Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Jwick Taro 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 Taro. These switches offer distinct features and advantages to cater to different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Red, a linear switch, is renowned for its budget-friendly option from Gateron's G Pro line-up. With a smooth typing experience, these switches have a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, the G Pro Red boasts a frosted light diffuser, allowing for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro, a tactile switch, offers a cozy typing experience with its snappy, medium-level tactility. Users can enjoy acute and crisp clacks while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Jwick Taro both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing. This translates to a similar sound profile for both switches, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects, making it an ideal choice for users who enjoy customizing their keyboards with colorful lighting.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Taro utilize nylon material. This common choice in switch housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This can be comforting for individuals who prefer a more subdued typing experience.
Considering the combination of top and bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Red and Jwick Taro may have slight differences. The G Pro 3.0 Red's nylon bottom housing contributes to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the keys, while the polycarbonate top housing impacts the sound when you release a key. This combination offers a balanced typing experience with dynamic sound qualities. Similarly, the Taro's housing materials distribute their respective qualities in a similar manner, providing users with a comparable typing experience to the G Pro 3.0 Red.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, we can see some clear differences. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams, making it easy to trigger keystrokes. Additionally, it has a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a slight resistance when fully pressed down. On the other hand, the Taro tactile switch does not disclose its actuation force, but it does have a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is notably heavier. This makes the Taro switch suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Red is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, while the Taro offers a heavier typing feel with its higher bottom out force. However, it is important to note that without the information on the actuation force of the Taro switch, it is difficult to directly compare the two in terms of actuation force. Nonetheless, those seeking a lighter touch may find similar results with both switches.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Red falls into the category of the more traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Taro offers a slightly shallower travel distance of 3.7 mm. Gamers, in particular, have been gravitating towards switches with shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Taro switch with its shorter travel distance would be a suitable choice. However, for those who prefer a more satisfying depth when pressing down on keys, the G Pro 3.0 Red with its longer travel distance would be the preferable option. Both switches offer distinct experiences, catering to different preferences.
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 Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 Taro switches fall under the category of neutral sound profile switches. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and produce a moderate sound when typing. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. The switches are designed to provide a smooth and buttery sensation, allowing for effortless keystrokes and reduced friction. They offer a comfortable middle-ground typing experience suitable for a wide range of users.
On the other hand, the Taro switches are described as buttery and stepped. This means that they provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and uniform typing sensation. They also have a mild tactile feedback with a slight pre-travel or post-travel, giving them a unique feel compared to other tactile switches.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Jwick Taro switches offer desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches have a neutral sound profile and provide a comfortable typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a creamy, mild, polished, and silky feel, the Taro switches provide a buttery and stepped tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the individual's preferences and typing style. However, it is worth noting that if the desired qualities are similar, both switches can deliver comparable results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch that offers a smooth typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is the way to go. With a light bottom out force of 50 grams, this switch strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience, and the frosted light diffuser allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects. The G Pro 3.0 Red is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, making it a versatile option for home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, the Jwick Taro is a great choice. It offers a snappy and medium-level of tactility, providing a cozy typing experience. The sound profile of the Taro is neutral, making it suitable for various purposes and environments.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red is described as creamy, mild, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Taro is described as buttery with a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Taro has a stepped feel, providing a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Jwick Taro depends on your preferences for linear or tactile switches and the desired bottom out force. Consider the smoothness and feel of each switch to determine which one aligns better with your typing style and preferences.
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