Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Cherry MX Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry MX Orange presents an intriguing dilemma, particularly for those who appreciate linear switches. The G Pro 3.0 Red is celebrated for its budget-friendly pricing and smooth typing experience, featuring a medium-light actuation force that strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and ease of typing. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, ensuring that your keyboard not only performs well but also looks stunning while you type. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange, a revival of the sought-after original model, is crafted with precision enhancements that cater to enthusiasts craving quality and performance. While it may not have the G Pro Red’s affordability, the MX Orange promises a durable and trustworthy option favored by many. Each switch has its unique strengths, with the G Pro 3.0 Red focusing on a silky feel and vibrant lighting, while the MX Orange leans towards a nostalgic design backed by robust engineering. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry MX Orange, a clear distinction emerges between the materials used for their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This characteristic allows it to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates clearly, particularly advantageous for those utilizing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange employs a nylon top housing, which has historically been favored for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that is generally perceived as rounder and less crisp. Thus, while both switches deliver unique auditory experiences, they cater to different preferences in sound quality and aesthetic appeal due to their differing top housing materials.

In terms of lower housing materials, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry MX Orange utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to a significant overlap in their sound profiles. Nylon, as a material, provides a softer feel and excellent sound insulation, which results in that familiar, muted, and fuller sound upon bottoming out the switch. Consequently, regardless of the variances in their top housing materials, the two switches share a similar auditory experience in the lower portion. This similarity ensures that when pressed down, users tend to feel a comparable level of softness and sound absorption when bottoming out, bridging some of the differences created by their respective top housings.

Overall, while the G Pro 3.0 Red and Cherry MX Orange exhibit stark contrasts in their top housing materials—with polycarbonate for the former and nylon for the latter—the similarity in their bottom housing materials creates a cohesive typing experience. The polycarbonate top of the G Pro 3.0 Red contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound when releasing the key, enhancing RGB lighting effects, while the nylon top of the Cherry MX Orange absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, users will find that their choice between these two switches may hinge on their preference for sound clarity or fullness, but can expect a similar feeling in the bottom-out experience due to the commonality of the nylon bottom housings.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, the differences in actuation force highlight their varying typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer less resistance, allowing for more comfortable, extended typing and gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who enjoy a firmer push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Both switches possess a bottom out force, with the G Pro 3.0 Red at 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the MX Orange is unavailable. This means that while the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a consistent pressure to the keys, the specifics of the MX Orange's bottoming out characteristics remain unknown. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Red is the lighter switch, while the Cherry MX Orange is the heavier option, appealing to different user preferences in typing feel and comfort.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch both have an identical travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on keys equipped with either of these switches. This equal travel distance allows for consistent performance, making both switches suitable for users who prioritize smooth key presses without the tactile feedback found in other switch types. Since the travel distance is the same, you can enjoy comparable results in terms of key responsiveness and overall typing comfort with either switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch, it is classified as neutral, offering a moderate auditory experience that is versatile enough for a range of environments, be it at home or in an office setting. This sound profile is comfortable for both newcomers and experienced users, making it a solid choice for various typing scenarios. On the other hand, the sound for the Cherry MX Orange switch remains unspecified, leaving some unknowns about its auditory qualities. However, it’s essential to remember that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced significantly by the keyboard's construction, such as the choice of board and keycaps.

In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red excels with descriptors like creamy, mild, polished, and silky. This means that users can expect a smooth and luxurious typing experience characterized by reduced friction and effortless key travel. The buttery sensation allows fingers to glide over keys seamlessly, which is especially appealing for long typing sessions. The Cherry MX Orange switch lacks a detailed description of its feel, leaving gaps in understanding how it compares to the refined experience offered by the G Pro Red. Therefore, while the former promises a delightful tactile engagement, the specifics about the MX Orange remain unknown.

Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch presents itself as an excellent option for those seeking a balance of sound, feel, and affordability. Its neutral sound profile and creamy, silky typing experience make it highly accessible for a wide audience. Meanwhile, the specifics surrounding the Cherry MX Orange switch are less clear, particularly regarding its auditory and tactile characteristics. This disparity may lead users to gravitate toward the G Pro Red for its well-defined qualities that cater to a diverse range of preferences, while the MX Orange may still hold appeal based on brand loyalty or other factors that remain to be explored.

Conclusion

To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange switch, your decision should hinge on your specific typing preferences and requirements. If you prioritize a smooth, buttery feel and a lightweight actuation force that makes it easy to register key presses, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice, particularly if you're looking for something budget-friendly that also enhances RGB lighting due to its frosted diffuser. This switch's creamy and polished nature makes it especially suitable for long typing sessions, whether you're working from home or gaming. However, if you're seeking a more tactile sensation that may not be available with the G Pro 3.0 Reds, the Cherry MX Orange could be your option, especially if you're drawn to its sought-after legacy and improved performance over older models. Ultimately, consider how you intend to use the keyboard: choose the G Pro 3.0 Red for a smooth, responsive experience and vibrant lighting or the MX Orange if you’re looking for something a bit more traditional with solid build quality that meets contemporary standards. Each offers unique benefits that cater to different tastes, allowing you to select the switch that feels just right for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

Cherry MX Orange Linear

$4.10

$3.89 per 10

Learn more