Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Durock Sea Glass

Overview

Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Durock Sea Glass, two linear switches that offer distinctive features and typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Red, from Gateron's G Pro line-up, combines affordability with a smooth typing experience. With its medium-light actuation force, it strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and ease of use. The frosted light diffuser allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, while the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switch series by Durock stands out with its captivating selection of five pastel colors. These switches emanate a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness due to their proprietary material blend. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, they possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, making them easy to press. Additionally, typing on the Sea Glass switches unveils a uniquely hollow sound signature. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Durock Sea Glass have notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those who prioritize sound quality. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enables vibrant RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Sea Glass boasts a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Red features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softness, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Sea Glass combines Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing. The blend creates a distinctive sound profile that is highly regarded for its pleasant characteristics. It is not particularly sharp but offers a brighter tone, providing a different auditory experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red's nylon bottom housing.

Although there are differences between the top and bottom housings of both switches, it is important to note that each housing material contributes to the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become apparent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when a key is released. While the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Sea Glass employ different housing materials, they both prioritize providing an exceptional typing experience with distinct sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This ensures that users will get similar results in terms of responsiveness and speed when typing or gaming with either switch. However, when it comes to bottoming out, there is a notable difference. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is relatively light. This lighter bottom out force allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue and is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Sea Glass has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. This extra resistance can add a satisfying tactile feedback but may not be suitable for extended typing sessions. Therefore, the G Pro 3.0 Red can be considered the lighter option, while the Sea Glass can be seen as the heavier option in terms of bottom out force.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is a more traditional length. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Sea Glass switch the shorter of the two. While 4.0 mm is considered the standard, the trend towards shorter travel distances has gained popularity, especially among gamers who value faster response times. The shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm in the Sea Glass switch can provide a more responsive typing experience. However, it's important to note that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt. For those who prefer a deeper and more solid keypress, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch with its longer travel distance would be the better option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and typing style.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work. The Sea Glass switch, on the other hand, does not have any available information regarding its sound profile. It is worth mentioning that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is described as creamy, mild, polished, and silky. A creamy switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, feeling like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The mild characteristic of the switch ensures that the typing experience is gentle and approachable to most users. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch contributes to a sleek typing experience by reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. Finally, the silky nature of the switch enhances its overall smoothness and reduces resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch is described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. The frictionless characteristic ensures an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. The mild nature of the switch makes it comfortable for most users, as its qualities are in a safe middle-ground zone. Moreover, the feathery characteristic means that the switch is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue and making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. Lastly, the easy-to-press characteristic of the switch offers gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, enhancing the typing experience by being responsive and low-impact.

In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a neutral sound profile and a creamy, mild, polished, and silky feel, the Durock Sea Glass switch does not have available information regarding its sound profile. However, it is described as having a frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press feel. It is important to note that the subjective qualities of a switch can vary depending on various factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen. Based on the information provided, it is evident that both switches offer smooth typing experiences and are suitable for different preferences and needs.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that provides a smooth typing experience with medium-light actuation force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is the one for you. These switches strike a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced users. With a frosted light diffuser, they also provide brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects. In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Red is described as neutral, making it suitable for various purposes, whether at home or work. When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience, thanks to factory lubing and specific materials used. On the other hand, if you prefer a unique typing experience with a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness, the Durock Sea Glass switch series is the way to go. Despite the 62g bottom-out force, these switches possess a weightlessness that defies expectations, making them frictionless. Typing on the Sea Glass switches reveals a uniquely hollow sound signature. In terms of feel, the Sea Glass provides a frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press typing experience, offering a fluid travel and reducing finger fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Durock Sea Glass switches depends on your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

Durock Sea Glass Linear

$5.80

$4.87 per 10

Learn more