Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte stand out as two exceptional linear options, each catering to distinct user preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Red is celebrated for its budget-friendly price and its ability to deliver a smooth, responsive typing experience with a medium-light actuation force that makes it easy to use without compromising performance. Its frosted light diffuser also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it an appealing choice for gamers and aesthetics-conscious users. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte is crafted with the latest molds to provide a super smooth feel, rounded out by a balanced sound profile that sits comfortably between silence and resonance, making it suitable for those who appreciate auditory feedback without being overwhelmed by noise. Both switches present unique advantages based on acoustic preference and tactile experience; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Huano Strawberry Latte, we see distinct differences, particularly in the top housing. The G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity and translucence, leading to a sharper and crisper sound profile that resonates well with RGB lighting. This high-pitched sound contributes to a vibrant typing experience, making it a popular choice for those who value auditory feedback. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs POK (polyketone) for its top housing, a material renowned for its smoothness and strength. While the sound produced by POK is characterized as clackier and less resonant compared to polycarbonate, its increased durability and low friction might appeal to users looking for a buttery-smooth typing experience.

Both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which introduces a commonality in their overall sound profiles. Nylon is celebrated for creating a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This quality creates a rounder sound when keys bottom out, which adds to the satisfying auditory feedback that many typists prioritize. While the G Pro 3.0 Red’s nylon housing contributes to the fullness in the lower frequencies, the Strawberry Latte's nylon provides a similar effect, creating a cohesive auditory experience in both switches. Therefore, while the top housings are distinctly different, the common nylon bottom housing helps unify their overall sound signature.

When considering the interaction between the different materials, it’s important to note how the top and bottom housings work in tandem. The polycarbonate top of the G Pro 3.0 Red shapes more of the sound during key release, creating a high-pitched and resonant effect. Meanwhile, the POK top housing of the Strawberry Latte emphasizes a smooth slap sound when keys are released, albeit with less resonance. The nylon bottom in both cases ensures a full-bodied bass sound when the keys are pressed down, yielding a shared experience in terms of bottom-out noise and overall impact. Thus, while the top materials yield contrasting sound profiles, the inherent properties of nylon in the bottom housing keep the switches’ typing experiences relatable, leading to similar satisfaction for users across both models.

Weight

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Strawberry Latte is lighter, needing only 35 grams for actuation and 45 grams for bottoming out. This difference makes the Strawberry Latte the lighter option, which can be advantageous for users seeking a switch that allows for extended typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches are classified as light, but the Huano Strawberry Latte provides an even softer push feel, catering to those who prefer a lighter touch for faster keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red offers a slightly heftier experience, appealing to users who might prefer a bit more resistance when typing or gaming. Overall, while both switches are generally light, the Strawberry Latte stands out as the easier option to press, resulting in quicker actuation, thereby providing similar keystroke responses with less effort.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the G Pro 3.0 Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte measures 3.6 mm. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Red the longer travel switch, offering a more traditional feel with its greater depth. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, with its shorter travel distance, allows for quicker key presses and may appeal more to gamers seeking faster response times. However, those who prefer the more substantial feedback of a longer travel may find the G Pro 3.0 Red more satisfying. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth in key presses.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is characterized as neutral, offering a balanced auditory experience that is neither overly harsh nor too muted. This makes it an ideal choice for a variety of uses, whether you’re in a quiet office or tapping away at home. Its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback that complements the typing experience without being distracting. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Huano Strawberry Latte switch is noted to be balanced as well, described as not quiet but also not overly resonant. While both switches deliver a pleasant auditory vibe, specific characteristics of the Strawberry Latte's sound profile remain undefined, leaving room for personal interpretation based on individual typing conditions.

In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red is celebrated for its creamy and polished texture, resulting in a smooth and buttery typing experience. This luxurious feel is enhanced by factory lubrication or specific materials that minimize friction on key presses, enabling fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. Furthermore, it is described as having a mild typing experience, making it approachable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the feel of the Huano Strawberry Latte switch is not specified, leaving it open to discovery but suggesting a level of smoothness given its modern mold design. This highlights the possibility of a smooth typing experience, but without clear descriptors, individual usage will determine how it compares with the known attributes of the G Pro 3.0 Red.

In conclusion, while both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches deliver a pleasant auditory experience, with the G Pro 3.0 having a neutral profile and the Strawberry Latte having a balanced presence, the real distinction lies in the tactile experience. The G Pro 3.0 Red is described in detail as creamy, silky, mild, and polished, offering a refined and smooth typing experience that many users can appreciate. In contrast, the tactile qualities of the Strawberry Latte remain undefined, which invites exploration. Overall, should you prioritize a smooth and balanced typist experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red has clearly defined strengths, while the Strawberry Latte represents a somewhat mysterious alternative, possibly offering us similar satisfaction upon closer examination.

Conclusion

To summarize, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you're looking for a cost-effective option that provides a balanced typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent choice. With its slightly higher bottom out force and creamy feel, it caters well to both beginners and seasoned typists, making it suitable for a variety of settings, whether at home or in an office. Additionally, the enhanced RGB lighting capabilities make it ideal if you enjoy vibrant lighting effects in your setup. On the other hand, if you prioritize an even lighter feel and a smoother, more refined sound profile, the Huano Strawberry Latte may be the way to go. Its lower actuation force and distinguished smoothness can give you a unique typing experience, particularly if you enjoy a switch that offers subtle sound while typing, which can be pleasant in quieter environments. Ultimately, consider how each switch matches your typing style, sound preference, and aesthetic needs to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more