Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features to enhance your typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Red is a linear switch known for its budget-friendly price tag and smooth typing feel. With a medium-light actuation force, these switches strike a perfect balance between responsiveness and ease of use. The frosted light diffuser allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, while the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream offers a weightier linear typing experience with a deeper sound profile. Their buttery and textured feel enhances the typing experience, while the low-pitched and resonant sound adds a touch of invigoration. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream differ in their housing materials, contributing to distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. The polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a more resonant and clear sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the NovelKeys Cream utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. The POM material provides a unique and pleasing sound profile, which may appeal to users seeking a quieter typing experience.
Furthermore, the housing materials for the bottom housings of these switches also differ. The G Pro 3.0 Red incorporates a nylon bottom housing, delivering a deep and full sound when typing. The softness of the nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream employs a POM bottom housing, which again contributes to its deep and muted sound profile. Both switches offer a similar sound experience in terms of depth, but with subtle variations due to the different housing materials used.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream exhibit contrasting sound profiles due to their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Red's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housings create a sharper, higher-pitched, and resonant sound when pressing and releasing keys. In comparison, the NovelKeys Cream's POM top and bottom housings produce a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches offer unique and pleasing sound profiles, catering to individual preferences. Whether you prefer a crisp and clear sound (G Pro 3.0 Red) or a deep and mellow sound (NovelKeys Cream), these switches provide diverse options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there are some noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter overall feel with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch or need to type for extended periods without strain. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch offers a slightly heavier typing experience. It has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a better choice for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more substantial typing experience. Though both switches offer a smooth linear feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter touch, while the NovelKeys Cream provides a heavier and more tactile response. So, depending on individual preference, one can choose the lighter and more nimble G Pro 3.0 Red or the heavier and more substantial NovelKeys Cream to optimize their typing or gaming experience accordingly.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch share the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same 4 mm of travel distance. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying keystroke experience with their identical travel distances. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Red or the NovelKeys Cream, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 is a neutral switch with a moderate sound profile. This means it strikes a balance between a higher-pitched and a lower-pitched tone, making it suitable for a variety of purposes, whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is described as low-pitched and resonant. It offers a deeper sound profile than the average switch, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. The Cream switch provides a clean and sharp sound experience that can be quite immersive. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches provide distinct sound characteristics, with the G Pro 3.0 Red being more neutral and the NovelKeys Cream offering a deeper and more resonant sound.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is described as creamy, mild, polished, and silky. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, thanks to the application of lubricant at the factory or specific materials used. The feel of these switches is gentle and approachable, with a safe and comfortable middle-ground zone. The polished finish provides reduced friction and smooth key travel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Additionally, the silky feel minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys, resulting in a seamless and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is described as buttery, textured, and invigorating. The buttery smoothness of these switches gives a fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Some users may prefer the subtle texture and noticeable friction of the Cream switch, while others might prefer a smoother and friction-free feel. It also provides a snappy and reactive typing sensation with pronounced feedback, thanks to the moderate to firm actuation force. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Red and NovelKeys Cream switches provide different but equally satisfying typing experiences with their respective qualities.
Taking into account all the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a neutral sound profile and a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience, the NovelKeys Cream switch offers a low-pitched and resonant sound, along with a buttery, textured, and invigorating feel. These differences allow users to choose based on their personal preferences. However, it's worth noting that the results can be similar if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a smooth typing experience, as both switches have qualities that prioritize smoothness and comfort. Remember to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can influence the overall sound and feel of the switches. Ultimately, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and NovelKeys Cream switches are capable of enhancing your typing performance and providing a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a smooth typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch would be a great choice for you. It provides a balanced combination of responsiveness and ease of use, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual experience. In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a neutral sound profile that is suitable for various environments, whether you're using it at home or work. As for the feel, this switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience, thanks to factory lubrication and refined materials. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Red provides an excellent typing performance without breaking the bank.
On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience and enjoy deeper sound profiles, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch would be the better choice. With a bottom out force of 70 grams, it offers a medium-heavy actuation force, which provides a satisfying typing feel. The Cream switch is described as low-pitched and resonant, offering a bass-heavy and mellow tone with a clean and sharp sound profile. This can create an immersive auditory experience that some users may find appealing. In terms of feel, the NovelKeys Cream switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This switch offers a seamless and effortless typing sensation that can enhance your overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a lighter switch with a neutral sound profile and a creamy typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red is the way to go. However, if you enjoy a heavier switch with a low-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a buttery typing experience, the NovelKeys Cream switch would be the ideal choice for you. Consider your typing style, preferences, and desired typing experience to make an informed decision. Happy typing!
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