Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch to the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, one can see distinct differences in their design and performance. The G Pro 3.0 Red is praised for its budget-friendly nature and smooth typing experience, with a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, while its medium-high pitch offers a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch stands out for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend. It provides a crisp and clacky sound signature, making each keystroke a satisfying experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Red is categorized as 'Creamy', 'Mild', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Silky', and the Lavender as 'Easy-to-press', 'Clacky', each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Zuoce Lavender, we see that the G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing while the Lavender features a POM top housing. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Red creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Lavender produces a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different auditory experience for users.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the G Pro 3.0 Red incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Lavender uses a POM bottom housing. Both nylon and POM are known for providing a fuller sound profile, with nylon being softer and absorbing more sound for a duller tone. In contrast, POM offers a unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. Despite these differences, both materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches in their own distinctive ways.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Zuoce Lavender may vary in material, they each play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when pressing a key, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Although the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Lavender have different housing materials, users can expect unique and pleasing sound profiles from both switches, with the G Pro 3.0 Red offering a crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, and the Lavender providing a deeper and more muted sound with its POM housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch both offer a relatively light typing experience compared to other switches. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lavender has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. Both switches provide a smooth and linear feel, making them ideal for fast typing and gaming. Those who prefer a lighter touch may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Red, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance might prefer the Zuoce Lavender. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and whether a lighter or slightly heavier switch is desired for typing or gaming purposes.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the G Pro has a longer travel distance compared to the Lavender. The traditional travel distance of 4mm provides a familiar key feel, while the shorter 3.4mm distance may cater more to those seeking a quicker response time, particularly gamers. The G Pro may offer a deeper typing experience, potentially suiting those who prefer more tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preferences regarding key feel and 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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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 switch offers a neutral sound profile, suitable for a variety of typing environments and experience levels. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch produces a distinct clacky sound, providing a satisfyingly sharp and percussive auditory experience. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is described as creamy, mild, polished, and silky, offering a smooth, gentle, refined, and exceptionally smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Zuoce Lavender switch is characterized as easy-to-press, providing gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate, resulting in an effortless and comfortable typing experience. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant feel while typing, albeit through slightly different tactile approaches.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a neutral sound profile and a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing feel, the Lavender switch delivers a clacky sound and an easy-to-press typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences and typing needs, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that you can find similar results with both switches despite their subjective differences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a light actuation force (50g) and a medium-high pitch sound profile, along with a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, then the G Pro 3.0 Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value exceptional smoothness right out of the box, a crisp and clacky sound signature, and an easy-to-press typing experience, the Zuoce Lavender switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what qualities are most important to you in a keyboard switch for your typing experience.
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