Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Yellow, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer different typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch that caters to delicate typists with its incredibly light actuation force of only 38g. This budget-friendly switch provides effortless and sensitive keystrokes, making it ideal for those who prefer easy-to-press keys. Its frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, and its medium-high pitch offers a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow is also a linear switch but stands out with its shorter travel distance, creating a typing experience between that on a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. This switch boasts a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, appealing to users who desire a polished yet subtly tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Yellow have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The relatively stiffer polycarbonate plastic allows for a more clear and resonant sound. This top housing is particularly useful for those who plan to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow has a proprietary INK blend top housing that is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. While the Ink Yellow's sound profile is also high-pitched, it is not as sharp as the G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate housing.
In terms of bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 White utilizes a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing produces 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. Meanwhile, the Ink Yellow features a proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which contributes to its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This thin and higher-pitched sound is often described as clacky, similar to the sound produced by the top housing of the Ink Yellow.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent in the bottom-out sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 White's nylon bottom housing will provide a deeper and fuller sound, while the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend bottom housing will maintain its pointed and high-pitched sound profile. When releasing a key, the top housing takes center stage in terms of sound. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 White will create a sharper, higher-pitched sound when compared to the Ink Yellow's proprietary INK blend top housing. Despite their differences, both switches offer unique and satisfying sound experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In comparison, the Ink Yellow switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 White requires less force to trigger a keystroke and provides a lighter typing experience, while the Ink Yellow switch demands a more substantial push for key activation and offers a medium-heavy typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or gaming may opt for the G Pro 3.0 White, while individuals seeking a stronger and more substantial typing experience might prefer the Ink Yellow switch. However, it is important to note that both switches provide a smooth linear feel, ensuring a consistent typing experience regardless of the force required.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5mm. The G Pro 3.0 White offers a more traditional and deeper travel distance compared to the Ink Yellow, which has a shallower travel distance. Shorter travel distances have become popular, especially among gamers, as they provide faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Ink Yellow with its shorter travel distance would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more substantial and satisfying keypress, the G Pro 3.0 White with its longer travel distance would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance depth.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow for $7.35.
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 offers a clacky keyboard experience. This means that when the keys are pressed, they produce a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. The sound profile of the G Pro White is medium-high in pitch, providing a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch also offers a clacky sound when pressed. It produces a sharp and snappy sound that is similar to the G Pro White, crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches have a neutral sound profile overall, which means they have a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile, suitable for most intents and purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch may also vary depending on other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience. The creamy description indicates that the switch provides a smooth and buttery typing sensation, making it feel like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The easy-to-press feature of the switch means that it requires minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The G Pro White switch is also described as feathery and mild, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and offers a gentle typing experience. These qualities make it comfortable for gaming, school, or work sessions that require extended typing. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch provides a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. It has a safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Ink Yellow switch is described as polished, meaning it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both provide a clacky sound profile, with a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Additionally, they offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. While the G Pro White switch has a creamy and feathery feel, the Ink Yellow switch has a polished feel, resulting in smooth and refined key travel. Overall, both switches offer budget-friendly options for those seeking a responsive and satisfying typing experience without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
All in all, if you are a delicate typist who prefers a light and effortless typing experience, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its light actuation force of only 45 grams, this switch offers a creamy, easy-to-press feel that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White produces a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate auditory feedback without being too loud or subdued.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a typing experience that falls between a laptop keyboard and a standard mechanical keyboard, the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch would be more suitable for you. With a slightly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, the Ink Yellow switch offers a mild typing feel that is approachable to most typists. It produces a clacky sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp and bright.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Consider factors such as actuation force, typing feel, and sound profile to make the best decision that aligns with your needs.
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