Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Durock Koala stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Red is a linear switch that offers a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Known for its bright RGB lighting effects and satisfying auditory experience, this switch is ideal for those looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on performance. On the other hand, the Durock Koala is a tactile switch that provides a pronounced bump in keystrokes without being overly loud. With a stepped tactility and a bit of resonance, the Koala strikes a perfect middle ground for those who prefer a bit of feedback in their 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Durock Koala feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of switches allows for a more resonant sound, especially when combined with RGB lighting due to its translucency. This material choice results in a more aesthetically pleasing and audibly satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Durock Koala utilize nylon. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This translates to a duller and rounder sound, enhancing the overall tactile feedback experienced by users of these switches. The nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to a more tactile and immersive typing experience.
While both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Durock Koala share similar housing materials in their top and bottom housings, the impact of each housing material varies when it comes to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Despite these differences, users can expect a similar level of tactile feedback and sound profile from both switches due to their shared housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Koala, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force for the G Pro 3.0 Red is 50 grams, while the Koala has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. The G Pro 3.0 Red is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Koala offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that regardless of which switch is used, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressing down on a key. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Durock Koala switches offer users the same level of key travel 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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 is considered to have a neutral sound profile, suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, also falling under the neutral category. It's worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 Red is known for its creamy and mild typing experience, offering smooth and gentle key presses with a polished finish. Conversely, the Durock Koala tactile switch provides a polished feel as well, along with an accented tactility that gives a prominent but not overwhelming bump during the keystroke. The Koala switch also has a stepped design, offering a more nuanced tactile sensation compared to the Gateron linear switch.
Taking all the available information into account, it's clear that both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red provides a smooth and balanced typing experience with a neutral sound profile, while the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a more pronounced tactile feedback with a low-pitched sound. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. If a user enjoys a smooth and mild typing experience with a neutral sound, they would find satisfaction with the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red, while those looking for a more tactile keypress with a low-pitched sound may prefer the Durock Koala. Either way, both switches offer quality performance in their respective categories.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch that offers a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is a great choice for you. The G Pro Red switch provides a balanced mix of responsiveness and ease of use, along with bright RGB lighting effects and a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a pronounced bump that doesn't span the entire keystroke, then the Durock Koala is the way to go. The Koala switches offer a perfect middle ground for those who want a bit of resonance without being overly loud. Ultimately, your decision between these two switches will depend on your preference for linear vs. tactile switches and your desired typing experience.
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