Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between options that cater to different preferences and styles. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is a budget-friendly linear option, celebrated for its smooth actuation and medium-light force, striking a perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. Ideal for those who favor a light touch, this switch enhances the typing experience with its frosted light diffuser, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting, while its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch stands out as a hall effect option, delivering a harmonious blend of smooth operation and a deeper sound profile that resonates with users seeking both precision and satisfaction. Furthermore, its compatibility with Wooting's innovative keyboards makes it a versatile choice for enthusiasts aiming for enhanced performance. With such distinct characteristics, choosing between these switches ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired keyboard experience. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and Everglide Rice Pudding switches share notable similarities in their top housing materials, as both are constructed with polycarbonate. This common choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a clear resonance, enabling a lively acoustic experience suitable for avid typists and gamers alike. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances aesthetic appeal, making both switch types ideal for RGB lighting setups. With similar top housing materials, users can anticipate comparable auditory feedback, making these switches conducive to lively, responsive typing experiences.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge, with the G Pro 3.0 Red utilizing nylon and the Rice Pudding also made from nylon. Nylon, recognized as a classic switch material, imparts a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound waves, resulting in a softer bottom-out feel. The performance characteristics of nylon are crucial in contrasting with the crispness of the polycarbonate top housing. When a switch is engaged, the nylon bottom housing is responsible for enhancing the sound and tactile feedback upon bottoming out, creating a balanced auditory experience that complements the sharper notes offered by the polycarbonate top.
Overall, while the construction materials of the G Pro 3.0 Red and Rice Pudding shares parallels in their top housing through the use of polycarbonate, they reinforce a unified sound profile that is marked by clarity. The use of nylon in their respective bottom housings introduces a divergence in the auditory experience, creating a richer output upon actuation. Consequently, users can expect a hybrid tactile experience, where the tightness brought by polycarbonate in the top complements the warmth and depth offered by nylon in the bottom, leading to a balanced dynamic across both switches while maintaining distinct auditory characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, both exhibit light weight characteristics, although the G Pro 3.0 Red is slightly heavier than its counterpart. The G Pro 3.0 Red has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Rice Pudding features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Rice Pudding switch offers a lighter feel, making it potentially more suitable for users who type or game for extended periods. Both switches provide a similar bottom out force, which ensures that users won’t feel a significant difference when fully pressing down on the keys. However, the lighter actuation force of the Rice Pudding allows for quicker keystrokes with less effort, appealing to those who prefer minimal resistance. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Red's slightly heavier actuation force could be more satisfying for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two may boil down to personal preference regarding the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in distance highlights their distinct user experiences; the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a more traditional feel with its longer actuation length, likely appealing to users who prefer a deeper keystroke for a satisfying typing experience. Conversely, the Rice Pudding switch provides a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it an excellent option for gamers who prioritize speed and efficiency over depth. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference: those who appreciate a pronounced keystroke may gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Red, while those who favor a more responsive, rapid actuation might find the Everglide Rice Pudding to be the better fit.
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 Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 characterized by a neutral auditory profile. This means that it provides a moderate level of sound, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. However, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch has an unknown sound profile, which leaves some uncertainty regarding its auditory characteristics. It's important to note that the sound produced by any switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material, meaning both switches might yield similar results depending on the overall setup.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red excels with descriptors like creamy, mild, polished, and silky. This combination suggests it offers a consistently smooth and buttery experience, making typing feel effortless while providing a refined finish that minimizes friction. In contrast, the feel of the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is not specified, leaving an open question about its tactile characteristics. Therefore, while the G Pro Red is designed for a luxurious and enjoyable typing experience, the definitive feel of the Rice Pudding remains unknown and could vary based on individual preferences.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch stands out with its balanced sound and superior feel, characterized by creaminess and smooth operation, appealing to a wide range of typists. While the Everglide Rice Pudding switch offers the potential for a balanced typing experience, its sound and feel remain unspecified. For those considering either switch, the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a more defined choice, particularly for beginners or those looking for a dependable and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your preferences for sound and feel, but the G Pro Red offers a well-rounded option that is hard to beat.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that provides a smooth and creamy typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice. Its light actuation force and neutral sound profile make it ideal for both beginners and experienced typists, whether you're working from home or gaming late into the night. The frosted light diffuser also allows for vibrant RGB lighting, enhancing your keyboard's aesthetics. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more unique and satisfying auditory feedback paired with a precise typing experience, the Rice Pudding switch shines. With its perfectly balanced actuation and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, it offers added versatility for enthusiasts. Furthermore, if you're particularly sensitive to sound and prefer a deeper acoustic feedback with your keystrokes, the Rice Pudding will likely fulfill your needs. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences, so choose the one that resonates most with your typing habits and overall keyboard experience.
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