Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Box Black, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences for different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch that caters to delicate typists, providing an effortless and sensitive keystroke with an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g. Its frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, while the medium-high pitch offers a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is also a linear switch, known for its smooth and creamy feel. The sound signature of this switch reminds us of a spray paint can being shaken, giving it a distinctive and unique appeal. The Ink Box Black is categorized as clacky, high-pitched, silky, and polished. Both switches offer their own advantages, 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
38g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Box Black differ in their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The stiff nature of polycarbonate results in a clear and resonant sound. Moreover, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting applications. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, characterized by a pointed, high-pitched, and clacky sound profile. Although both switches produce distinctive sounds, the G Pro 3.0's polycarbonate housing offers a sharper sound, while the Ink Box Black's INK blend housing provides a slightly mellowed "clacky" noise.
In terms of bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 White employs a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound due to the softness of the plastic. Nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. As for the Ink Box Black, it utilizes the same proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. This means it shares the pointed, high-pitched, and clacky sound characteristics with its top housing counterpart. The presence of the INK blend in both top and bottom housing ensures a consistent sound profile throughout the switch.
Overall, the G Pro 3.0 White and the Ink Box Black differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and clearer sound, while its nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness to the sound. On the other hand, both the top and bottom housings of the Ink Box Black feature Gateron's proprietary INK blend, resulting in a consistent pointed, high-pitched, and clacky sound. Although different in material, both switches deliver satisfying typing experiences with their unique sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it is clear that there are significant differences between the two. The G Pro 3.0 White has a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams, allowing for quick and easy keystrokes. In comparison, the Ink Box Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, making it more resistant to accidental keystrokes.
In terms of the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 White requires 45 grams of force to fully depress the key, providing a satisfying typing experience without excessive pressure. Conversely, the Ink Box Black demands a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, resulting in a more substantial and deliberate keystroke.
Considering the weight of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 White is lighter overall, making it suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience. This can be advantageous for those who spend extended periods typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is relatively heavier, catering to users who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches differ significantly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 White offers a lighter and easier typing experience, while the Ink Box Black provides a medium-heavy and more deliberate keystroke. It is important to consider personal preferences and intended use when selecting a switch, as both options offer unique advantages.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In terms of travel distance, the G Pro 3.0 White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ink Box Black. With a 4.0 mm travel distance, the G Pro 3.0 White offers a more traditional feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black's 3.6 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, catering to those who prefer a shorter travel distance for faster response times, especially favored by gamers. It is important to note that while shorter travel distances may offer increased responsiveness, some individuals may find them too abrupt. This highlights the preference for individuals who value a deeper and more hearty feel, which the G Pro 3.0 White would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on the individual's preference for travel distance and their desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 is described as clacky, offering a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. This provides a satisfying auditory feedback for typists. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is also described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound similar to that of a spray paint can being shaken. Both switches provide a clacky sound profile, ensuring an enjoyable and responsive typing experience. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be affected by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a variety of descriptors. It is described as creamy, which means it provides a smooth and buttery typing experience. The light actuation force of only 38g makes it easy to press, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The feathery and mild characteristics further enhance the comfort of typing on these switches. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is also described as silky and subtle, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with gentle resistance suitable for shared spaces.
On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch is described as silky and polished. Similar to the G Pro 3.0 White, these switches provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The silky feel enhances the overall smoothness of the typing experience, offering a comfortable and effortless keystroke. With the polished finish, typists can expect a sleek and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and Ink Box Black switches offer desirable subjective qualities. While the G Pro 3.0 White provides a clacky sound and a variety of feel descriptors including creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle, the Ink Box Black offers a similar clacky sound with a silky and polished feel. Both switches ensure a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, with the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White catering to delicate typists on a budget, and the Gateron Ink Box Black providing a creamy and refined experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a delicate typist who prefers a light actuation force and effortless keystrokes, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be the better choice for you. It offers a budget-friendly option with a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a feathery and easy-to-press typing experience. Moreover, the G Pro 3.0 White switch has a creamy and silky feel, ensuring a smooth and low-impact typing experience. In terms of sound, it offers a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users in various environments.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-heavy actuation force of 70 grams and a sharp, clacky sound profile, the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch would be the preferable option. It provides a high-pitched and clacky sound when pressed, ideal for those who prefer a crisp and percussive typing sound. With a silky and polished feel, the Ink Box Black switch offers smooth key travel and reduced friction during typing sessions. While it may not be as light as the G Pro 3.0 White, it still offers a comfortable typing experience that is suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Consider factors such as actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel to make an informed decision. Both switches provide unique advantages, so it is essential to choose the one that best aligns with your needs.
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