Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red, a linear switch, and the Cherry MX Black, another linear switch, both offer unique features that cater to different needs and preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Red stands out as a budget-friendly option from Gateron's G Pro line-up, delivering a smooth typing experience with its medium-light actuation force. This balance between responsiveness and ease of use makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a comfortable typing experience without breaking the bank. Additionally, the G Pro Red features a frosted light diffuser that enhances RGB lighting effects, creating a brighter and more vibrant atmosphere while typing. On the other hand, Cherry MX Black switches, known for their iconic status, offer a classic textured smoothness thanks to Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling. Typing on these switches provides a satisfying deep sound profile, adding another layer of auditory enjoyment to your typing experience. The MX Black switches' low-pitched nature and stiffer feel give a more precise and controlled 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry MX Black have different materials for their top housing. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. While they have different characteristics, both materials contribute to the overall sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches use nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. Consequently, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the MX Black will offer a similar experience in terms of the sound and feel when bottoming out.
However, when it comes to the sound when releasing a key, the top housing plays a more prominent role. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Red will contribute to a sharper and crisper sound when you let go of a key. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Black will produce a deeper and fuller sound during key release. Despite their differences, both switches create distinct sound profiles that add to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, which means it requires less pressure to trigger a keystroke compared to the MX Black's higher actuation force of 60 grams. Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the G Pro 3.0 Red requires only 50 grams of force, while the MX Black has a heavier bottom out force of 80 grams.
The lighter actuation and bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Red make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This is especially beneficial for individuals using the keyboard extensively for work or during prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, the MX Black's heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing.
Although the G Pro 3.0 Red and MX Black have different force requirements, it's important to note that both switches offer linear feedback without a tactile bump. Therefore, if a user is looking for a similar experience in terms of actuation and bottom out force, they could achieve comparable results by choosing the G Pro 3.0 Red and adjusting their typing style to match the higher force required by the MX Black. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same distance of travel for both switches. Therefore, whether you opt for the G Pro 3.0 Red or the MX Black, you can expect to receive similar results in terms of the travel distance of the switch.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or work. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch produces a low-pitched sound. This results in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a neutral sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch would be a good choice, while the Cherry MX Black switch offers a low-pitched sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a range of subjective qualities. It can be described as creamy, mild, polished, and silky. Creamy switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, often due to lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used. Mild switches offer a gentle typing experience, suitable for most users. Polished switches have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in sleek typing. Silky switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch is described as textured and stiff. Textured switches have noticeable friction when pressed, offering a different tactile experience. Stiff switches require more force to actuate and bottom-out. If you prefer a smoother and easy gliding feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch would be a good option. However, if you prefer a textured tactile feedback or require more force to type, the Cherry MX Black switch would be more suitable.
Taking into account the available information, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry MX Black switches offer different subjective qualities. The Gateron switch provides a neutral sound profile and a range of smooth and comfortable feel options, including creamy, mild, polished, and silky. On the other hand, the Cherry MX switch offers a low-pitched sound and a textured and stiff feel. Both switches have their merits depending on personal preferences and typing requirements. If you want a switch with a neutral sound and a smooth feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch would be a good choice. However, if you prefer a low-pitched sound and a textured or stiffer feel, the Cherry MX Black switch would be more suitable. It's important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can influence the overall typing experience as well.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a smooth typing experience with a moderate actuation force and a medium-high pitch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is a great choice. This budget-friendly option from Gateron's G Pro line-up strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. It also features a frosted light diffuser for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects. Additionally, the G Pro Red switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes.
On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper sound profile and don't mind a heavier bottom-out force, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is worth considering. With Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling, these switches offer a classic textured smoothness. They are described as low-pitched, providing a bass-heavy and mellow tone when typing.
Considering the feel of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 Red is known for its creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. With lubrication and specific materials, this switch offers a smooth and buttery sensation, making each keystroke effortless. It falls within a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of its sound and feel characteristics.
On the other hand, the MX Black has a textured and stiff feel. It may have noticeable friction when pressed, which some users prefer for a tactile typing experience. These switches also require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out, adding a bit of resistance to your typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and Cherry MX Black linear switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a smooth typing experience with lighter actuation force and medium-high pitch, the G Pro 3.0 Red is a great option. However, if you prefer a deeper sound profile and don't mind a heavier bottom-out force with a textured and stiff feel, then the MX Black might be the better choice for you.
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