Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are plenty of options to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits. Two switches that stand out in the linear switch category are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream. The G Pro 3.0 White is a budget-friendly offering from Gateron's G Pro series, designed specifically for delicate typists. This switch boasts an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, making keystrokes effortless and sensitive. With a frosted light diffuser, it allows for brighter RGB lighting and offers a satisfying auditory feedback with its medium-high pitch. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream provides a heftier linear typing experience. It has a fairly deep sound profile, offering a deeper typing sound compared to the average switch. It is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', and 'Invigorating'. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, allowing for more clear and resonant sound production. Additionally, the transparent nature of polycarbonate is perfect for those who want to showcase RGB lighting. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream features a POM top housing that produces a deep and muted sound. This POM material gives the switch a unique tonal quality, providing a pleasing typing experience.
In terms of bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 White employs a nylon material which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. Conversely, the NovelKeys Cream utilizes a POM bottom housing, lending to a similar deep and muted sound profile. Although both switches have different bottom housing materials, they both offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound qualities.
When comparing the impact on sound and feel while pressing or letting go of a key, the different housing materials come into play. The bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, which means that the G Pro 3.0 White's nylon bottom housing will contribute to a deeper and fuller bottom-out experience. Meanwhile, the NovelKeys Cream's POM bottom housing will have a similar impact, resulting in a deep and muted sound upon bottoming-out. Conversely, the top housing has more effect on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound when keys are released, while the NovelKeys Cream's POM top housing contributes to a more unique and pleasing sound upon key release.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and Kailh NovelKeys Cream differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while its nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream's POM top and bottom housing create a deep and muted sound that is pleasing to the ear. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique qualities. Whether one prefers the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the unique tonal quality of POM, both switches offer excellent options to suit different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there are noticeable differences in weight. The G Pro 3.0 White exhibits a lighter touch, with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes it ideal for individuals who enjoy a lighter typing experience, allowing them to effortlessly type for longer durations without strain.
On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch offers a slightly heavier touch. It has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, falling into the medium-heavy category. This increased force requirement provides a more substantial typing experience, which some users may prefer for a satisfying tactile feedback.
For those seeking similar results, as the actuation force and bottom out force of both switches are quite different, it might be challenging to achieve truly similar experiences. However, individuals desiring a lighter touch similar to the G Pro 3.0 White could potentially mitigate the difference by adjusting their typing style or employing techniques to avoid fully bottoming out. Conversely, those seeking a heavier touch akin to the NovelKeys Cream can explore options such as adding o-rings to dampen the keystrokes and fine-tune their typing experience.
Ultimately, it's crucial to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White offers a lighter touch ideal for extended periods of typing, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream provides a medium-heavy option for a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance and therefore a similar tactile feedback. However, it is worth noting that both switches have different characteristics and overall feel, so even with the same travel distance, the typing experience may vary.
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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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 described as having a "neutral" sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound with a crisp and bright tone when pressed. It is not overly loud or clacky, making it suitable for various environments such as home or work. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch emits a "low-pitched" sound. This gives it a deeper and more bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound profile is clean, sharp, and resonant, creating an immersive auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can enhance the typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 White being more neutral and the NovelKeys Cream being more low-pitched and resonant.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a "creamy" and "easy-to-press" typing experience. It offers a smooth and buttery sensation, making typing feel effortless and comfortable. With an actuation force of only 38g, it requires minimal effort to activate the switch, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The G Pro 3.0 White switch is also described as "feathery" and "mild," providing a light and gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch is described as "buttery" and "invigorating." It offers a seamless and uniform typing sensation, with a moderate to firm actuation force and pronounced feedback. The Cream switch creates a snappy and reactive feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. Both switches provide unique feelings, with the G Pro 3.0 White offering a smooth and light typing experience and the NovelKeys Cream offering a more pronounced, invigorating feel.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 White switch has a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force, providing a crisp and bright auditory feedback. It offers a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience, with a light actuation force and a smooth sensation. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch has a low-pitched sound profile with a more bass-heavy and resonant tone. It offers a buttery and invigorating typing experience, with pronounced feedback and a moderate to firm actuation force. Both switches provide unique qualities that can cater to different preferences and needs. While the G Pro 3.0 White and NovelKeys Cream switches differ in sound and feel, they can both deliver satisfying results depending on the user's requirements.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a light actuation force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is a great choice. With an actuation force of only 45 grams, it provides effortless and sensitive keystrokes, making it ideal for delicate typists. Additionally, the G Pro White switch offers a bright RGB lighting experience with its frosted light diffuser, and its medium-high pitch provides satisfying auditory feedback. This switch is known for its creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle feel, enhancing the overall typing experience while minimizing fatigue.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more medium-heavy typing experience, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom-out force of 70 grams, it offers a heftier linear feel. Typing on these switches provides a fairly deep sound profile, creating a deeper and more resonant sound compared to the average switch. The Cream switch is described as buttery, textured, and invigorating, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a reactive feel.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch will depend on your personal preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Whether you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience with a budget-friendly option or prefer a medium-heavy typing feel with a deeper sound profile, both switches offer unique characteristics to enhance your typing journey.
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