Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. TKC Tangerine

Overview

Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the TKC Tangerine, two linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique benefits to enhance your typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Red, from Gateron's G Pro lineup, is a budget-friendly option that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. With a medium-light actuation force, it delivers a smooth typing experience. Additionally, the G Pro Red features a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting effects and a medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine offers an incredibly smooth feel that takes your typing to the next level. Made with UHWMPE housings, a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches, each keystroke on the Tangerine is a pleasure. While the Tangerine offers a high-pitched clack when typing, it provides a frictionless and buttery typing experience that's hard to match. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

TKC Tangerine Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$6.30 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the TKC Tangerine switches differ in their housing materials, which ultimately affects the sound profile and typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Red, with its polycarbonate top housing, offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for those planning to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. In contrast, the Tangerine features a UHWMPE top housing, a newer material that provides a very bright sound signature with resonant clacks during typing. While both switches have top housings that enhance sound, the choice between polycarbonate and UHWMPE depends on whether you prefer the sharper tones of polycarbonate or the brightness of UHWMPE.

Moving on to the bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes a nylon material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine employs a UHWMPE bottom housing, mirroring its top counterpart. The UHWMPE bottom housing contributes to the switch's overall sound signature, offering resonant clacks when typing. While both bottom housings impact the bottom-out sound and feel, the choice between nylon and UHWMPE depends on whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a brighter, more resonant typing experience.

It's worth noting that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch. Pressing down on the switch will provide the characteristics of the bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will primarily influence the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the G Pro 3.0 Red and the TKC Tangerine may have varying housing materials, the division of sound qualities allows for a balance between the two materials, resulting in a unique typing experience for each switch.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, it is evident that they provide different experiences. The actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Red is 45 grams, which makes it a lighter switch in terms of triggering a keystroke. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Tangerine switch is unavailable, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Red is 50 grams, indicating a slightly heavier feel when pressing all the way down. In contrast, the Tangerine switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it a medium-weight switch.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red with its lower actuation and bottom out forces would be more suitable. This switch allows for longer typing periods and is ideal for those who bring their keyboard to work or engage in prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the TKC Tangerine switch. With its higher bottom out force, this switch provides a stronger push feel, enhancing the tactile feedback during typing.

Although the exact actuation force of the Tangerine switch is unknown, it is reasonable to assume that it will require more force to trigger a keystroke compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red due to its higher bottom out force. In this way, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of actuation and bottom out, albeit with a heavier touch, when using the Tangerine switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Red or the Tangerine, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance experience. Both switches offer a consistent and comfortable typing experience with their identical travel distances.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is described as having a neutral sound profile, which means it produces a moderate sound when pressed. This makes it suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or at work. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine is described as having a high-pitched sound profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a sharper sound profile over a rich and bassy one, the Tangerine switches would be a good choice for you. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so the overall sound experience may vary.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red offers a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. The creamy feel of the switch is due to lubricant applied in the factory or specific materials used, resulting in a smooth and buttery typing experience. The mild characteristic of the switch offers a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The polished finish of the switch also contributes to a sleek and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Lastly, the silky sensation of the switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel by minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.

In contrast, the TKC Tangerine switches are described as providing a frictionless, buttery, and polished typing experience. The frictionless characteristic offers an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the polished finish of the switch ensures a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the TKC Tangerine switches offer different sound and feel experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Red provides a medium-high pitch sound with a neutral profile, while the Tangerine offers a high-pitched sound. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience, while the Tangerine provides a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel. Ultimately, it will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. However, both switches offer a smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, so you can expect similar results in terms of overall performance.

Conclusion

In summary, if you prioritize a light bottom out force and a budget-friendly option, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its 50-gram bottom out force, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. The G Pro Red also offers a frosted light diffuser that enhances the brightness and vibrancy of RGB lighting effects. In terms of sound, it is described as having a neutral profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner, advanced user, or using it at home or work. Moreover, the G Pro Red is known for its creamy, mild, and polished feel, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a medium bottom out force and seek an exceptional typing experience, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is the one to consider. With its 62-gram bottom out force, it offers a slightly heavier actuation, providing a more substantial feel when typing. The Tangerine switch stands out with its use of UHWMPE housings, ensuring an incredibly smooth and frictionless typing experience. It is described as having a high-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a sharp and crisp sound when pressing keys. Additionally, the Tangerine switch also shares the polished feel with the G Pro Red, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and TKC Tangerine linear switches depends on your personal preferences and priorities. The G Pro Red offers a budget-friendly option with a light bottom out force and a creamy, mild, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch provides a medium bottom out force and a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel. Consider your desired actuation force, sound profile, and typing experience to make an informed decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.30 per 10

Learn more