Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Outemu Phoenix
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Outemu Phoenix switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red, a linear switch, and the Outemu Phoenix, a clicky switch – two mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Red, from Gateron's G Pro line-up, is a budget-friendly option that offers a smooth typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, the G Pro Red features a frosted light diffuser, allowing for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, and its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix stands out with its unique under-skirt click mechanism, making it easily one of the most distinct clicky switches available today. Its crystalline and sparkling type feel and sound profile deliver a truly invigorating typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities, so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Outemu Phoenix both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice results in a similar sound profile for both switches, characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sounds. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the effective use of RGB lighting, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize aesthetics and lighting effects.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the G Pro 3.0 Red features a nylon housing while the Phoenix opts for polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. Its ability to absorb more sound than harder plastics results in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phoenix shares similarities with its top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the characteristics of the bottom housing material play a significant role. The bottom-out sound and feel, which occur when you press down on a key, are influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing. In the case of the G Pro 3.0 Red, the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, contributing to a distinct typing experience. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phoenix enhances the overall clarity and resonance, resulting in a sharper and more pronounced sound.
Although the top and bottom housings differ between the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Phoenix, the qualities brought by each housing material are complementary. The combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the G Pro 3.0 Red creates a unique sound profile with a sharp and clear top-out sound, along with a deep and full bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Phoenix's dual polycarbonate housings result in a consistently sharp and resonant sound throughout the typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer their own distinct sound profiles, providing users with a choice depending on their preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch, it is clear that weight plays a significant role. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for quick and effortless keystrokes. In contrast, the actuation force of the Phoenix is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, when considering the bottom out force, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Red is lighter with 50 grams, while the Phoenix has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter touch, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be an ideal choice. Its low actuation and bottom out force make it suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions where fatigue may become a factor. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix offers a more substantial typing experience with a medium bottom out force. This provides users who enjoy a stronger push feel with a satisfying keystroke sensation.
While the actuation force of the Phoenix is unknown, it is important to note that similar results to the G Pro 3.0 Red may still be achieved. As both switches are linear, they share the characteristic of smooth keystrokes without any tactile feedback. Therefore, it is likely that the Phoenix also offers a relatively light actuation force, although it cannot be confirmed.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Outemu Phoenix ultimately depends on individual preference. Those who prioritize a lighter typing experience may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Red, while those seeking a more substantial feel may prefer the Phoenix with its higher bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional travel distance. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Phoenix switch slightly shallower compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red switch. Shorter travel distances are popular among gamers who value faster response times, as the shorter distance allows for quicker key presses. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Phoenix switch with its shorter travel distance may be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch with its longer travel distance would be a better option.
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 Phoenix comes in at $4.15 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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, this switch is suitable for most purposes, whether it be for home or work use. On the other hand, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offers a more unique sound experience. Described as "crunchy," these switches produce a sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. It provides a distinctive and satisfying auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a range of characteristics. It is described as creamy, mild, polished, and silky. The creamy feel indicates a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The mild characteristic means that it provides a more gentle typing experience, making it approachable for most users. The polished feature indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Finally, the silky sensation enhances overall smoothness and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Similarly, the Outemu Phoenix switch is also described as polished, offering a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing feel with their polished characteristics.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Red provides a neutral sound profile and a range of feel characteristics, including creamy, mild, polished, and silky. On the other hand, the Phoenix delivers a unique and satisfying crunchy sound profile, along with a polished feel. It is important to consider personal preferences and other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, as they can also influence the overall sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a smooth typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch would be a great choice. It strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Additionally, it features a frosted light diffuser that allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, and its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique clicky switch that offers a crystalline and sparkling type feel and sound profile, the Outemu Phoenix clicky switch would be the way to go. With its under-skirt click mechanism, it delivers a crunchy sound reminiscent of stepping on piles of crisp autumn leaves. In terms of feel, both switches have a polished finish, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Ultimately, the decision would depend on your preference for linear switches with a light actuation force or clicky switches with a medium actuation force, as well as the specific sound and feel you desire.
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