Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, especially between linear options like the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko Rosewood. The G Pro 3.0 Red is celebrated for its smooth typing experience, featuring a medium-light actuation force that balances responsiveness and ease of use, making it a great choice for those who prioritize a budget-friendly option without sacrificing performance. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, adding a visual flair to your setup, while the switch's medium-high pitch provides an audible satisfaction that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch stands out with its characteristic deep thocky sound, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that adds to its unique acoustic profile right out of the box. While the Rosewood may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Red is ideal for those seeking a silkier, more neutral touch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko Rosewood, a significant difference arises in their top housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material enhances the switch’s ability to produce a clear and resonant sound, making it especially beneficial when RGB lighting is involved, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for superior light diffusion. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic choice for switches that provides a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a more muted and rounded acoustic character. Therefore, while both switches leverage high-quality materials, their acoustic signatures differ substantially due to the contrasting properties of polycarbonate and nylon.
Both switches, however, employ nylon for their bottom housings, which brings a commonality in the overall sound profile during key presses. The nylon bottom housing in both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Rosewood ensures that the deeper, fuller sound typical of nylon is present in both switches. This consistency means that regardless of the variation in top housing materials, the bottom-out sound and feel will be similar when pressing down on either switch. As a result, typists can expect a comparable tactile experience and subdued bottom-out noise, creating a familiar sensation when using either product.
In summary, although the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and Akko Rosewood switch housings are defined by different materials at the top, their use of nylon in the bottom housing creates a bridge between the two. The polycarbonate top of the G Pro 3.0 generates a bright, clearer sound on release, while the nylon top of the Rosewood generates a deeper tone during each key press. However, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a unified response when the keys are bottomed out, providing a well-rounded acoustic experience. This nuanced interplay between the different materials in the top and bottom housing significantly influences the overall feel and sound of each switch, highlighting how each aspect contributes uniquely yet cohesively to the performance of these mechanical switches.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for long typing sessions and extended gaming marathons. The G Pro 3.0 Red features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rosewood has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams with a match in bottom out force at 50 grams. This difference in actuation force means that the Rosewood switch is easier to press, potentially appealing to users who prefer a lighter touch. Both switches' bottom out forces are identical at 50 grams, indicating that once fully pressed down, both will require the same amount of force to reach the bottom. Therefore, while users will experience a similar feel when fully bottoming out with either switch, the Akko Rosewood offers a lighter touch at the actuation stage, catering to those who favor ease of typing.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both share the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that users will experience identical key travel when pressing down on either switch. This similarity in travel distance leads to a consistent typing experience, as both switches offer the same distance from the top to the bottom. Consequently, if you are comparing these two switches for feel and responsiveness, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 exhibits a neutral acoustic profile, characterized by a moderate sound that is not intrusive, making it suitable for both work environments and casual use. This balanced sound allows users to focus on their typing without being distracted by overly loud or clacky noises, which is perfect for those who appreciate a more subdued auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch stands out with its deep, thocky sound, noticeably enhanced by the factory-applied lubricant. This gives it a richer auditory experience right out of the box, appealing to users who favor a pronounced acoustic signature with each keystroke.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red is celebrated for its creamy, mild, polished, and silky characteristics. This combination results in a typing experience that is not only smooth and effortless but also enhances overall comfort and reduces friction during key presses. The careful design leads to a gentle yet responsive action, making it accessible for both newcomers and seasoned typists alike. Unfortunately, the specific feel characteristics of the Akko Rosewood switch are unknown, but users can typically expect a satisfying engagement that complements its auditory thockiness, thus offering a premium experience.
In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red provides a balanced sound profile and a supremely smooth typing feel, the Akko Rosewood excels in delivering a richer auditory experience with its deep sound quality. The G Pro switches are ideal for those seeking a neutral approach in a versatile environment, while the Rosewood caters to users who appreciate a standout acoustic effect. Ultimately, your choice may come down to personal preference for sound, as both switches promise to deliver enjoyable typing experiences tailored to different user needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Akko Rosewood linear switches really boils down to your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you seek. If you value a smooth and effortless typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent option. Its creamy feel makes it suitable for a variety of environments, whether you're at home or in an office setting, while the vibrant RGB lighting allows for customization that enhances your setup visually. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, more pronounced auditory feedback and are enticed by a thocky sound that adds character to your typing experience, then the Akko Rosewood is your go-to switch. Its factory-applied lubricant contributes to a satisfying acoustic profile that benefits typists who enjoy a more tactile feedback coupled with a rich sound. Ultimately, consider your priorities: go for the G Pro 3.0 Red for a versatile, smooth operation, or choose the Rosewood for that engaging sound experience.
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