Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular linear mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Outemu Cold Plum. The G Pro 3.0 Red, from Gateron's G Pro line-up, is a budget-friendly option designed for a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force. Featuring a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting effects and a satisfying medium-high pitch, these switches strike a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum offers a unique typing experience with a thocky sound profile and fully nylon construction. The smooth keystrokes and satisfying sound make these switches a great choice for enthusiasts seeking a distinct and enjoyable typing feel. While the G Pro Red emphasizes affordability and a polished typing experience, the Cold Plum stands out for its unique sound profile. 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
60g
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
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
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
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Outemu Cold Plum both utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This similarity means that both switches will provide a similar muted and rounder sound when typing. However, where they differ is in their top housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and clear translucency. In contrast, the Cold Plum utilizes a nylon top housing, which absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch.
Furthermore, the use of different housing materials in the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cold Plum also affects the overall aesthetics of the switches. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Red allows for better light transmission, making it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Cold Plum may not allow for the same level of light transmission, resulting in a dimmer or less vibrant lighting effect. This difference in aesthetics may influence the choice of switch based on the user's preference for lighting effects and customization options.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Outemu Cold Plum share a nylon bottom housing that contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile, their top housing materials set them apart in terms of sound characteristics and aesthetics. The G Pro 3.0 Red's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound profile suitable for RGB lighting, while the Cold Plum's nylon top housing creates a duller and rounder sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for sound quality, typing feel, and desired lighting effects.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch differ significantly. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a good choice for users who prefer a light touch. In contrast, the Cold Plum has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The G Pro 3.0 Red is ideal for those who enjoy typing for long periods or engaging in extended gaming sessions, while the Cold Plum is better suited for users who appreciate a heavier key press. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces of these two switches offer users a choice between a lighter and heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3mm. The G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a bit more depth and tactile feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the Cold Plum switch with its shorter travel distance is favored by gamers looking for faster response times and a more responsive feel. Both switches are viable options depending on individual preferences; if you prefer a more responsive and quick keypress, the Cold Plum switch might be the better choice, while those who enjoy a more traditional and tactile typing experience may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Red switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Cold Plum 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level suitable for various uses. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch is not available, making it difficult to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycap choices.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a silky sensation. The switch offers a polished and mild typing feel, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel for a refined and enjoyable typing experience. However, details on the feel of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch are not provided, making it challenging to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
Considering the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a creamy, polished, and mild typing feel. On the other hand, details on the sound and feel of the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch are unknown. If the Cold Plum linear switch provides a thocky sound profile and unique typing experience as mentioned, users can expect a distinct and enjoyable typing feel similar to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as well as factors like budget and keyboard compatibility.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch or the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smoother typing experience with moderate sound profile, then the G Pro 3.0 Red may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force and a distinct thocky sound profile, the Cold Plum switch might be more to your liking. Both switches offer unique attributes that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the G Pro 3.0 Red and Cold Plum switches will depend on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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