Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Mini i mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they both offer unique advantages for different types of users. The G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch that is ideal for delicate typists looking for a light actuation force and a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i is a tactile switch that provides gentle tactility and a fairly muted sound profile, making it perfect for quiet office environments. While both switches offer easy-to-press and subtle characteristics, the G Pro 3.0 White leans more towards a creamy and feathery typing experience, while the Mini i ensures a snappy and bouncy feel. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Mini i both feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic. This creates a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. However, the G Pro 3.0 White stands out with its polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for switches intended for use with RGB lighting, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
In terms of sound profile, the nylon top housing of the Gateron Mini i produces a deeper and fuller sound when typing, similar to its nylon bottom housing. This consistency in material throughout the switch results in a more uniform sound experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing splits the qualities each material brings to the switch between the top and bottom. This creates a unique sound profile where the top housing impacts the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed.
While both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Mini i provide similar results when it comes to key feel and overall typing experience. The difference in housing materials between the two switches emphasizes different aspects of sound, with the G Pro 3.0 White delivering a crisper and sharper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing, while the Mini i offers a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top and bottom housings. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preferences in sound and aesthetics.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch are both on the lighter side, with the G Pro 3.0 White being slightly lighter than the Mini i. The G Pro 3.0 White has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Mini i has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Typists looking for a lighter touch may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 White, while those who prefer a slightly firmer feel may opt for the Mini i. In terms of weight, the G Pro 3.0 White is the lighter option, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. However, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, and users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The G Pro 3.0 White has a longer travel distance compared to the Mini i, making it more suitable for those who prefer a deeper key press feel. On the other hand, the Mini i offers a shorter travel distance, which is ideal for individuals looking for a more responsive key press, such as gamers. Both switches provide different tactile feedback due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately depends on personal preference as to which one would be the better choice.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 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 known for its clacky and medium-high pitch sound profile, providing a sharp and satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a more neutral sound profile, ensuring a moderate and subtle typing experience suitable for various environments. Both switches focus on providing a balanced sound profile, with the G Pro 3.0 White leaning towards a brighter and more percussive tone, while the Mini i offers a quieter and more subdued typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch boasts a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation with minimal effort required for key presses. This switch aims to reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, offering a feathery and comfortable feel ideal for delicate typists. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch provides a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience, giving a spring-like feedback with gentle resistance, suitable for prolonged typing without causing strain on the fingers. Both switches offer a mild and subtle typing experience, focusing on enhancing the overall comfort and responsiveness for users.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch provide unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 White offers a clacky sound with a creamy and easy-to-press feel, the Mini i provides a neutral sound with a bouncy and easy-to-press typing experience. Depending on personal preferences and typing requirements, both switches offer a premium typing feel without compromising on comfort and performance. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience with either switch, tailored to their individual preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider your typing preferences. If you are looking for a light and effortless typing experience with a subtle sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 White may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a gentle tactile feedback with easy-to-press keys and a muted sound, the Mini i might be more suitable for your needs. Overall, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference and typing habits. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing experience and enjoy a comfortable and satisfying keyboard experience.
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