Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Neo Lavender HE each offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is a budget-friendly linear switch known for its smooth and seamless typing experience, characterized by a medium-light actuation force that strikes an ideal balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects, creating a vibrant visual experience, while its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback to typists. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is designed to deliver a clean and low sound, differentiating itself with its compatibility with Wooting keyboards and magnetic technology, which sets it apart from traditional switches. While the G Pro 3.0 Red is perfect for those seeking an economical yet high-performance option, the Lavender HE may appeal to users who prioritize sound quality and unique mechanics. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Neo Lavender HE, a notable distinction arises from their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is more resonant. This quality is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, as the translucence of polycarbonate allows the illumination to shine through clearly, enhancing the visual aesthetics of the keyboard. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE employs a nylon top housing, which, while being a classic choice, results in a duller and rounder sound characterized by its deeper audio profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound and vibrations, leading to a quieter acoustic experience when typing. Thus, the sound profile of these two switches diverges significantly based on their top housing materials.
Both switches, however, utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality results in similar acoustics stemming from the bottom of the switch, contributing a deeper and more full-bodied sound profile. The nylon material in both cases dampens noise and provides a satisfying tactile response, enhancing the overall typing experience. Since the bottom housing has a critical influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, users will experience comparable characteristics when bottoming out either switch. This shared nylon material in the bottom housings establishes a common ground, ensuring that, regardless of the differences in the top housings, both switches maintain a sense of adequacy in terms of audio performance when pressed fully.
Overall, while the distinctive top housing materials lead to contrasting auditory experiences between the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Neo Lavender HE, their shared nylon bottom housings mean that users can expect a consistent sound and feel upon bottoming out. The polycarbonate top housing produces a more vibrant sound when releasing a key, suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback, while the nylon top housing of the Lavender HE softens those sounds for a more muted and smooth experience. Ultimately, the combination of these qualities dictates that users can achieve different auditory results from each switch depending on their preference for either sharper sibilance or a fuller, rounder acoustic profile, all while still enjoying a shared foundation of characteristics derived from the nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, both offer light forces, but the actuation forces differ slightly. The G Pro 3.0 Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Lavender HE requires just 40 grams to register a keystroke, making it the lighter option between the two. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, which means that when fully pressed down, the effort required is uniform. For users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Lavender HE offers a slight edge with its lower actuation force, making it potentially better for prolonged use, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Red. Ultimately, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, but the choice may hinge on a preference for a lighter actuation.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch travels a slightly shorter distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a more substantial keypress experience, appealing to users who prefer a deeper and more pronounced feel when typing. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE, with its shorter travel distance, can offer quicker response times, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor fast and efficient keystrokes. While both switches cater to different preferences, choosing the G Pro 3.0 Red might be ideal for those who enjoy a traditional typing experience, whereas the Lavender HE is better suited for those seeking a more rapid and responsive feel.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch and the Neo Lavender HE switch, the G Pro Red offers a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory experience. Its sound is characterized as neutral, meaning it strikes a balance that makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This versatile sound lends itself well to both casual typing and more intense gaming scenarios. In contrast, the sound profile of the Lavender HE is noted to be clean and low, which suggests a quieter typing experience. This could be particularly appealing for those who prefer a less disruptive auditory atmosphere during their typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch excels with descriptors like creamy, mild, polished, and silky. This combination indicates that it provides a smooth and refined typing experience, where each keystroke feels effortless and pleasant. The creamy and silky characteristics highlight a buttery sensation that can enhance typing speed and comfort, while the mild aspect ensures that it remains approachable for users of all experience levels. On the other hand, the feel of the Lavender HE switch remains unspecified, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison in this aspect. However, if it shares qualities with other magnetic switches, it may also provide a unique tactile feedback that complements its low sound profile.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Neo Lavender HE switch offer distinct characteristics in terms of sound and feel, they cater to different preferences and typing environments. The G Pro Red provides a balanced auditory experience with a smooth, responsive typing feel, making it ideal for both casual and serious use. The Lavender HE, with its clean and low sound, seems designed for those who prioritize a quieter operation, although its tactile feedback remains unconfirmed. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, but both options aim to enhance the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch comes down to your specific typing preferences and the usage context. If you’re seeking a budget-friendly option that delivers a smooth, responsive, and comfortable typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice. Its creamy and polished feel, combined with a medium-light actuation force, makes it ideal for both casual typing and extended work sessions in a variety of environments, be it at home or in the office. Plus, if vibrant RGB lighting is important to you, the frosted light diffuser enhances visual aesthetics beautifully. On the other hand, if you desire a quiet keystroke and plan to use the keyboard for noise-sensitive environments, the Neo Lavender HE may be more suitable. Its clean, low sound profile offers a unique auditory experience, particularly appealing to users of Wooting keyboards who value the precision and performance of hall effect technology. In the end, your choice will depend on your sensitivity to sound, budget, and whether you prioritize aesthetic lighting effects alongside the typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
