Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and Durock Mamba are two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, both falling under the linear switch category. The G Pro 3.0 White stands out for its budget-friendly nature and exceptionally light actuation force of only 38g, providing typists with effortless and highly sensitive keystrokes. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, and the medium-high pitch delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Mamba pays tribute to the legendary Kobe Bryant and offers a gliding typing sensation accompanied by a rich and creamy auditory experience. Both switches share qualities such as a mild feel and a neutral tone, but the Mamba brings a thocky sensation and a polished finish to the table. However, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch to determine which one suits your preferences the best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Durock Mamba have contrasting housing materials that significantly affect their sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that produces a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Mamba features a unique blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its top housing. This blend offers a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but leans toward the brighter side. While both switches provide distinct sound profiles, they differ in terms of clarity and pitch.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 White consists of a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Mamba incorporates a POM (polyoxymethylene) bottom housing. POM housings produce an incredibly pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted than nylon. Despite the differences, both bottom housings enhance the auditory experience by offering their respective characteristics of depth and muteness.
It's important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be divided. When engaging the G Pro 3.0 White, you will primarily experience the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, which influence the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the Mamba's sound will be shaped more by its POM bottom housing. When releasing a key, the top housing of each switch will have a greater impact on the sound produced. Therefore, while there are differences in housing materials between the two switches, they both provide distinct sound profiles, albeit with variations in clarity, pitch, depth, and muteness.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there are notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 White has a relatively lighter actuation force of 38 grams, meaning less pressure is needed to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Mamba is unavailable, so it is difficult to determine how it compares in this aspect. However, the G Pro 3.0 White's bottom out force of 45 grams indicates a relatively lighter and more gentle typing experience when pressing the keys fully. On the other hand, the Mamba boasts a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. Thus, for individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White would be a suitable choice, while those seeking a heavier and more pronounced keystroke feel may opt for the Mamba.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have different travel distances. The G Pro 3.0 White has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is the more traditional option. On the other hand, the Mamba has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shallower. This means that the G Pro 3.0 White offers a slightly deeper key press compared to the Mamba. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Mamba, as it allows for quicker keystrokes. However, those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming may opt for the G Pro 3.0 White with its longer travel distance. Therefore, the choice between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 sound profile. This means that it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch has a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound profile, suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or work. Additionally, the Mamba switch is also described as thocky, which means it produces a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is known for offering a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience. This switch is smooth and buttery to type on, providing a silky sensation as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. It has an easy-to-press actuation force, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue. It is also described as feathery, which means it is exceptionally light to press, further reducing strain on the fingers and enhancing comfort during extended typing sessions. The G Pro 3.0 White switch is also considered mild, offering a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users.
On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch is also described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is suitable for a wide range of users. Additionally, it is described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This is due to the materials used and/or factory lubing, which reduces friction and provides smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a clacky sound profile and a creamy, easy-to-press feel. It is a budget-friendly switch that provides a premium typing experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch has a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel. Both switches offer satisfying auditory feedback and comfortable typing experiences. While the Mamba switch lacks the specific descriptors provided for the G Pro 3.0 White, it can still be expected to provide similar results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are a delicate typist looking for a budget-friendly option with a light actuation force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches provide effortless and sensitive keystrokes with their light actuation force of only 45 grams. They also offer a bright RGB lighting with a frosted light diffuser and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 White offers a clacky, neutral, or subdued option, allowing you to choose the level of sound that suits your preferences. As for the feel, this switch provides a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, or subtle sensation, ensuring a smooth and low-impact typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium actuation force and enjoy a gliding typing sensation with a rich and creamy auditory experience, the Durock Mamba linear switch would be more suitable for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches offer a slightly heavier touch. In terms of sound, the Mamba provides a neutral or thocky option, allowing for a moderate or deep and satisfying sound profile. As for the feel, the Mamba offers a mild and polished experience, providing a gently refined and smooth typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Durock Mamba switches depends on your personal preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider your typing style, desired auditory feedback, and budget to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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