for those who intend to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. Though not overly sharp, this thin and clacky sound is often described as satisfying. While the sound profiles differ, both switches provide a distinctive sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Red employs a nylon material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Ink Yellow features Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, matching the pointed and high-pitched sound profile of its top housing. Both switches deliver their unique sound characteristics through the qualities of their respective bottom housings.
It is important to note that the impact of the housing materials is felt differently depending on how the switch is used. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing are more noticeable, contributing to the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when a key is released. Overall, despite their differences, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Ink Yellow offer distinct sound experiences that enhance typing or gaming sessions.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Red boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, meaning it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Ink Yellow has a higher actuation force of 60 grams, making it slightly heavier in comparison. Similarly, when considering the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Red requires 50 grams of force to fully depress the key, while the Ink Yellow demands a more substantial 67 grams. This indicates that the Ink Yellow is the heavier option in terms of both actuation and bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods may find the G Pro 3.0 Red more suitable, while individuals seeking a stronger push feel might prefer the Ink Yellow. However, for users who desire similar results, the G Pro 3.0 Red could still provide a comparable lighter touch experience to the Ink Yellow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is clear that there is a difference. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ink Yellow has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Red is considered more traditional, providing a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Ink Yellow is shallower and more responsive, making it a popular choice among gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference - those seeking a greater sense of depth may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Red, while those desiring a more responsive experience may prefer the Ink Yellow. However, regardless of the chosen switch, both options offer reliable performance and satisfying 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 Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow 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 Yellow are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they do not have any extreme characteristics and are suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switches at home or at work. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so while these switches are described as neutral, the final sound may vary based on your setup.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is known for providing a creamy and mild typing experience. The creamy switch offers a smooth and buttery sensation, making it feel like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. It is also characterized as a mild switch, offering a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Red is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that reduces friction and provides smooth key travel. Overall, typing on these switches will be approachable and offer a safe, middle-ground feel.
On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow is also described as a mild switch with a polished finish. This means that it offers a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, similar to the G Pro 3.0 Red. Additionally, the Ink Yellow is said to showcase a pleasant smoothness, aligning with the buttery sensation of the creamy switch in the G Pro 3.0 Red. While the specific qualities of the Ink Yellow switch are not as extensively described, it is reasonable to expect a similar feel to the G Pro 3.0 Red, as they both fall within the mild and polished characteristics.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches offer similar subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. They are both described as having a neutral sound profile and providing a mild and polished typing experience. While more detailed descriptions are available for the G Pro 3.0 Red, it is reasonable to expect a similar feel from the Ink Yellow switch. Ultimately, the differences in sound and feel between these switches may be subtle, and the final experience may also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that combines a smooth typing experience with a balance of responsiveness and ease of use, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is a great choice for you. With a light bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a pleasant and creamy typing feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. The G Pro Red also features a medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory experience, perfect for those who enjoy a vibrant and visually appealing RGB lighting effect. Additionally, this switch has a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether for home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch is the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a slightly more pronounced and satisfying typing feel. The Ink Yellow switch is characterized by its pleasant smoothness and clackiness, offering a refined and sleek typing experience. Like the G Pro 3.0 Red, the Ink Yellow switch also features a neutral sound profile, making it versatile for various purposes and user levels.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Ink Yellow comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a lighter typing experience with a medium-high pitch and a budget-friendly price, the G Pro Red is the switch for you. However, if you prefer a slightly heavier and more pronounced typing feel with a refined smoothness and clackiness, the Ink Yellow is the switch that will suit your needs. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile that makes them versatile for any user, whether beginner or advanced, and can be used in both home and work settings. Consider your typing preferences and make a decision based on what feels most comfortable to you.
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