Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, two notable linear switches come into focus: the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Keygeek Keylin. The G Pro 3.0 White is celebrated for its budget-friendly pricing and feather-light actuation force of just 38g, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a sensitive and effortless typing experience. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, while the medium-high pitch adds a touch of satisfying auditory feedback, appealing particularly to delicate typists who appreciate subtle yet enjoyable keystrokes. On the other hand, the Keylin from Keygeek stands out with its premium feel, characterized by rich acoustics and remarkable smoothness, making it a choice for users seeking a high-quality typing experience. Both switches offer distinct advantages: the G Pro 3.0 White for its affordability and ease of use, and the Keylin for its premium construction and auditory richness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Keygeek Keylin diverge primarily in their top housing materials, which significantly affects their sound profiles and typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 White is built with a polycarbonate top housing, known for delivering a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer structure, which enhances resonance. This characteristic enables the production of a more vibrant acoustic experience, particularly when used in conjunction with RGB lighting, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for better light diffusion. In contrast, the Keylin features a nylon top housing, which is softer and contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a typing experience that feels rounder and less immediate, showcasing a classic touch that many enthusiasts appreciate.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housing, representing a shared characteristic that influences the overall sound and tactile feedback during use. The presence of nylon in both the G Pro 3.0 White and the Keylin's bottom housings reinforces a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This commonality indicates that while the top housings create distinct sound qualities, the nylon material's influence on the bottom-out feel and sound would be comparable between the two. As users press down on these switches, they will encounter the characteristic audible dampening and soft feel that nylon provides, leading to a generally satisfying experience spanning both models.
When comparing the two switches, the major distinction lies in their top housing materials, which directly impacts their sound profiles and tactile feedback. While the G Pro 3.0 White’s polycarbonate top lends a sharp and resonant quality, the Keylin's nylon top promotes a muted and softer sound. However, since both share nylon in the bottom housing, users can expect similar tactile sensations and sound dampening qualities upon actuation of the switches. This layered approach means that while the overall sound experience may vary depending on the top housing, enthusiasts looking for depth in their typing experience will find that both switches deliver satisfactory results through their nylon components.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch both feature an actuation force of 38 grams, making them equally light in this regard, which can enhance typing speed and comfort, especially during extended use in both work and gaming contexts. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 White has a slightly lower force of 45 grams compared to the Keylin's 48 grams. This means that while both switches offer a similar, lightweight typing experience at the actuation point, the Keylin requires a bit more effort to press fully down, providing a more substantial feel for those who prefer a heavier switch. Therefore, when considering overall heaviness, the G Pro 3.0 White is the lighter option, making it more suitable for users seeking prolonged comfort, while the Keylin’s heavier bottom out force might appeal to those who favor a stronger typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, the G Pro 3.0 White has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Keylin features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the G Pro 3.0 White the longer option, offering a more pronounced keypress for those who appreciate a deeper feel, often preferred by typists or those looking for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Keylin, with its shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, aligns with the modern trend favoring quicker response times, making it ideal for gamers seeking efficiency in their key presses. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive action, the Keylin would be the suitable choice, whereas for a fuller keypress experience, the G Pro 3.0 White would serve you better.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 linear switch showcases a medium-high pitch that can be categorized as clacky, providing a sharp and snappy auditory response with each keystroke. This sound profile can be described as crisp and bright, adding a pleasing percussive quality to the typing experience. Some may find the sound to be neutral, fitting for various environments, while it can also be seen as somewhat subdued, which offers a subtler auditory experience. In contrast, specific information about the sound profile of the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is currently unknown, so a direct comparison cannot be made. However, the overall experience may vary based on your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 White exemplifies an easy, creamy typing experience that enhances comfort during extended use. With a remarkably light actuation force of only 38g, it requires minimal effort to press the keys, which makes it ideal for long typing sessions. Users can expect a silky-smooth interaction, often described as feathery and mild, ensuring that those who prefer a gentle resistance will appreciate its responsiveness. Unfortunately, details about the feel of the Keylin switch are also unknown at this point, which leaves an essential aspect of its comparison incomplete.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch offers a well-defined sound that incorporates clacky and subdued qualities, along with a creamy and effortless typing feel, the details regarding the Keylin switch from Keygeek remain undisclosed. This highlights that while you can expect a premium typing experience from the G Pro, how the Keylin holds up in both sound and feel is yet to be determined. For enthusiasts looking for clarity in comparison and performance, it's advisable to explore each switch hands-on whenever possible to make the best choice for their personal typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, consider the specific aspects of your typing or gaming preferences. If you favor a lighter touch with a highly sensitive actuation—thanks to the G Pro's low actuation force of 38 grams—you'll likely appreciate its creamy feel and clacky sound profile that offers a more engaging auditory feedback. This makes it an excellent choice for delicate typists or those who enjoy typing for extended periods without experiencing finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you value a slightly firmer bottom-out force of 48 grams and are looking for rich acoustics alongside exceptional smoothness, the Keylin switch may be the better option for you. This switch targets users who want a premium typing experience with a well-balanced feel, ideal for those who want versatility whether at home or in shared spaces. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your comfort, typing style, and how much you prioritize sound and feel in your overall keyboard experience.
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