Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the SP-Star Yanyu - two mechanical keyboard switches that excel in their own unique ways. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is a linear switch renowned for delivering a smooth typing experience at an affordable price point. Its medium-light actuation force strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and ease of use, making it ideal for both gaming and everyday tasks. Not only does it offer vibrant RGB lighting effects with a frosted light diffuser, but its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is tailor-made for those seeking a more delicate typing experience or individuals who spend prolonged hours typing. This linear switch features a material blend that delivers a crisp sound profile, giving your fingers a subtle and polished feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
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 SP-Star Yanyu differ in their choice of housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Yanyu utilizes a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. This blend offers a sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans towards the brighter side. It creates a pleasant sound experience with a slightly milder tone.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Red incorporates a nylon material. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbing more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Yanyu utilizes a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing, similar to its top housing. This unique combination contributes to a sound profile that is enjoyable, not particularly sharp, but slightly brighter.
While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the SP-Star Yanyu differ in the specific housing materials used for both their top and bottom housings, the overall qualities each material brings to the switch are somewhat similar. Both switches prioritize a pleasant sound experience, although the G Pro 3.0 Red with its polycarbonate top housing leans towards a sharper and crisper profile, while the Yanyu with its nylon and UHMWPE blend leans towards a milder but brighter tone. The choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the specific sound profile desired.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. The actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Red is 45 grams, while the Yanyu's actuation force is currently unavailable. Both switches have relatively light actuation forces, which can be advantageous for those who prefer a lighter typing experience or engage in extended typing sessions.
Moving on to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Red requires a force of 50 grams to bottom out, whereas the Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams. Here, the Yanyu is lighter in terms of bottom out force, providing a slightly softer typing feel compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red. This can be appealing to individuals who enjoy a more gentle keystroke experience or those who may find heavy bottom out forces uncomfortable.
Considering weight preferences, some users might opt for a lighter switch like the G Pro 3.0 Red to facilitate longer typing periods without fatigue, ideal for professional work settings or extended gaming sessions. Meanwhile, others might prefer the Yanyu's slightly heavier bottom out force, which provides a more substantial typing sensation. This can be particularly appealing for those who desire a stronger push feel for a more satisfying typing experience.
In summary, while the G Pro 3.0 Red has a known actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, the exact actuation force of the Yanyu remains unknown, with a bottom out force of 43 grams. Both switches offer a relatively light actuation force, catering to those who prefer lighter typing experiences. However, the Yanyu's lower bottom out force may provide a softer typing feel compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red, suiting individuals seeking a slightly more gentle keystroke sensation.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 4 mm regardless of which switch you use. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when typing or gaming on keyboards equipped with either of these switches.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 SP-Star Yanyu switches fall under 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 users, whether they are beginners or advanced typists, and can be used in various settings such as at home or in an office. 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. Therefore, while both switches have a neutral sound profile, the overall sound experience may differ depending on these additional factors.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a creamy typing experience. This means that it provides a smooth and buttery feel when typing. The switch is designed to offer a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. This enhanced smoothness and reduced friction are achieved through either factory lubrication or specific materials used in the switch. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch is described as having a mild feel. This means that it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. The sound and feel of the Yanyu switch are approachable to most users as its qualities fall within a safe and middle-ground zone. Additionally, the Yanyu switch is also described as having a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the SP-Star Yanyu switches share some similarities. They both fall under the category of neutral switches in terms of sound, providing a moderate sound profile suitable for most users. Additionally, they both offer a polished finish, leading to a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness. However, they do differ in terms of feel, with the G Pro 3.0 Red switch providing a creamy and silky sensation, while the Yanyu switch offers a milder and more gentle typing experience, along with a polished finish. Overall, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a smooth typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch would be an excellent choice. Similarly, the SP-Star Yanyu switch would also provide a delicate typing experience suitable for long periods of typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a smooth typing experience and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a light and responsive feel while still being easy to use. The G Pro 3.0 Red switch is best suited for both beginners and advanced users, whether you plan to use it at home or work. It has a neutral sound profile and offers a creamy and silky typing experience, thanks to its lubricated factory application and smooth finish.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate typing experience or often type for extended periods of time, the SP-Star Yanyu switch is an excellent option. With a bottom out force of 43 grams, it is even lighter than the G Pro 3.0 Red switch, reducing finger fatigue and providing a comfortable typing experience for gaming, school, or work. The Yanyu switch has a mild sound profile, making it suitable for shared spaces. It also features a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the SP-Star Yanyu switch depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. Both switches offer a light actuation force and moderate sound profiles, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. Whether you prioritize vibrant RGB lighting effects or a delicate typing experience, these switches provide options that cater to different preferences.
Mentioned in this article
