Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry MX Purple RGB 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 Cherry MX Purple RGB stand out for their distinct features and user experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Red is a budget-friendly linear switch that ensures a smooth and effortless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer a quieter operation without tactile feedback. Its medium-light actuation force strikes a balance between responsiveness and comfort, while the frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects for those who enjoy vibrant aesthetics. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a refined tactile experience, characterized by a short, medium-strength bump that provides satisfying feedback during typing, appealing to those who value enhanced typing precision and engagement. While the G Pro Red excels in delivering a seamless and visually striking typing experience, the Cherry MX Purple RGB caters to users who thrive on tactile feedback and a distinct bump in their key presses. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches present a fascinating comparison when evaluating their housing materials, especially the top housings, which have a significant influence on the auditory experience of typing. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing that imparts a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to the material’s stiffness, allowing for a more resonant sound. This makes it particularly suitable for scenarios involving RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effect. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB utilizes a nylon top housing that absorbs sound, generating a deeper and rounder auditory experience. This key difference in materials creates distinct sound profiles, even if both switches use nylon for their bottom housings.
When we turn our attention to the bottom housings, it is noteworthy that both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry MX Purple RGB utilize nylon, which is a classic choice for switch construction. The use of nylon in both switches contributes to a similar depth and fullness of sound during typing, as this softer plastic absorbs more vibrations compared to harder materials. This shared characteristic means that regardless of the individual sound profiles created by the different top housing materials, the underlying experience achieved during key presses remains profoundly influenced by the nylon used in the bottoms. Thus, irrespective of the differences in their top housings, both switches can achieve a shared auditory consistency in the bottom-out sound.
In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches differ in their top housing materials, with polycarbonate providing a sharper sound and nylon yielding a fuller tone, they converge in utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in similar auditory effects during typing. The combination of a stiffer top housing and a softer bottom housing dictates the overall sound experience, producing strikingly contrasting results when pressing down on the switches, while allowing consistent, deeper sound profiles when bottoming out. For users seeking distinct sound profiles while retaining certain familiar auditory characteristics of typing, these switches provide an interesting divergence in tactile and acoustic sensations.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an identical actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel similar when triggering a keystroke, ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch that facilitates extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force for the G Pro 3.0 Red is 50 grams, indicating that it provides a slightly firmer feel when pressed down completely. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple RGB is unspecified, leaving a gap in the comparison for that metric. Overall, while both switches share the same actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Red is the heavier choice when it comes to bottoming out, catering to users who appreciate a more pronounced feedback at the end of the keystroke.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning they provide the same distance when pressed down. This similarity in travel distance indicates that users can expect comparable keypress experiences between the two switches, offering a consistent feel in terms of how far the key travels before registering a press. As both switches exhibit this identical travel distance, users looking for uniform key feedback will find that either option would yield similar results in their typing or gaming endeavors.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 linear switch offers a neutral auditory experience, characterized by a moderate actuation force and sound profile that is suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office. This balance makes it an accessible choice for users who might be new to mechanical keyboards, providing a pleasant auditory backdrop without being overly loud or distracting. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch's sound profile isn't specified in the information provided, but generally, tactile switches like the MX Purple are known for producing a more pronounced sound due to their distinctive bump, which can be more audible when actuating compared to linear switches. Ultimately, while the G Pro 3.0 Red may be quieter, the MX Purple's sound could potentially be more engaging for those who enjoy tactile feedback.
Regarding feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red switches present a creamy typing experience that is smooth, buttery, and polished. This is enhanced by a mild sensation that ensures their properties appeal to a broad range of users, making them particularly beginner-friendly. The silky nature of the G Pro Red allows for effortless gliding during typing, creating an inviting tactile experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is designed to offer a refined tactile bump, developed for enthusiasts who appreciate a distinct sensation with each keystroke. Although the specific feel characteristics of the MX Purple RGB aren't detailed, tactile switches generally provide a firmer feedback compared to linear options, which could create a different typing sensation compared to the smoothness of the G Pro 3.0 Red.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches have their unique appeals. The G Pro 3.0 Red excels in delivering a smooth, versatile typing experience with a neutral sound profile that accommodates various users. In contrast, the MX Purple RGB targets enthusiasts who favor a tactile bump, likely resulting in an engaging, albeit potentially louder, typing experience. Choosing between these two options will largely depend on personal preference, but if you value a silky smoothness and a quieter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice. Meanwhile, if you seek a more pronounced tactile feel and don’t mind a bit of extra noise, the Cherry MX Purple RGB could be a better fit.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a smooth, buttery typing experience with a light actuation force that facilitates rapid keystrokes, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice, especially for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. Its neutral sound profile and creamy feel make it a versatile option suitable for users of all levels, whether at home or in an office setting. On the other hand, if you enjoy having tactile feedback in your typing and prefer a distinguished bump at the actuation point, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is tailored for you. While exact force specifications may be unavailable, its design, developed with the input of keyboard enthusiasts, provides a refined tactile experience perfect for those who appreciate a more engaged typing interaction. In conclusion, your decision should hinge on whether you value a smooth, unbroken keystroke or a tactile response—both options cater well to distinct typing styles and preferences.
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