Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red, a linear switch, and the Gateron Melodic, a clicky switch. The G Pro 3.0 Red is favored for its budget-friendly linear design that offers a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, perfect for those seeking a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, the G Pro Red features a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic stands out for its reinvigoration of the clicky switch category, incorporating features like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems to deliver the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with added smoothness. Each switch offers a unique typing experience suited to different preferences and needs. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities to help you make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific requirements.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Melodic switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance in the sound of the switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through the housing. In terms of aesthetics and sound characteristics, both switches offer similar advantages with their polycarbonate top housings.
While the top housings of the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Melodic switches are the same, their bottom housings differ in material. The G Pro 3.0 Red uses a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Similarly, the Melodic switch also features a nylon bottom housing, bringing the same qualities of enhanced sound depth and absorption to the typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Melodic switches offer a harmonious combination of housing materials to create a unique typing experience. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, providing sharp and crisp sound profiles ideal for RGB lighting, they diverge in their choice of bottom housing material. The nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, showcasing the importance of housing materials in influencing the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, which has an unknown actuation force. Both switches have a bottom out force of 60 grams, making the Melodic switch heavier in this aspect. The G Pro 3.0 Red's lighter actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Melodic switch's heavier bottom out force offers a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these switches provide users with different options depending on their preference for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that they offer the same tactile feedback and overall experience when typing or gaming. This means that whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Red or the Melodic clicky switch, you can expect similar results in terms of feel and responsiveness. Since both switches have the same travel distance, it can be concluded that there is no significant difference in this aspect between the two switches. Therefore, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch will likely come down to personal preference based on factors other than travel distance.
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 Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 offers a neutral sound profile that suits various purposes, whether for beginners or advanced users. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch provides a resonant and crunchy sound experience, giving a higher-pitched and immersive auditory feedback reminiscent of stepping on crunchy leaves. The choice of board and keycaps can also influence the sound produced by these switches.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is described as creamy and mild, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience that is enhanced by lubricant applied at the factory. This results in a silky sensation when typing, providing a refined and polished typing experience with minimal resistance. Conversely, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch is characterized as buttery and invigorating, delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel for an immersive typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a neutral sound and creamy, mild feel, the Melodic offers a resonant, crunchy sound and buttery, invigorating feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the two switches to suit their needs and elevate their typing performance. Ultimately, both switches provide quality performance and can deliver satisfying results based on the user's preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a light bottom out force of 50 grams for a smooth typing experience with medium-light actuation force to strike a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, as well as a neutral sound profile described as moderately pitched, then the G Pro 3.0 Red is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, a classic clicky sound with tactile feedback, smooth factory lubing, and dual-railed stems for a clean and sharp sound profile, immersive auditory experience, and a resonant and crunchy feel, then the Gateron Melodic clicky switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and feel.
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