Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a plethora of options to choose from, each offering its own unique features and characteristics. Two popular choices in the market are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Outemu Red Panda switches. The G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch, designed for delicate typists who value effortless and sensitive keystrokes. With an actuation force of only 38g, this switch ensures a feather-light touch while still providing a satisfying auditory feedback. In addition, the G Pro White offers a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing choice. On the other hand, we have the Outemu Red Panda, a tactile switch. Typing on these switches provides a light-medium amount of tactility, accompanied by a bassier bottom-out sound and a higher-pitched top-out sound. The Red Panda switch is categorized as "Thocky" and "Mild," highlighting its unique sound profile. Both switches have their advantages, offering different typing experiences based on preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Outemu Red Panda both feature polycarbonate top housings. This translates to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. While the top housings are the same for both switches, the G Pro 3.0 White has a nylon bottom housing, while the Red Panda has a nylon bottom housing.
Moving on to the bottom housings, both the G Pro 3.0 White and the Red Panda utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon being a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, the switches with nylon bottom housings create a duller and rounder sound.
Although both switches have the same polycarbonate top housings, the different bottom housings impact the overall sound and feel of the switches. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as the impact and bottom-out sound, are more prominent when pressing down on the switch. Conversely, the top housing has a greater influence on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, despite their similar top housings, the G Pro 3.0 White and the Red Panda will have some differences in their overall sound profiles due to their contrasting bottom housings.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Outemu Red Panda share polycarbonate top housings, resulting in a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. However, their differing bottom housings, with the G Pro 3.0 White featuring a nylon bottom housing and the Red Panda featuring a nylon bottom housing, contribute to variations in the sound produced. The G Pro 3.0 White's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Red Panda's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique auditory experience that can be enhanced by the combination of their top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there is a notable difference in weight. The G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. In contrast, the Red Panda has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke and has a softer landing when bottoming out, while the Red Panda offers a more substantial typing experience with a firmer keystroke and a heavier landing. If a lighter keyboard is preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, the G Pro 3.0 White would be the better choice. However, if a stronger push feel and a more tactile typing experience are desired, the Outemu Red Panda would be the suitable option. Overall, the weight of the switches should be considered based on individual preferences and the intended use of the keyboard.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is 4.0mm, while the travel distance of the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is 3.3mm. In terms of travel distance, the G Pro 3.0 White has a longer distance compared to the Red Panda. The G Pro 3.0 White provides a more traditional travel distance, while the Red Panda offers a slightly shorter one. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may opt for the Red Panda with its shorter travel distance, as it allows for quicker key presses. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial and deeper feel when pressing down on a key may prefer the G Pro 3.0 White with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, whether one prefers a shorter or longer travel distance depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is known for its medium-high pitch sound, providing a satisfying auditory feedback. It can be described as clacky, which means it produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch is known for a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. This type of sound is typically deep, rich, and satisfying, producing a "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 White has a clackier and sharper sound, while the Red Panda has a deeper and more satisfying sound.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 White is described as creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle. These descriptors indicate that the switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, with a light actuation force that requires minimal effort to activate. This results in effortless and comfortable typing, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. The feel of the G Pro 3.0 White is exceptionally light and gentle, making it suitable for gaming, school, or work.
Similarly, the Red Panda is also described as mild, which means it offers a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes the sound and feel of the Red Panda approachable to most users, as its qualities stand in a safe, middle-ground zone. While the specific feel descriptors for the Red Panda are not provided, it can be inferred that its typing experience is mild and comfortable.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch have their own unique subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 White has a clacky sound and offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda has a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound, providing a milder typing experience. While they have different characteristics, both switches offer a pleasant typing experience. If you prefer a clacky sound and a light, smooth feel, the G Pro 3.0 White would be a good choice. If you prefer a deeper, more satisfying sound with a mild feel, the Red Panda would be a suitable option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are a delicate typist who prefers a light and effortless typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be the perfect choice for you. With a bottom out force of only 45 grams, this switch offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience. Its light actuation force and smooth feel make it ideal for reducing finger fatigue and enhancing comfort during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White produces a neutral sound profile that is crisp, bright, and percussive, making it suitable for various environments such as home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile typing experience with a medium amount of tactility and a deep, satisfying sound, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch would be the better option for you. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches provide a mild typing experience that is approachable to most typists. The Red Panda's thocky sound creates a deep "thud" or soft "knock" when keys are pressed and released, adding to the overall satisfaction while typing.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch depends on your personal preferences and typing style. Consider whether you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience with a neutral sound profile (G Pro 3.0 White) or a tactile typing experience with a mild feel and a thocky sound (Red Panda). Both switches offer their unique benefits, so choose the one that aligns best with your needs and enjoy a premium typing experience.
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