Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Akko Rosewood present two compelling yet distinct options for typists and gamers alike. The G Pro 3.0 White is celebrated for its lightweight actuation force of just 38g, making each keystroke feel almost effortless, which is ideal for users who prioritize speed and sensitivity in their typing experience. Its frosted light diffuser allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, appealing to those looking to create an eye-catching setup. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches offer a more robust auditory experience with their deep, thocky sound profile, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant that contributes to a smooth typing experience straight out of the box. While the G Pro 3.0 White is tailored for those who appreciate a clacky and creamy feedback, the Rosewood caters to users who favor a subdued yet rich acoustic environment. With such distinctive characteristics, each switch has its own unique appeal. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
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
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
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Akko Rosewood switches showcase distinct differences in their housing materials, which significantly influence their auditory and tactile performance. The G Pro 3.0 White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, while the Akko Rosewood is equipped with a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper and more resonant sound profile that is characterized by a higher pitch. This property makes it especially suitable for applications where RGB lighting is involved, as its translucency allows for enhanced light diffusion and aesthetic appeal. Conversely, the nylon top housing of the Akko Rosewood, although classic and widely appreciated, delivers a deeper, rounder sound profile due to its softer material. This difference in sound quality reflects the construction materials' inherent characteristics, illustrating how they influence user experience when typing.
On the bottom housing front, both the G Pro 3.0 White and Akko Rosewood utilize nylon, which brings a similar quality to the switches. The nylon bottom housing in both cases is responsible for creating a fuller sound profile, contributing to a softer bottom-out feel. The absorption properties of nylon mitigate sound frequency, producing a more muted auditory experience compared to the sharper polycarbonate top of the G Pro 3.0 White. Since the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the sound generated when a key bottoms out, the shared nylon material ensures that users will have a consistent and rich tactile performance from both switches, highlighting a commonality that binds them despite the contrasting top materials.
Overall, although the G Pro 3.0 White and Akko Rosewood employ different materials for their top housing, they share similarities in their bottom housing, which enables both switches to provide unique yet enjoyable typing experiences. The differences in sound profile from the top housings set them apart, with the G Pro 3.0 White offering a crisper and more vibrant sound while the Rosewood offers a softer and fuller tone. However, users will appreciate the underlying nylon in the bottom of both switches, ensuring that they will similarly enjoy a deep, absorbing sound quality during their typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend largely on personal preference regarding the auditory and tactile distinction that the top housing brings to the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both fall into the category of light switches, yet they differ slightly in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 White features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it one of the lighter options available. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which, while still light, is slightly heavier than the G Pro 3.0. This means that the G Pro 3.0 White will be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel during extended typing or gaming sessions, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Rosewood, as it offers a heavier push. Overall, the differences in force are minimal, but they could influence personal preference depending on the user's typing habits.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning users can expect a comparable typing experience when pressing down on these keys. With both switches offering the same travel distance, the actuation feels will be similar, allowing for an equally responsive touch when typing or gaming. Since both switches have identical travel specifications, users seeking uniformity in their keyboard feel can confidently choose either option without concern for variations in distance.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Akko Rosewood switches, the G Pro 3.0 White is characterized by its medium-high pitch and clacky sound, providing an auditory experience that is sharp and percussive. This makes it an engaging option for typists who appreciate a distinctive feedback when typing. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch offers a deep, thocky sound that many find satisfying right out of the box, enhanced by a factory-applied lubricant. While both switches deliver pleasurable sounds, the G Pro 3.0 White caters to those who prefer a brighter, more high-pitched tone, whereas the Akko Rosewood is ideal for users looking for a richer and deeper auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White excels with its creamy and silky characteristics, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience that makes keystrokes feel effortless. Its light actuation force of 38g enhances this quality, enabling easy-to-press and feathery sensations that significantly reduce finger fatigue, making it suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the feel of the Akko Rosewood switches is not specified, leaving it unclear how they compare in terms of smoothness or resistance during key presses. This leaves the G Pro 3.0 White as a clear choice for those prioritizing a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White appears to be a versatile switch with its light actuation force and engaging sound profile, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced typists. The creamy and silky feel enhances user comfort, promoting longer typing sessions without fatigue. While the Akko Rosewood switch offers a unique auditory experience with its thocky sound, its tactile feedback and typing feel remain undiscussed. Potential users may favor the G Pro 3.0 White for its consistent performance across sound and feel, but those drawn to deeper auditory feedback may find the Rosewood appealing as well. Each switch has distinct attributes, catering to varying preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you're someone who values a light and effortless typing experience, particularly for extended periods of time, the G Pro 3.0 White is an excellent option with its light actuation and creamy feel. It's especially suited for delicate typists or gamers who want quick response times without much physical effort. Additionally, if you're an RGB enthusiast, the frosted light diffuser will allow your keys to shine brightly, enhancing the aesthetic of your setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that delivers a more pronounced acoustic experience with a deeper sound profile, the Rosewood is the way to go. Its slightly higher bottom-out force offers a satisfying thock while the factory-applied lubricant ensures a smooth and pleasant typing experience. This switch is excellent for those who enjoy the tactile feedback from their keystrokes and might be ideal for a quieter environment where sound quality matters, such as in an office setting. Ultimately, you should choose the G Pro 3.0 White for a lighter, more sensitive experience and the Rosewood for a richer auditory sensation paired with a smooth feel.