Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and PH Studio Jacaranda are linear mechanical keyboard switches offering unique features for different typing experiences. The G Pro Red provides a budget-friendly option with a smooth typing experience and a medium-light actuation force for a balance of responsiveness and ease of use. Its frosted light diffuser allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, while its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Jacaranda stands out with its gentle 43.5g bottom-out force, making it easy on the fingers for fatigue-free typing. It offers a clacky sound signature and a uniquely bouncy sensation with its extended 22mm spring, elevating the overall 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
39g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the PH Studio Jacaranda both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in these housings offers a clear and resonant sound, making them ideal for users who prefer a more distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a great choice for switches that use RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall design. In terms of sound and aesthetic qualities, both switches offer similar results due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Red and the PH Studio Jacaranda have nylon bottom housings that contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. While the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key, the qualities of the bottom housing have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Both switches showcase the classic switch housing material of nylon, offering users a tactile and satisfying typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the PH Studio Jacaranda demonstrate a blend of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials, each contributing unique characteristics to the typing experience. The polycarbonate top housings provide a clear and resonant sound profile, ideal for users seeking a sharper and crisper typing feel, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings offer a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound and providing a rounder typing experience. Whether it's the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound or the sound when releasing a key influenced by the top housing, both switches offer a well-rounded typing experience with a combination of different housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, it is evident that both switches have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Jacaranda has an actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Jacaranda slightly lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Jacaranda may be the better choice. However, both switches offer a similar feel due to their light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to personal preference for the slight difference in force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a longer travel distance, providing a more traditional keypress feel, while the Jacaranda offers a slightly shorter travel distance for a quicker response. Gamers may lean towards the Jacaranda for its faster actuation, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress experience may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Red. Both switches offer their own advantages depending on personal preference, with the G Pro 3.0 Red providing a longer travel distance and the Jacaranda offering a slightly shorter one for those seeking a quicker response. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences and typing style.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 linear switch provides a neutral experience with a medium-high pitch that offers a satisfying auditory experience suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch stands out with a clacky sound profile, producing a crisp and audible feedback due to its extended 22mm spring configuration. While both switches offer distinct sound qualities, the G Pro 3.0 Red leans towards a more neutral sound, whereas the Jacaranda delivers a sharper and more resonant clack with each keystroke.
When it comes to feel, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Jacaranda switches offer a silky typing experience. The Gateron switch is described as creamy and mild, providing a smooth and buttery feel that effortlessly glides fingers across the keys. Similarly, the Jacaranda switch is also categorized as silky, emphasizing its exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a refined and polished feel, ensuring a comfortable and fatigue-free typing experience for users.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a neutral sound profile and a creamy typing experience, the Jacaranda switch stands out with its clacky sound and silky feel enhanced by the extended 22mm spring. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with users getting similar results in terms of smoothness and comfort, making them suitable choices for different preferences and typing environments.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, it's important to consider your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams, a neutral sound profile, and a creamy typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, and a silky smooth typing feel, the Jacaranda could be the ideal switch for your typing needs. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference and your specific typing style and preferences.
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