Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the nuanced world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and Kailh BCP stand out as two compelling options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches; each offers a distinct typing experience tailored to different preferences. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White is celebrated for its feather-light actuation force of just 38g, making it an excellent choice for delicate typists or those who favor minimal resistance during typing. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, ensuring a vibrant visual experience. In contrast, the Kailh BCP introduces a refreshing take on the classic linear switch with its creamy, elastic feel and a signature poppy, clacky sound profile that adds character to every keystroke. While both switches provide a smooth typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White excels in responsiveness and affordability, while the BCP offers a unique tactile delight that caters to users looking for auditory feedback. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Kailh BCP exhibit notable differences, particularly in the choice of materials for the top housing. The G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile and contributes to a more resonant auditory experience due to its stiffer nature. This is contrasted by the Kailh BCP's nylon top housing, known for its softer composition that tends to absorb sound rather than reflect it, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the clear polycarbonate housing of the G Pro 3.0 White enhances RGB lighting effects, whereas the opaque nylon housing of the BCP may not offer the same level of illumination through the switch.
On the other hand, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which is a classic material revered for its sound-dampening properties. The G Pro 3.0 White and the Kailh BCP share similar attributes when it comes to their nylon bottom housing. Both facilitate a deeper, rounder sound and offer a softer feel during key presses. The sound absorption characteristic of nylon plays a significant role in generating a fuller auditory experience as it cushions the bottom-out sound, contributing to a more satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
Ultimately, while the G Pro 3.0 White and Kailh BCP differ in the top housing materials and their resultant sound profiles, they converge in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. The interplay of the stiffer polycarbonate top and the soft nylon bottom creates a unique sound dynamic for the G Pro 3.0 White, focusing on clarity and resonance when releasing keys. In contrast, the BCP maintains cohesion in sound and feel, leading to a well-rounded and richer auditory experience. Thus, even if these switches differ in some characteristics, the nylon bottom housing allows for a consistent handling and sound quality that both can offer, albeit expressed differently due to their top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, clear distinctions emerge in their characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 White features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons due to its reduced effort requirement. In contrast, the Kailh BCP switch has a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for its tactile feedback during typing. As a result, if lighter keypresses are your priority, the G Pro 3.0 White is the better choice, whereas those who enjoy a firmer push experience may gravitate toward the heavier Kailh BCP. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, they each offer unique benefits depending on the user's typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh BCP linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. As such, the G Pro 3.0 offers a more traditional feel, which many users may appreciate for its depth and robust feedback. Conversely, the Kailh BCP's shorter travel distance may provide gamers with a quicker response time, appealing to those who favor a more swift and agile typing experience. For users who prefer a more profound engagement with each keystroke, the G Pro 3.0 White would likely be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance—4 mm for the G Pro 3.0 White versus 3.5 mm for the BCP—highlights the varying preferences between those who enjoy a hearty depth and those seeking a more immediate response.
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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a predominantly clacky profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that is both crisp and bright. This sound lends itself well to typists who enjoy an engaging auditory experience with each keystroke, making it suitable for both personal preference and typical office environments due to its neutral undertones. In contrast, the Kailh BCP switch does not have a detailed sound description available, leaving a gap in understanding its acoustic qualities. As such, any assumptions regarding the BCP's sound profile remain unestablished, making it difficult to directly compare.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 White is notable for providing a creamy and smooth typing experience, with effortless key presses that require minimal force thanks to its lightweight 38g actuation force. This switch is designed to diminish finger fatigue and offers a silky sensation that allows for comfortable extended use, making it ideal for typists who value a responsive and low-impact feel. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP switch is described with a more unique tactile experience, known for its elastic and bouncy characteristics. However, without further detail on its feel and how it compares on the tactile scale, generalizations about its user experience remain speculative.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and Kailh BCP linear switches both focus on providing a satisfying typing experience, they exhibit different qualities. The G Pro 3.0 White stands out with its clacky sound and smooth, creamy feel, ideal for those seeking an engaging auditory experience alongside comfort during typing. Conversely, the Kailh BCP's unique tactile qualities promise an intriguing feel, but without a clear sound profile or tactile descriptors readily available, the overall experience remains underexplored. Those choosing between these options should consider personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback to find their ideal switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch should be guided by your typing preferences, environment, and intended use. If you are seeking a switch that offers a lightweight and effortless typing experience, particularly for long sessions of typing or gaming, the G Pro 3.0 White is an excellent option. With its soft actuation force of 38g and creamy, silky feel, you'll find it easy to create quick keystrokes while minimizing finger fatigue. Additionally, the G Pro’s clacky sound profile can add a fun auditory element to your typing, making it suitable for home environments. However, if you prefer a more robust and tactile experience with a noticeable audible feedback, the Kailh BCP would be the better choice. With its medium-heavy resistance of 63.5g, it provides a satisfying level of resistance that makes each keystroke feel more deliberate, along with a unique poppy and clacky sound. This may be especially appealing in situations where you enjoy the action of typing, such as during gaming or while engaging in creative writing. Ultimately, by considering these factors, you can select the switch that best aligns with your personal preferences and typing style.
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