Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Mountain Top 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 Gateron Mountain Top represent two appealing yet distinct options within the linear switch category. The G Pro 3.0 Red is renowned for its budget-friendly pricing and balanced actuation force, offering a smooth typing experience that caters to both casual and enthusiastic typists alike. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects, making it perfect for gamers and those who appreciate vibrant aesthetics. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top is specifically designed for office environments, emphasizing a quieter typing experience that promotes a professional atmosphere without sacrificing comfort. With its easy-to-press actuation and subtle auditory feedback, it appeals to those who type for extended periods in shared spaces. While both switches offer unique benefits—affordability and vibrant lighting in the G Pro 3.0 Red versus discretion and comfort in the Mountain Top—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
1.40 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
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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Mountain Top switches exhibit distinct sound profiles largely due to their differing top housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. The translucence of polycarbonate also allows for vibrant RGB lighting to shine through, making it an aesthetically appealing choice for builders who prioritize illumination alongside performance. In contrast, the Mountain Top's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer characteristics. This material absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound experience; thus, while both switches serve distinct auditory profiles, the G Pro 3.0 Red delivers a bright sonic experience, whereas the Mountain Top provides a more muted warmth.
Looking at the bottom housings, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Mountain Top utilize nylon material, which offers a consistent foundation in sound performance. As nylon is a prevalent switch housing material known for its ability to dampen sound, both switches elicit a deeper and rounder sound profile from their bottom housings. Since the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel during key presses, users can expect a similar tactile experience with both switches. Essentially, whether typing on the G Pro 3.0 Red or the Mountain Top, the nylon material in the bottom housing will evoke a plushness and richness that contributes to their shared auditory performance, despite the differing qualities of their respective top housings.
Combining the effects of the top and bottom housings, enthusiasts can draw parallels between the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Mountain Top, especially in terms of sound characteristics during key presses and releases. While the G Pro 3.0 Red's polycarbonate top adds brightness to the sound when keys are released, and the Mountain Top's nylon top provides a deeper resonance, both models utilize nylon for the bottoms, which bridges the gap between their auditory experiences. Therefore, users can expect a unique blend of sharpness and fullness when utilizing these switches together, showcasing how differences in housing materials can create varied yet complementary sound profiles in mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, both options cater to differing aesthetic and auditory preferences, allowing users to choose based on their personal gaming or typing experience needs.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch both offer a lightweight typing experience, but they have distinct actuation forces. The G Pro 3.0 Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Mountain Top is slightly lighter at 40 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, meaning that regardless of the switch, users will experience a consistent resistance when bottoming out. For those who prefer the feel of lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Mountain Top would be the better choice due to its lower actuation force. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Red, while still light, provides a slightly firmer push, which may offer a more substantial typing experience for some users. Overall, while both switches are on the lighter end of the spectrum, the Mountain Top is the lighter option when it comes to actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the G Pro 3.0 Red having a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Mountain Top measures 3.4 mm. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Red the longer of the two, offering a more traditional, hearty depth that some users may find more satisfying. In contrast, the Mountain Top's shorter travel distance caters to gamers seeking quicker response times, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer heightened responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference—if you lean towards a deeper feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red is the way to go, while the Mountain Top will suit those who favor a quicker action.
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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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 and the Gateron Mountain Top switches, both exhibit a neutral characteristic, offering a moderate sound output that is versatile enough for various environments. This means that neither switch will be overly loud or disruptive, making them suitable for both home and office settings. However, the G Pro 3.0 Red has a medium-high pitch, while the Mountain Top is engineered for discretion with a quieter sound signature. Ultimately, you can expect a balanced auditory experience from both switches, though the Mountain Top will likely provide a more muted typing experience.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red is characterized by its creamy and polished sensations, providing a smooth, buttery typing experience that allows for effortless gliding across the keys. This silkiness is ideal for users who prioritize a refined tactile feel. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy and easy-to-press experience; its lightweight actuation provides a lively feedback that reduces finger fatigue, making it exceptionally comfortable for long typing sessions. While both share a mild quality that appeals to a wide audience, the G Pro 3.0 Red leans towards a smooth and luxurious ride, whereas the Mountain Top focuses more on a responsive and energetic typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switches present different but appealing characteristics. Users seeking a smooth, refined typing experience with a vibrant sound may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Red, while those in need of a light, bouncy switch that operates quietly in shared spaces may prefer the Mountain Top. Regardless, both switches maintain a neutral sound profile, making them versatile options for any typing environment. Users can expect pleasant typing experiences from either switch, but their specific needs and preferences will dictate which switch is best suited for them.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switches largely depends on your specific needs and environment. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly switch that offers a smooth and creamy typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation and vibrant RGB diffusion make it perfect for casual gaming or home typing sessions, where you can enjoy both performance and aesthetics without straining your budget. Conversely, if your primary concern is creating a quiet and unobtrusive typing environment, especially in an office setting, the Mountain Top switch would be more suitable. With its bouncy yet discreet feedback, it allows for comfortable, low-impact typing without disturbing those around you. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and a mild feel, making them versatile for different users, but your final choice should align with whether you prioritize a vibrant typing experience or a quiet professional ambiance. Ultimately, understanding your typing environment and preferences will guide you in selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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