Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers, both belonging to the linear switch category. The G Pro 3.0 Red is known for its smooth typing experience and budget-friendly price point. With a medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, and the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switches offer a unique typing feel, thanks to their shorter activation and long pole stem. They deliver a creamy sound signature, adding to the overall experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide 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
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice of material creates a similar effect for the switches in terms of sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially advantageous for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a vibrant illumination effect. Therefore, users of both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Splash Brothers can expect similar results when it comes to the sound and visual aesthetics of their switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Splash Brothers differ. The G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes nylon as its bottom housing material, while the Splash Brothers also employ the classic switch housing material of nylon. The softness of nylon as a plastic material absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches that use nylon. This creates a more rounded and duller sound, compared to the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Therefore, the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Splash Brothers will differ in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel, with the nylon bottom housing of both switches contributing to a deeper and fuller typing experience.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers share similarities in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in a similar effect on the sound profile and RGB lighting capabilities. However, they differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The G Pro 3.0 Red employs nylon, leading to a deeper and fuller sound when typing, while the Splash Brothers also utilize nylon for a similar effect. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials in each switch creates a unique typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, we can observe some similarities and differences. The G Pro 3.0 Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, which indicates a relatively light touch is needed to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Jwick Splash Brothers is unknown, making it difficult to make a direct comparison.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Red requires a slightly heavier force of 50 grams, indicating that users will feel a bit more resistance at the end of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers has a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it slightly lighter in comparison.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches provide similar results as their actuation forces are relatively light. This is advantageous for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming sessions, as it reduces the fatigue on the fingers. However, for those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be the better choice due to its slightly higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the user's preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, it is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between the two. Gamers, for instance, often prefer shorter travel distances as they allow for faster response times. In this case, the Splash Brothers switch would be the better choice. However, for those who prefer a deeper key press and a more substantial feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch with its 4 mm travel distance would be a better fit. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on individual preferences and desired typing experience.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced and whether you plan to use them at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also dependent on other factors such as your choice of board and keycaps. Therefore, while they may have similar sound profiles, the overall sound experience may vary depending on other variables.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red offers a range of descriptors. It is described as having a creamy and silky typing experience, which means that it provides a smooth and buttery sensation when typing, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. Additionally, it is described as having a mild and polished feel, which means that it offers a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers switch offers a mild and polished feel, providing a safe middle-ground typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It also has descriptors such as snappy, bouncy, and subtle, indicating that it offers responsiveness, rebound, and a gentle resistance for a lively typing feel. Therefore, while both switches offer a pleasant typing experience, they may have slightly different characteristics in terms of smoothness and tactile feedback.
Taking all the available information into account, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches have their own unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. In terms of sound, they have similar neutral profiles, but the actual sound experience may vary depending on other factors. When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red is described as creamy, mild, and polished, providing a smooth and gentle typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers switch is described as mild, snappy, bouncy, and subtle, offering a safe middle-ground typing experience with responsiveness, rebound, and a gentle resistance. Overall, both switches have their own merits and can elevate your typing performance, providing a satisfying and enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch that offers a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, this switch is light and provides a smooth typing experience. It features a frosted light diffuser that allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, as well as a medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory experience. The G Pro 3.0 Red is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes such as gaming or work. In terms of feel, this switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a shorter activation and a long pole stem, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch is worth considering. With a slightly lighter bottom out force of 48 grams, this switch provides a great typing feel. It is described as having a mild sound profile, making it suitable for shared spaces. In terms of feel, the Splash Brothers switch offers a variety of options including mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Jwick Splash Brothers will depend on your personal preferences and typing needs.
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