Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the SP-Star Polaris Purple. These switches offer distinct experiences, catering to different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 White, a linear switch, is designed for delicate typists seeking an effortless and sensitive keystroke. With an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, it ensures an almost feather-like feel while typing. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, creating a visually pleasing aesthetic. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple, a tactile switch, boasts a notable tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience. The sound profile of the Polaris Purple is described as snappy, further adding to the overall satisfaction while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the SP-Star Polaris Purple share similar qualities when it comes to their top housing material. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, a relatively stiffer plastic, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for those planning to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup. So, in terms of sound and aesthetics, users can expect similar results from the polycarbonate top housing of both switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the G Pro 3.0 White and the Polaris Purple differ. The G Pro 3.0 White features a nylon bottom housing, while the Polaris Purple opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. On the other hand, polycarbonate, even as a bottom housing material, contributes to a sharper and clearer sound profile. It is worth noting that the bottom housing has a stronger impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
In summary, users can expect the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the SP-Star Polaris Purple to have similar sound profiles due to their shared polycarbonate top housings. However, the Nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 White will provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate bottom housing will offer a sharper and crisper sound experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, the choice between the two switches will depend on one's preference for either a rounder and duller sound (G Pro 3.0 White) or a more resonant and crisp sound (Polaris Purple).
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, we can see some differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 White has a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams, meaning it requires a gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Polaris Purple is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the G Pro 3.0 White's bottom out force is 45 grams, which is also relatively light, indicating that it doesn't require much force to press the key all the way down. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy range. This means that typing on the Polaris Purple switch will provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience compared to the lighter G Pro 3.0 White. Ultimately, the G Pro 3.0 White is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, while the Polaris Purple is heavier, offering a more pronounced typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel. Therefore, the results you experience when using these switches will be similar in terms of the travel distance. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with a consistent amount of travel, allowing for precise and satisfying keystrokes.
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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 is described as having a clacky or crisp and bright sound profile. This means that when the keys are pressed, they produce a sharp and snappy sound, similar to the sound of a percussion instrument. On the other hand, the sound profile of the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch is described as neutral, meaning it has a moderate sound profile without any specific characteristics mentioned. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a more unique and distinctive sound experience compared to the Polaris Purple, which has a more general sound profile. However, it's important to note that the sound of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, and silky typing experience. The creamy description suggests that the switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience, possibly due to the application of lubricant at the factory or specific materials used. This results in a sensation of effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys with each keystroke. Furthermore, the easy-to-press attribute indicates that the switch requires minimal force to activate, making typing comfortable and reducing finger fatigue. The feathery characteristic implies that the switch is exceptionally light to press, further reducing strain on the fingers during extended typing sessions. The mild description suggests that the switch offers a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics, making it approachable to most users. Lastly, the silky attribute indicates that the switch offers an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple switch is described as mild and polished. This means it offers a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics, and it has a smooth and refined finish resulting in sleek key travel with reduced friction.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch stands out with its clacky or sharp and snappy sound profile, as well as its creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, and silky typing experience. It offers a unique combination of smoothness, low actuation force, and satisfying auditory feedback for delicate typists. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple switch offers a more general sound profile and a typing experience that is described as mild and polished, with a smooth and refined finish. While these switches have their own distinct qualities, users can expect similar results in terms of a moderate sound profile and a gentle typing experience from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum 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 a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of only 45 grams, this switch offers a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Plus, the clacky sound profile adds a crisp and bright auditory feedback. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White is budget-friendly while still providing a premium typing feel.
On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch is the way to go. The big tactile bump on these switches provides an exhilarating typing sensation, while the mild sound profile keeps the noise level at a moderate level. Moreover, the Polaris Purple switch offers a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth key travel.
In summary, if you prioritize lightness and ease of typing, choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White. But if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, go for the SP-Star Polaris Purple. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and typing style.
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