Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and typing styles. If you value a smooth typing experience coupled with budget-friendliness, the Gateron G Pro Red is an excellent choice. With its medium-light actuation force, it strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and ease of use. The frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting effects, while the medium-high pitch offers a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue stands out with its deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a truly gratifying typing experience. The lengthened single-stage spring provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke, making typing a joy. The standard spring weight of the Tourmaline Blues ensures that they are enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing. This means that both switches will provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to switches with other housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it visually appealing for users who want to incorporate lighting effects in their setup.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Red uses a nylon material while the Tourmaline Blue uses a polycarbonate material. The nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Red contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic and absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue will provide a sharper and more resonant sound due to its stiffness.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt. The G Pro 3.0 Red's nylon bottom housing will give a softer and more cushioned feel, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing will provide a slightly firmer and more rigid feel. However, when releasing a key, the impact of the top housing will be more noticeable. Both switches, having a polycarbonate top housing, will create a clear and resonant sound upon key release.
In summary, while the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Tourmaline Blue switches share similar qualities with their polycarbonate top housing, the difference lies in their bottom housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Red's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile with a softer feel when pressing down, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing provides a sharper sound and slightly firmer keypress. However, both switches will still deliver a clear and resonant sound when releasing a key, thanks to their polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. Starting with the G Pro 3.0 Red, it is on the lighter side of the spectrum. The actuation force for this switch is a mere 45 grams, while the bottom out force is slightly heavier at 50 grams. This lightness can be advantageous for users seeking a keyboard that allows for extended typing or gaming periods without causing fatigue.
On the contrary, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch presents a medium-heavy sensation. With an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, this switch is noticeably heavier compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red. This extra weight provides users with a more substantial typing experience, satisfying those who prefer a stronger push feel.
While the G Pro 3.0 Red and Tourmaline Blue switches exhibit contrasting actuation and bottom out forces, it is important to note that both switches provide a linear typing experience. This means that users can expect a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile feedback or audible clicking. Therefore, although the forces may differ, the overall typing experience will still be similar for those who prefer linear switches.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Red or the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect to feel a consistent 4 mm travel distance when pressing down on a key.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches fall into the category of neutral switches. This means that they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most purposes. Ultimately, the sound of the switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a creamy typing experience. This can be attributed to the smooth and buttery sensation provided either by factory lubrication or specific materials used in the switch. It's like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, resulting in a silky typing feel. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Red is described as having a mild characteristic, which ensures a gentle and approachable typing experience for users.
On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch is described as providing a buttery typing experience. This means that it offers a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing feel. It is also characterized as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate the keys. This light actuation force enhances the typing experience by reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Considering all the available information, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their respective sound and feel characteristics. While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red focuses on a creamy and mild feel, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue emphasizes a buttery and easy-to-press sensation. It is important to note that personal preferences and the overall keyboard setup, including the keycaps used, can influence the final experience. Therefore, it is advisable to try out both switches or read more reviews to determine which one suits your preferences better. Overall, whether you choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is a great choice. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams, it offers a smooth typing experience that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. 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, if you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses you in a satisfying typing experience, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is medium-heavy, these switches provide a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blues strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users.
In terms of sound, both switches are described as having a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile. This makes them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you plan to use these switches at home or work.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red is described as offering a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. It provides a smooth and buttery sensation, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is described as offering a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing experience. It provides a seamless and effortless keystroke experience, with low-impact and responsive typing feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue will depend on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a budget-friendly option with a smoother typing experience, go for the G Pro 3.0 Red. If you prefer a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy and enjoyable typing feel, the Tourmaline Blue is the switch for you. Consider your typing style, preferences, and budget to make the best decision for your needs.
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