Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Magnetic Jade represent two distinct yet compelling options tailored to different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 White, celebrated for its budget-friendly price, boasts an incredibly light actuation force of 38g, making it a stellar choice for delicate typists who desire a smooth and effortless keystroke. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, while the medium-high pitch offers a satisfying auditory feedback, appealing to those who favor a softer typing experience characterized by a clacky and creamy feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches are designed for users looking to elevate their typing experience with a vibrant and clacky sound profile, making them an excellent choice for anyone upgrading their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Known for providing superior acoustics, these switches cater to a more tactile experience that can enhance both gaming and typing. While the G Pro 3.0 White excels in feather-light finesse, the Magnetic Jade focuses on rich sound and performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Polycarbonate
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Magnetic Jade both feature polycarbonate top housings, which impart a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. The use of polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, allows these switches to achieve a higher-pitched and crisper sound. This quality is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enables the display of vibrant backlighting. Given that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, they will likely produce comparable auditory experiences during use, allowing for a consistent performance in terms of sound, particularly when key presses are released.
In contrast to their identical top housing materials, the bottom housings of the G Pro 3.0 White and the Magnetic Jade are made of nylon. This choice of nylon, a classic switch housing material, effectively contributes to creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound waves more efficiently than stiffer materials, resulting in a duller yet rounder acoustic feedback. Because the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the unique characteristics of each nylon housing will lead to distinguishing tactile sensations and auditory responses in gameplay or typing scenarios between the two switches.
Ultimately, while the top housings of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Magnetic Jade yield similar results, the varying bottom housings create contrasting experiences. The polycarbonate tops enhance high-frequency sounds, contributing to an engaging auditory response when keys are released, whereas the nylon bottoms provide a rounded sound profile upon bottoming out. This contrast means that, when typing or gaming, users may notice a unique blend of both sharp and full-bodied sounds, thanks to the innovative combination of materials. Thus, even with some shared properties, the switches present distinctive tactile and auditory experiences due to their differing bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch to the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 White features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it relatively light and conducive for prolonged typing sessions, which is ideal for those seeking comfort in long work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade switch has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams, yielding a more substantial feel when fully pressed. This combination results in a medium-light feel that can appeal to those who appreciate a balance between ease of actuation and resistance at the end of the stroke. Thus, while both switches cater to different user preferences, the G Pro 3.0 White is lighter overall due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Magnetic Jade's heavier bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, a distinct difference is evident. The G Pro 3.0 White boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, reflecting a more traditional and deeper key feel that some users may prefer for a fuller typing experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade features a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, catering to a trend favored by gamers who seek quicker response times and a more abrupt actuation. This gives the G Pro 3.0 White the distinction of being the longer travel switch, while the Magnetic Jade is the shorter option. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preference; those who appreciate a stronger tactile experience may opt for the G Pro 3.0 White, while those seeking sharper responsiveness might lean towards the Magnetic Jade.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 is characterized by a medium-high pitch that delivers satisfying auditory feedback, described as clacky, crisp, and bright. This profile makes it suitable for a variety of environments, whether it's a home office or a shared workspace. The G Pro White strikes a balance between being noticed and remaining unintrusive, making it versatile for many users. In contrast, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch is said to offer a bright and clacky sound, detailed sound characteristics like pitch or volume aren’t specified. Thus, while it is promoted as an upgrade for improved acoustics, a direct comparison on sound quality may be challenging without a more in-depth description of its acoustic features.
Regarding feel, the G Pro 3.0 White is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 38g, making it easy to press and providing a creamy and silky typing experience. This combination of characteristics ensures minimal finger fatigue, making it ideal for those who type for extended periods. Its smooth feedback coupled with gentle resistance aids in a comfortable typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade's feel characteristics remain unspecified, leaving us without the ability to compare it to the G Pro White's renowned note of smoothness and effortless keystrokes.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch excels in sound and feel with its clacky, bright audio profile and incredibly light, smooth actuation that promotes a fatigue-free typing experience. Meanwhile, the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch shows potential for superior acoustics but lacks detailed descriptions regarding its sound and feel. Therefore, while the G Pro 3.0 White offers clarity in its expressive qualities, the Magnetic Jade may warrant further exploration to truly understand its unique attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switch really hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you're a delicate typist who values a super light keystroke and seeks an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White is your ideal option. Its light actuation force, which is particularly comfortable for long typing sessions, makes it perfect for office work, programming, or casual typing. The bright and satisfying clacky sound, coupled with its increased RGB lighting visibility, also adds a fun visual element to your setup. On the other hand, if you prioritize auditory feedback and a more robust typing sensation, the Magnetic Jade switch is the way to go. With its medium-light actuation force and a distinctly bright and clacky sound, it is particularly enjoyable for gamers or those who appreciate a formidable auditory experience while typing. Hence, consider the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard; the G Pro 3.0 White is fantastic for quiet environments and everyday typing, while the Magnetic Jade shines in scenarios where sound and a unique feel enhance the overall experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with what feels and sounds best to you.
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