Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, it's important to consider the specific features and qualities that best suit your typing preference. Gateron offers a range of options, and two popular choices are the G Pro 3.0 White and the Ink Black V2 switches, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The G Pro 3.0 White is perfect for those who value a light and effortless typing experience, as it boasts an actuation force of just 38g. With its frosted light diffuser, this switch also allows for brighter RGB lighting, adding aesthetic charm to your keyboard setup. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch is a classic choice that has stood the test of time in the mechanical keyboard community. It offers a smooth downstroke and a satisfying clack, providing a delightful typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 White offers a delicate and subtle feel, the Ink Black V2 switch delivers a more polished and bassy sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Black V2 have different materials used for their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Ink Black V2 has a proprietary INK blend top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 White creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness. This leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users who prioritize sound quality. On the other hand, the INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 provides a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. It is described as clacky, which can be satisfying for users who prefer a thinner and crisper sound.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches have different materials as well. The G Pro 3.0 White's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This can be appealing for users looking for a quieter typing experience. Similarly, the proprietary INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 also contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. Although both switches have the same sound profile characteristics for their bottom housings, the materials used may result in slight differences in sound quality and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Black V2 rests on personal preference. The G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper sound, while the Ink Black V2's INK blend top housing offers a clacky sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 White produces a deeper sound, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 maintains a high-pitched sound. Regardless of the differences, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience, and the user can choose the one that aligns with their desired sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences. The G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter touch, with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lightness can be beneficial for those who prefer a keyboard that allows for longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 offers a heavier touch, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial and tactile typing experience. For individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel while typing, the Ink Black V2 would be the ideal choice. It is important to consider weight when selecting a switch as it can greatly impact the user's typing experience and comfort level. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier force, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Black V2 offer distinct options to suit different preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 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. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying keystroke experience in terms of travel distance. So, regardless of whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 White or the Ink Black V2, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels when pressing down on a key.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 White for $3.27.
The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch has a clacky sound, providing a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback when pressed. This creates a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a sharper sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch is known for its low-pitched sound. It offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 switch has a unique acoustic signature with a slight chirpy quality, setting it apart from other switches. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a clacky and crisp sound, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is a great choice, while the Ink Black V2 switch delivers a low-pitched and slightly chirpy sound.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience. It has a smooth and buttery feel, making keystrokes effortless and comfortable. The light actuation force of only 38g reduces fatigue during extended typing sessions, providing a low-impact and responsive typing experience. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as feathery, requiring little exertion from your fingers, further enhancing comfort during long typing sessions. The Ink Black V2 switch, on the other hand, is characterized by a mild and polished feel. It offers a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This switch falls within a safe middle-ground zone, providing a comfortable typing feel suitable for most users. If you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is a great option, while the Ink Black V2 switch offers a mild and polished typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches offer different subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 White delivers a clacky sound and a creamy, easy-to-press feel, while the Ink Black V2 provides a low-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel. These differences in sound and feel provide users with options based on their preferences. However, if you are looking for similar results, both switches fall within the mild category in terms of feel, offering a more gentle typing experience. Additionally, both switches provide a moderate sound profile, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. It's important to consider your personal preferences and requirements when selecting a switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, it all comes down to personal preference and typing style. If you are a delicate typist who prefers effortless and sensitive keystrokes, the G Pro 3.0 White switch with its light bottom out force of 45 grams would be a great choice for you. It offers a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Furthermore, its clacky sound profile provides a crisp and bright auditory feedback.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience and prefer a switch with a rich clack sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch with its 70 grams bottom out force would be more suitable for you. It offers a mild and polished typing feel, providing a smooth and refined key travel. The low-pitched and bassy sound signature adds depth and richness to your typing experience, while the chirpy characteristic sets it apart from other switches.
Ultimately, both switches have their own unique qualities, so it's important to consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and typing feel. Whether you prioritize a lighter and more effortless typing experience or a medium-heavy and polished feel, Gateron offers options to suit your needs.
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