Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, particularly with models like the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Keygeek Keylin, both of which are linear switches but feature distinct characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Red is celebrated for its budget-friendly price while offering a smooth typing experience that balances a medium-light actuation force with responsive feedback, making it an excellent option for both gamers and typists who appreciate a straightforward yet engaging feel. Plus, its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, adding a vibrant visual appeal to your setup. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin stands out with its premium design and unique mold technology, emphasizing rich acoustics and exceptional smoothness that cater to users seeking a high-quality typing experience. Both switches cater to different user preferences; while the G Pro 3.0 Red is a cost-effective choice for everyday use, the Keylin may appeal to those wanting a more refined auditory and tactile experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Keygeek Keylin, it is evident that they feature different materials for their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material inherently produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that resonates distinctly. The use of polycarbonate not only enhances the audio characteristics but also amplifies the RGB lighting effects, making it a favorable choice for those who appreciate both acoustics and visual aesthetics. In contrast, the Keylin employs a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its softer texture and ability to absorb more sound. As a result, the Keylin’s construction results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that has a duller resonance, highlighting the pronounced differences between the two switches.
On the other hand, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Keylin utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material contributes similarly to the auditory experience by delivering a deeper and rounder sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for sound absorption, making the bottom-out sound consistent, regardless of the switch’s top housing material. Thus, while the top housings diverge in character—polycarbonate providing clarity and nylon offering depth—the grounding effect from the nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a certain level of uniformity in their fundamental sound profile when bottoming out.
Ultimately, the distinction in sound profiles between the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Keylin can be attributed to their differing top housing materials. While the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a sharper and more resonant sound with polycarbonate at the top, the Keylin's nylon top allows for a warmer and rounder auditory experience. However, due to the use of nylon in both switches' bottom housings, they exhibit comparable performance in terms of bottom-out feel and sound, leading to a hybrid result where the performance characteristics can be appreciated differently based on the user’s preference. Thus, despite the differences in materials, enthusiasts may find common ground in the deep sounds derived from the nylon construction in the lower half of both switches.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch both offer light actuation forces, making them appealing choices for users who prioritize comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. The G Pro 3.0 Red features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Keylin has an even lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Keylin switch is the lighter option, requiring less force to actuate, which could enhance long-duration use. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red, with its heavier actuation force, may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches are light and comfortable, the Keylin switch is the better choice for those seeking less resistance, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Red may appeal to users who prefer a little extra feedback with each keystroke.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is 4 mm, while the Keygeek Keylin linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a more pronounced keypress, which can be appealing for users who prefer a deeper feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Keylin’s 3.6 mm travel distance provides a quicker response time, making it a better choice for those who prioritize speed and rapid actuation, such as gamers. Ultimately, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a hearty depth, the G Pro 3.0 Red would suit you better, while the Keylin would be ideal for those who favor faster, more responsive keystrokes.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch presents a sound profile characterized as neutral, which means it delivers a moderate auditory experience suitable for various environments, whether at home or in the office. This balanced sound allows users to avoid the potential distraction of more pronounced acoustic characteristics while typing, making it appealing to both beginners and more seasoned users. Additionally, the sound experience can be enhanced by pairing the switches with compatible keycaps and keyboard builds, emphasizing the auditory nuance. The Keygeek Keylin’s sound characteristics remain unknown, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch is lauded for its creamy, mild, polished, and silky attributes. This combination creates an extraordinarily smooth and buttery typing experience, making typing effortless and enjoyable. The factory lubricating process enhances its polished nature, reducing friction and providing a gentle, refined interaction with each keystroke. The various descriptors suggest that this switch accommodates a wide range of typing preferences and skill levels, promoting comfort and ease of use. The sensory qualities of the Keylin are also unknown, resulting in a lack of direct comparison in this regard.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch excels in providing a neutral sound and a creamy, polished feel, details about the Keygeek Keylin switch remain elusive. If you're specifically looking for a versatile switch that balances auditory and tactile performance, the G Pro 3.0 Red stands out as a favorable option. However, without additional information on the Keylin, it’s difficult to assess how it aligns with or differs from the established qualities of the G Pro Red. If you prioritize budget-friendly options and a satisfying typing experience, Gateron’s offering is a solid choice, promising consistent results.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, your decision will ultimately depend on what you value most in your typing experience. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a balanced mix of responsiveness and ease of use, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice. Its smooth, creamy feel and neutral sound profile make it versatile enough for both casual and professional settings. Moreover, if vibrant RGB lighting is a priority for you, the frosted light diffuser in the G Pro Red enhances those visuals beautifully. On the other hand, if you're willing to invest a bit more for a premium typing experience, the Keylin switch might be the way to go. With its exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics—attributes that stem from its new molds—you'll likely appreciate the refined feel it offers. In conclusion, whether you prefer the affordability and balanced characteristics of the G Pro 3.0 Red or the luxurious experience provided by the Keylin, both switches have their unique benefits that cater to different preferences.
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