Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Cherry MX Black. The G Pro 3.0 White is well-known for its budget-friendly nature and delicate typing experience. With an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, this linear switch ensures effortless and sensitive keystrokes. The switch also features a frosted light diffuser, allowing for brighter RGB lighting, and offers a satisfying auditory feedback with its medium-high pitch. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black is recognized for its perfected design with Cherry's new Hyperglide tooling. These linear switches provide a classic textured smoothness, accompanied by a familiar deep sound profile while typing. The MX Black switch is categorized as low-pitched, textured, and stiff, offering a different typing experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 White. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Cherry MX Black have different housing materials, resulting in noticeable differences in sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, while the MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials offer their unique characteristics, the G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate top housing produces a higher-pitched and more resonant sound, ideal for those who prefer a clearer typing experience. In contrast, the MX Black's nylon top housing gives a more muffled and rounded sound, providing a different typing experience with its deeper tones.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 White and the MX Black utilize nylon. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, creating a similar dull and round sound profile in both switches. The bottom housing of a switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. In this case, the nylon material in both switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound when typing. Regardless of the brand, the nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent auditory experience when pressing down on the keys.
It's important to note that while the top and bottom housings may differ in material for these switches, the impact on the overall typing experience varies. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, for the G Pro 3.0 White, the polycarbonate top housing would create a distinct sound when letting go of a key, while the MX Black's nylon top housing would provide a slightly different sound in the same situation. However, when it comes to the overall typing experience and the sound produced when pressing down on the keys, both switches would deliver a deep and full sound profile due to their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in weight. The G Pro 3.0 White has a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. On the other hand, the MX Black has a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White would be the preferable option. The lighter actuation force allows for a more effortless keystroke, which can be ideal for those who type for longer periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. This lightweight characteristic also makes the G Pro 3.0 White a suitable choice for portable keyboards that are often used on the go.
In contrast, the MX Black provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces. The higher actuation force of 60 grams gives users a satisfying push feel when pressing the keys, allowing for a more tactile experience. This can be particularly appealing to individuals who prefer a more pronounced and intentional keystroke. However, the increased weight may not be ideal for extended typing sessions or situations that require a lighter touch.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Cherry MX Black ultimately comes down to personal preference. Those looking for a lighter and more effortless typing experience may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 White, while individuals seeking a more substantial and tactile feel may opt for the MX Black. While the forces of both switches differ, each has its own advantages depending on the user's typing style and preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the travel distance for both switches.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a clacky and crisp sound profile. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, providing a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience. This switch is known for its smooth and buttery feel, making each keystroke feel effortless and silky. It requires minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and provides a comfortable typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch is described as textured and stiff. It has noticeable friction when pressed, and requires a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out.
Based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch and the Cherry MX Black switch offer different subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a light actuation force, a clacky sound profile, and a creamy and easy-to-press feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch has a low-pitched sound profile, a textured and stiff feel, and requires more force to actuate. It is important to note that the actual sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, for someone seeking a budget-friendly option with a lighter and smoother typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch would be a suitable choice. However, if someone prefers a switch with a deeper sound and a more textured and stiff feel, the Cherry MX Black switch would be a better fit.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are a delicate typist who prefers an effortless and sensitive typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be the better choice for you. With its light actuation force of only 45 grams, it offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing feel, reducing finger fatigue and providing a smooth gliding sensation. In terms of sound, it offers a clacky, neutral, and subdued sound profile, providing a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing feel that requires more force to actuate and offers a deeper sound profile, the Cherry MX Black linear switch would be more suitable for you. With its bottom out force of 80 grams, it offers a low-pitched sound and a textured, but stiffer typing feel that some users prefer. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Cherry MX Black switches depends on your personal preference for typing feel, actuation force, and sound profile.
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