Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Outemu Gold 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 Outemu Gold offer unique features catering to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Red is a linear switch known for its budget-friendly option in Gateron's G Pro line-up. With a smooth typing experience and medium-light actuation force, this switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. The frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting effects, while the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch that offers a distinct tactile feedback with each key press. While the G Pro Red prioritizes a creamy, polished feel, the Gold switch aims to provide a more tactile and audible typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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 Gold switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the relatively stiff nature of polycarbonate, which leads to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. While both switches share this feature, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a more aesthetically pleasing option with its clear polycarbonate top housing compared to the Gold switch.
On the other hand, both switches also incorporate nylon bottom housings, which result in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite this similarity, the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Outemu Gold switches may still have slight differences in sound and feel due to the unique characteristics of their respective nylon bottom housings.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Outemu Gold switches may come down to personal preferences in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. While they both offer similar benefits with their polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings, slight differences in the materials used and their specific design may result in variations in typing experience. Ultimately, users should consider their individual preferences for sound, feel, and visual appeal when selecting between these two switch options.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, we see that both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the G Pro 3.0 Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter of the two switches, while the Outemu Gold has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is heavier. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a lighter typing experience overall compared to the Outemu Gold. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, those looking for a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel may opt for the Outemu Gold. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar feel in terms of the distance the switch travels from top to bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide comparable results.
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 Gold 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, making it suitable for various typing environments. On the other hand, information about the Outemu Gold clicky switch's sound profile is not available. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a creamy typing experience, characterized by smooth and buttery key presses that glide effortlessly under your fingers. This switch is also described as mild and polished, providing a sleek and refined typing sensation. On the contrary, details about the feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch are not provided. It's likely that using the Gold clicky switch may yield a different feel compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red, given the lack of specific descriptors.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is praised for its smooth typing experience, moderate actuation force, and satisfying auditory feedback. While information on the Outemu Gold clicky switch may be limited, it's clear that both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Depending on your typing needs and preferences, either switch can provide a pleasant and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Outemu Gold clicky switch will depend on personal preferences in sound, feel, and other subjective qualities.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, consider your preferences for actuation force and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a smooth typing experience with a medium-high pitch sound, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a clicky feedback with a different sound profile, the Outemu Gold switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference and the typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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