Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Box Pink. Although both switches are linear, they offer distinct features and advantages. The G Pro 3.0 White, from Gateron's G Pro series, is a budget-friendly option with an impressively light actuation force of 38g, making it ideal for delicate typists. This switch boasts a frosted light diffuser that allows for brighter RGB lighting and emits a medium-high pitch, providing satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink switch stands out with its translucent design and smoother typing experience compared to other mechanical switches. It delivers a subtle, higher-pitched clack when used. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, making the decision of which one to choose a matter of personal preference. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 Pink both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is perfect for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink has a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This sound profile is described as clacky, making it ideal for typists who prefer a satisfying and lively typing experience.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the G Pro 3.0 White utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing that also contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound. Both switches offer a unique sound experience due to their different bottom housing materials.
When it comes to the overall sound and feel, the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either the G Pro 3.0 White or the Ink Box Pink, you will feel the impact and experience the sound of the bottom housing. The bottom housing has a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing plays a more prominent role in the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, while the housing materials differ between the two switches, they both contribute to a distinct and satisfying sound experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, there is a clear distinction in their actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 White requires less force to trigger a keystroke and has a lighter overall feel when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces. If one prefers a lighter switch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the G Pro 3.0 White would be a suitable choice. However, for those seeking a heavier and more tactile typing experience, the Ink Box Pink would be the preferable option.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have different travel distances. The G Pro 3.0 White has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional, while the Ink Box Pink has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Gamers who prioritize faster response times might prefer the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Pink, as it allows for quicker key presses and reduces the time it takes for the switch to register. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper and more substantial keystroke may find the 4 mm travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 White more satisfying. Both switches offer their own advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Pink 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 Pink 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
When it comes to sound, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches are described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. However, the G Pro 3.0 White is also described as having a medium-high pitch, providing a satisfying auditory feedback, while the Ink Box Pink is described as having a higher-pitched clack. This means that both switches will offer a crisp and bright sound profile, but the Ink Box Pink may have a slightly sharper and crisper sound due to its higher pitch.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 White offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience. These descriptors suggest that the switch provides a smooth and buttery sensation, with minimal resistance and low actuation force. It is also described as being light and comfortable for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink is described as silky and polished, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced smoothness during key travel. Both switches provide a silky and smooth feel, but the G Pro 3.0 White offers more variety in terms of typing experience, with multiple descriptors indicating a light and effortless typing feel.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches share some qualities. Both switches offer a clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Both switches also provide a silky and smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the keystrokes. However, the G Pro 3.0 White has a medium-high pitch for auditory feedback, while the Ink Box Pink has a higher-pitched clack. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White offers a wider variety of feel descriptors, indicating a light, easy-to-press, and feathery typing experience, compared to the Ink Box Pink's silky and polished feel. Overall, both switches provide a great typing experience, but the G Pro 3.0 White offers a slightly different sound profile and more diverse feel options.
Conclusion
In closing, when making a decision between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it's important to consider your preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 White with its 45-gram bottom out force would be a suitable choice. It is designed for delicate typists and offers effortless and sensitive keystrokes. Additionally, if you enjoy a creamy, easy-to-press, or feathery typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White provides these qualities.
On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force, the Ink Box Pink with its 60-gram bottom out force would be more suitable. These switches offer a lighter typing feel relative to other mechanical switches and provide a smooth and silky typing experience. Furthermore, if you enjoy a silky or polished feel when typing, the Ink Box Pink delivers on these qualities.
Both switches have a clacky sound profile, but the G Pro 3.0 White offers a more neutral or subdued sound, while the Ink Box Pink has a higher-pitched sound. If you prefer a more crisp and bright sound, the Ink Box Pink would be the better choice.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Box Pink depends on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. Consider what feels most comfortable to you and what aligns with your typing style and preferences.
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