Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Everglide Oreo
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Everglide Oreo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red, a linear switch, and the Everglide Oreo, a tactile switch. When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, these two options offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Red is a budget-friendly linear switch that provides a smooth typing experience with its medium-light actuation force. It also boasts a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting effects and a satisfying auditory experience with its medium-high pitch. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switches offer a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. With a medium light tactility, these switches strike a perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. Notably, they also produce a subtle and mellow sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can 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
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Everglide Oreo both feature polycarbonate top housings. This ensures that both switches will produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate in clear housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches. So, in terms of their top housings, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and Oreo will provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a key difference between the two switches. The G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Oreo uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. The G Pro 3.0 Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing will have a different impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch. As polycarbonate is relatively stiffer, it will create a more clear and resonant sound profile.
In summary, while both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Everglide Oreo share the same polycarbonate top housing, their choice of bottom housing materials sets them apart. The G Pro 3.0 Red with its nylon bottom housing will produce a deeper and fuller sound, while the Oreo's polycarbonate bottom housing will contribute to a sharper and clearer sound. Therefore, depending on your preference for sound profile, you can choose between the two switches accordingly.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, providing a similar light touch required to activate keystrokes. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a slight difference. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is still relatively light but offers a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to its actuation force. In contrast, the Everglide Oreo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, making it slightly heavier than the G Pro 3.0 Red, providing an even more pronounced typing feedback.
Considering weight, both switches offer the advantages of a lighter touch, allowing for extended periods of comfortable typing. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards extensively at work or engage in long gaming sessions. However, for those seeking a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Everglide Oreo with its heavier bottom out force may be the preferable option.
Ultimately, while the actuation forces of both switches are the same, the Everglide Oreo provides a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red. So, based on individual preferences, whether one prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience, one can choose between these two switches accordingly.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is 4 mm, while the Everglide Oreo tactile switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, both switches have the same travel distance and users can expect similar results when pressing down on the keys. This means that whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Red or the Oreo, you can experience a consistent and satisfying travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Everglide Oreo has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Oreo for $4.19.
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 profile. This means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, and whether you're using it at home or in the office. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch has a chirpy sound profile, giving it a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a creamy typing experience. This is achieved through the application of lubricant at the factory or specific materials used in the switch, resulting in a smooth and buttery sensation. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as each keystroke effortlessly melts into the switch. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch is also described as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is characterized as accented and stepped. Being a medium tactile switch, it offers a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It provides a satisfying feedback at the top of the keystroke, followed by a cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The stepped characteristic means that there may be a slight pre-travel or post-travel sensation during the keystroke.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Red switch provides a neutral sound profile and a creamy, mild, and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and comfortable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch boasts a chirpy sound profile and an accented, stepped feel, delivering a tactile response that strikes a balance between feedback and comfort. While these switches offer different characteristics, they both provide enjoyable typing experiences. Depending on your personal preferences, either switch can be a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a sound and feel similar to the G Pro 3.0 Red switch, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch may provide comparable results due to its medium light tactility and mellow sound profile.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience and a medium-light actuation force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is the way to go. It offers a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. The frosted light diffuser allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, while the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch has a creamy, mild, polished, and silky feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a slightly higher bottom out force, the Everglide Oreo tactile switch is a great choice. It provides a crisp and responsive tactile bump at the top, followed by a delightfully cushioned sensation when bottoming out. The medium-light tactility strikes the perfect balance between a satisfying keystroke and comfortable typing experience. In terms of sound, the Oreo switch has a unique chirpy acoustic signature, setting it apart from the rest. If you enjoy switches with a bit of a squeak, the Oreo switch might be the one for you. Furthermore, the Oreo switch can be described as accented or stepped, giving it a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or overly subtle.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Everglide Oreo tactile switch comes down to personal preference. Consider your priorities in terms of actuation force, typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Whether you choose the smoothness and balance of the G Pro 3.0 Red or the satisfying tactility and unique sound of the Oreo, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience.
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