Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, two popular contenders are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Jerrzi Violet, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The G Pro 3.0 Red is a budget-friendly linear switch renowned for its smooth typing experience, characterized by a medium-light actuation force that balances responsiveness and user-friendliness. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects, making it not only functional but also visually appealing. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet offers a tactile experience with its gentle actuation and satisfying poppy feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response while typing. The Violet's neutral sound profile ensures a balanced auditory experience, making it a great option for both quiet environments and energetic typing sessions. Choosing between these two switches largely depends on whether you favor a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke or a tactile bump that enhances your typing feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Jerrzi Violet switches exhibit notable similarities, particularly in their top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their upper sections, which is instrumental in defining their sound profiles. The polycarbonate construction contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound because of its stiffer nature. This material facilitates a clear and resonant acoustic quality that is particularly enhanced when RGB lighting is employed, given its translucency. Therefore, users of both switches can expect a comparable auditory experience influenced by the polycarbonate top housing, providing a bright and vibrant sound when the keys are pressed or released.
While the top housings of the G Pro 3.0 Red and Jerrzi Violet are consistent in their material, the bottom housings introduce a slightly different dynamic. Both switches are constructed with nylon for their lower housings, which brings a distinct quality to the typing experience. Nylon is known for its softer plastic characteristics, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials. This difference in material can influence how the switches feel at bottom-out, as the nylon bottom contributes to a rounder and more muted acoustic signature. As such, while both switches share the same nylon composition for their bottoms, this creates an integral layer to the overall typing experience that balances out the clearer sounds of the top housing.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the G Pro 3.0 Red and Jerrzi Violet switches creates an effective contrast in sound quality and feel. The resonant high notes from the polycarbonate on release are complemented by the deeper tones created by the nylon during the actuation. This ensures that even with differing impacts from each housing material, the overall feel will remain harmonious, yielding a satisfying auditory result for users engaged in activities like gaming or typing. Thus, while the materials effectively serve different roles within each switch, they ultimately contribute to a versatile performance that aligns both experience and sound in a pleasing way.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch exhibit similarities in their actuation force, both requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This means that typists and gamers will experience a similar initial resistance when pressing either switch, contributing to a lightweight feel that can facilitate longer typing sessions. However, a significant difference arises with their bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating a mildly heavier resistance when the key is pressed all the way down, which may contribute to a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push feel. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Violet switch is unavailable, leaving that aspect unknown. Consequently, while both switches feel similar in actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Red is the heavier option in terms of the bottoming out experience, which may sway users towards one switch over the other based on their personal preferences for tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, we find a notable distinction. The G Pro 3.0 Red boasts a travel distance of 4.0 mm, making it the longer option, while the Jerrzi Violet features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm may influence your typing experience; the longer travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Red may provide a more traditional and satisfying depth, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. In contrast, the Violet's shorter travel distance might be favored by gamers seeking faster response times, as it requires less effort to reach the actuation point. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you value depth or responsiveness in your 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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 comparing the sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch and the Jerrzi Violet switch, both are characterized by a neutral sound signature. This means that each switch produces a moderate sound when actuated, making them suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. The balanced auditory experience of both options makes them approachable for beginners and appealing to more experienced users, as they won't overwhelm the auditory senses during long typing sessions. However, it's essential to note that the ultimate sound experience can still be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build, keycap material, and other acoustic considerations.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red is described as having creamy, mild, polished, and silky characteristics. This combination ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, making each keystroke feel effortless and enjoyable. Conversely, the Violet switch features a stepped tactile feel, which provides a gentler bump during actuation compared to hypertactile switches. This tactility offers a sense of feedback while maintaining a more subdued feel, making it suitable for those who appreciate tactile cues without being overly pronounced. Thus, while the G Pro 3.0 Red prioritizes an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Violet offers a balanced tactile sensation that caters to those who prefer some feedback during their interactions.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Jerrzi Violet switches both offer neutral sound profiles, making them versatile options suitable for various typing environments. However, they differ significantly in their tactile experiences; the former provides a buttery-smooth and polished feel while the latter offers gentle feedback with its stepped tactility. This distinction allows users to choose based on their typing preferences—whether they value an ultra-smooth experience or enjoy tactile feedback while typing. Ultimately, both switches can cater to different typing needs, providing satisfying experiences depending on individual tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience that allows for quick key presses, especially if you're into gaming or enjoy a lighter touch, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be ideal for you. Its creamy and polished feel, combined with a neutral sound profile, makes it a versatile option for both work and play, delivering a satisfying auditory experience without being too loud. On the other hand, if you appreciate the feedback of a tactile switch, the Jerrzi Violet would suit your needs better, especially if you prefer a typing experience with a pleasant tactile bump that can enhance your accuracy and typing rhythm. Its gentle tactile feedback, coupled with a unique stepped feel, offers a balanced typing experience that avoids being overly pronounced while still providing enough response. In summary, your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize a smooth, linear keypress or a tactile feedback that can enrich your typing experience.
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