Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact both typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch stands out as a budget-friendly linear switch, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience that many users appreciate. Its medium-light actuation force provides a perfect balance of responsiveness and comfort, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a seamless keystroke without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade switch delivers a distinctive clicky sensation, perfect for typists who thrive on auditory and tactile feedback with each keystroke. While the Blue Jade lacks the budget-conscious reputation of the G Pro Red, its pronounced sound profile makes it a favorite among those who enjoy a more engaging typing experience. Each switch caters to different preferences—whether you lean towards the silent efficiency of a linear switch or the satisfying click of a tactile one. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Outemu Blue Jade utilize different materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and transparency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound, offering a crisper auditory feedback when keys are released. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting effects, allowing for visually appealing illumination, which is particularly desired by gaming enthusiasts and those who enjoy a vibrant keyboard aesthetic. In contrast, the Blue Jade employs a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This results in a more rounded sound profile, making the Blue Jade switches feel warmer and more subdued than their G Pro 3.0 Red counterparts.
When examining the bottom housings, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Blue Jade employ nylon materials, which maintain a consistent acoustic experience. The use of nylon in the bottom housing for both switches means that their tactile feedback will share similar qualities during usage, such as a soft landing feel when bottoming out. Given that nylon enhances sound absorption, the bottom-out sound produced by both switches will have a rich and dampened quality, contributing to a pleasurable typing experience. However, the sonic impact of the overall switch might vary based on the contrasting top housing materials, with the G Pro 3.0 Red's polycarbonate housing offering a sharper sound than the Blue Jade's warmer tones.
In sum, the differences in the top housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and Outemu Blue Jade lead to distinct sound profiles while their nylon bottom housings provide a level of consistency in the tactile experience. The sharper, more resonant sound of the G Pro 3.0 Red, driven by its polycarbonate top, contrasts with the deeper, more rounded sound of the Blue Jade, attributed to its nylon top housing. However, both switches will yield a rich acoustic character upon bottoming out, thanks to their shared nylon bottom, allowing for a satisfying typing experience despite the differences in their top housings. Therefore, while they may produce different sounds when keys are released, the overall tactile and bottom-out experience remains aligned due to the use of similar nylon materials in their bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch with its actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 50 grams to the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, which has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, a clear distinction in weight is evident. The lighter G Pro 3.0 Red switch is favored for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as its lower actuation and bottom out forces require less effort, making it easier on the fingers. In contrast, the medium-heavy Blue Jade switch, with a slightly higher actuation force and a significantly heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial typing experience that some users prefer for tactile feedback. As a result, those who appreciate a lighter touch will find the G Pro 3.0 Red more suitable, while individuals who enjoy a firmer push may opt for the Outemu Blue Jade.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch feature a travel distance of 4 mm, resulting in a similar keypress experience in terms of depth. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect comparable performance and feel when pressing down on a key. This equivalence means that whether opting for the smooth linear progression of the G Pro 3.0 Red or the tactile feedback of the Blue Jade, the physical distance traveled during a keypress will remain consistent. Thus, those preferring the specific characteristics of linear versus clicky switches can still anticipate a similar key travel experience.
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 Outemu Blue Jade comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, there's a clear distinction. The G Pro 3.0 Red is characterized by its neutral sound quality. This means it produces a moderate sound profile that is not overly loud or quiet, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This versatile sound helps maintain a pleasant typing experience without being disruptive. In contrast, since there’s no detailed sound description available for the Outemu Blue Jade, it's difficult to directly compare their audio qualities. Therefore, potential users may need to rely on personal testing to gauge how the Blue Jade's sound aligns with their preferences.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red truly shines with multiple attributes that enhance the typing experience. Described as creamy, mild, polished, and silky, this switch offers a smooth and effortless typing sensation. The creamy texture allows for a gliding feel that reduces friction while providing a smooth actuation, making it ideal for those who favor a gentle keystroke. The mildness provides a balanced typing experience that suits a wide range of users, while the polished and silky attributes suggest a refined finish that minimizes resistance. This combination ensures that users enjoy a tactile and satisfying feel with each key press. Unfortunately, there’s no information available about the feel of the Blue Jade, which limits our understanding of how it might measure up against the G Pro 3.0 Red.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch offers a well-rounded sound profile and a rich, smooth tactile experience, the Outemu Blue Jade lacks comparable details regarding both sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice for someone looking for a versatile and enjoyable typing experience, highlighting its appeal with a rich sensory quality. Without additional information on the Blue Jade, it remains a mystery in terms of direct comparison, leaving enthusiasts and newcomers alike to explore its characteristics first-hand for an informed decision.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, your typing preferences and intended usage are key considerations. If you favor a lighter, more responsive typing experience, particularly for extensive gaming or intense typing sessions, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice. Its smooth, creamy feel and neutral sound profile make it versatile for both home and office environments, allowing you to type quickly without excessive fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback and auditory sensation while you type, the Blue Jade's medium-heavy bottom out force will satisfy those desires. Its clicky nature lends itself well to those who appreciate the classic typing experience reminiscent of traditional typewriters, ideal for writers or anyone who enjoys a more pronounced key engagement sound. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not just the practical aspects of your typing style but also the level of tactile and auditory satisfaction you seek in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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