Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White, a linear switch, and the Durock Medium Tactile, a tactile switch. These two mechanical keyboard switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 White, from Gateron's G Pro series, is ideal for delicate typists who value effortless and sensitive keystrokes. With an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, this switch ensures easy typing without straining your fingers. Its frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, while the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, we have the Medium Tactile by Durock, which boasts a pronounced yet balanced tactility. This switch's unique tactile feedback enhances typing accuracy and makes each keystroke feel more deliberate. Additionally, its jelly-like sound signature adds a touch of playfulness to the typing experience. Both switches have their merits, offering a range of categories such as clacky, creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, neutral, silky, subdued, subtle for the G Pro 3.0 White, and accented, stepped, mild, polished for the Medium Tactile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Durock Medium Tactile both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This choice provides them with similar sound profiles, featuring sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sounds. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced during typing. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting, making it a desirable option for those who want to add visual flair to their keyboard setup.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon. This material is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. It adds a distinct impact when the key is pressed down, providing tactile feedback and enhancing the overall typing experience.
While the top and bottom housings differ for these switches, the qualities brought by each housing material are split between them. Pressing down on the switch allows you to feel the qualities of the bottom housing, while the sound produced when releasing a key is primarily influenced by the top housing material. This distinction highlights the importance of selecting the right housing material combination to achieve the desired typing experience, whether it be for the audible feedback or the physical sensation when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that there are notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 White has a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter weight makes it ideal for those who prefer a keyboard that allows for longer periods of typing or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch has an unavailable actuation force but a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a more medium-heavy option.
For those who seek a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would be the preferred choice. It offers a higher bottom out force, providing a satisfying resistance when pressing the keys. However, it is important to note that the actuation force of the Durock switch is unknown, which makes it difficult to directly compare to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch.
In terms of weight, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is lighter overall, while the Durock Medium Tactile switch leans towards the heavier side. This weight difference can have a significant impact on the typing experience, allowing users to choose the one that suits their preferences and typing style. Ultimately, while the specific actuation force of the Durock switch remains unknown, those seeking a light and responsive keystroke should opt for the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch, while those who prioritize a heavier and more substantial feel may find the Durock Medium Tactile switch more suitable.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same amount of distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying key press experience in terms of travel distance. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 White or the Durock Medium Tactile, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when typing or gaming.
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 Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 is known for its clacky sound signature. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound that can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Durock Medium Tactile switch is unknown. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, if you prefer a clacky sound, the G Pro 3.0 White switch would be a suitable choice, but for the sound profile of the Medium Tactile switch, further information is needed.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience. With its smooth and buttery feel, typing on this switch is akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, its light actuation force of only 38g makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as accented, suggesting that it provides a noticeable yet balanced level of tactile feedback. The specific feel of the Medium Tactile switch is dependent on its tactility, which is not overwhelmed or subtle, but further details are required for a comprehensive comparison. If you prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White switch would be a great choice, while the Medium Tactile switch offers an accented level of tactility.
Taking into account the available information, it can be concluded that the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch and Durock Medium Tactile switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 White switch has a clacky sound signature and provides a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience. It is a budget-friendly option with a light actuation force, suitable for delicate typists. On the other hand, the sound profile and specific feel of the Medium Tactile switch remain unknown, requiring further information for an in-depth comparison. However, if you are looking for a similar sound profile or feel, opting for switches with descriptors such as "mild" or "neutral" could potentially provide similar results to the G Pro 3.0 White switch. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and budget considerations.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are a delicate typist who values a light actuation force and effortless keystrokes, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. With its creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle feel, this switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience while reducing finger fatigue. The clacky, neutral, and subdued sound profile of this switch provides a crisp and bright auditory feedback without being too overwhelming. On the other hand, if you prefer a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a switch with a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is the way to go. With its accented, stepped, mild, and polished feel, this switch offers a gentle typing experience with a smooth and refined finish. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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