Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry Nixie stand out as top contenders in the linear switch category. The G Pro 3.0 Red offers a budget-friendly option with a smooth typing experience and medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Its frosted light diffuser allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, while the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie is known for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation through updated materials and springs. While the G Pro 3.0 Red is categorized as creamy, mild, neutral, polished, and silky, the Nixie falls into the categories of textured, thocky, and low-pitched. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, offering users a choice based on their specific needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry Nixie switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in similar typing experiences with a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures a similar tactile response and acoustics for both switches.
However, when it comes to the top housing, the G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes polycarbonate while the Nixie sticks with nylon. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the deeper and fuller sound of nylon. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic dimension to the typing experience that nylon does not provide.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry Nixie will come down to personal preferences in sound profile and aesthetics. The G Pro 3.0 Red offers a sharper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate top housing, while the Nixie provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Both switches share the benefits of nylon bottom housing, resulting in a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, users will need to consider their priorities in sound, feel, and visual appeal to determine which switch best suits their needs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is evident that they differ in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which makes it easier to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie has a heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The Nixie switch is significantly heavier than the G Pro 3.0 Red, making it ideal for users who prefer a more tactile typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. Users looking for a consistent feel in their keystrokes can rely on either of these switches to offer a familiar travel distance. Therefore, in this aspect, both switches are equal in terms of 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 Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.15.
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 switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie switch is described as thocky and low-pitched, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound that leans towards a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches will deliver a pleasant auditory experience, although the Nixie may offer a more distinctive and immersive typing sound due to its thocky nature.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch is noted for its creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless sensation with reduced friction. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie switch is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed, which some users may prefer for added tactile feedback. While the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a more polished and refined feel, the Nixie provides a unique textural experience that can enhance typing enjoyment for those who appreciate a bit of resistance.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and Cherry Nixie switches have their own strengths in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Red excels in providing a versatile and smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile, ideal for a broad audience. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie offers a more tactile and textured typing feel with a thocky, low-pitched sound that adds character to the typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, newcomers to mechanical keyboards can expect satisfying results with either switch option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth typing experience with a balance of responsiveness and ease of use, the G Pro 3.0 Red may be the ideal choice for you. Additionally, if you enjoy a neutral sound profile and a creamy, mild, polished, or silky feel when typing, the G Pro 3.0 Red could be a great fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a thocky, low-pitched sound with a textured feel when typing, the Cherry Nixie might be more up your alley. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and typing style to ensure you have the best typing experience possible.
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