Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that cater to different typing preferences are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Kailh Sage. The G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch that is perfect for those who prefer a smooth and effortless typing experience. With its incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, it ensures effortless and sensitive keystrokes. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, adding a visually pleasing touch. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage is a clicky switch that offers a distinct and satisfying clickiness with every keystroke. While it may have a heavier weight, the sharp and crunchy clickiness provides a refreshing typing experience. Both switches have their unique qualities, and choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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 Kailh Sage both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This results in a shared set of characteristics, including a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the polycarbonate plastic contributes to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the effective utilization of RGB lighting, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enhance their keyboard aesthetics. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and lighting experiences from both switches due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of their bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 White and the Kailh Sage both feature a nylon construction. This choice of material is considered a classic for switch housing and brings its own set of qualities. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience. While the Sage and the G Pro 3.0 White may have different overall switch profiles and characteristics, their utilization of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a similar deep and full sound experience when typing.
When it comes to the overall impact of the housing materials, it's important to note the influence of the top and bottom housings on different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when the key is fully pressed down. As such, the nylon bottom housing of both the G Pro 3.0 White and the Sage plays a significant role in shaping this aspect of the typing experience. Conversely, the sound when letting go of a key is more influenced by the top housing. Therefore, while the nylon bottom housing will produce a similar deep and full sound across both switches, users may notice subtle variations in the sound when releasing a key due to the differences in their polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, there are notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 White has a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams, which means minimal pressure is needed to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Sage is unavailable, making it difficult to compare directly. However, the G Pro 3.0 White is lighter in terms of actuation force.
Moving on to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 White requires 45 grams of pressure to fully bottom out, offering a slight resistance for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Sage has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is significantly heavier. This indicates that the Sage provides a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 White.
In terms of weight, the G Pro 3.0 White is lighter overall, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Its lighter actuation force allows for comfortable and effortless typing, which is ideal for prolonged periods of typing or gaming. The Sage, on the other hand, is relatively heavier due to its higher bottom out force. This makes it a suitable option for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more pronounced keystroke feedback.
It is important to note that while the actuation and bottom out forces of the G Pro 3.0 White and the Sage differ, they both offer their own unique advantages. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch have different travel distances. The G Pro 3.0 White has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sage has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The 4 mm travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 White is more traditional, offering a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Sage's 3.6 mm travel distance is shallower, making it more suitable for gamers who value faster response times. Choosing the switch with the shorter travel distance would be ideal for those seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience. However, it's worth noting that some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial key press, opting for the switch with the longer travel distance would be a better choice. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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 sound. This means that the switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, providing a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch is described as crunchy. This clicky switch produces a sound similar to stepping on piles of crisp and crunchy autumn leaves. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles, with the G Pro 3.0 White offering a clacky sound and the Sage offering a crunchy sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is known for its creamy, easy-to-press, and feathery qualities. The switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, thanks to its lubricant or specific materials. It provides a silky sensation while typing, allowing fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White has an easy-to-press feature, offering gentle resistance and requiring minimal force to activate. This enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Lastly, it has a feathery characteristic, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and requires little exertion from the fingers. This makes it comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch is described as invigorating and sharp. It offers pronounced feedback, moderate to firm actuation force, and a snappy and reactive feel. This creates an immersive typing sensation with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be felt distinctly with each keypress.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and Kailh Sage switches provide different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 White offers a clacky sound and a creamy, easy-to-press, and feathery feel, while the Sage offers a crunchy sound and an invigorating and sharp feel. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between a switch that provides a sharp and percussive sound with a buttery and effortless typing experience, or a switch that offers a crunchy sound with pronounced feedback and a snappy feel. It is important to consider these factors and select the switch that aligns with one's desired typing experience. Note that the sound and feel of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are a delicate typist who prefers an effortless and sensitive typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With its light actuation force of 45 grams, this switch offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing feel. It produces a clacky, neutral, or subdued sound, depending on your preference. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White allows for brighter RGB lighting with its frosted light diffuser. On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinct clicky typing experience and prefer a medium-heavy switch, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is the better option. With its bottom out force of 70 grams, the Sage offers an invigorating and sharp tactile feel, creating an immersive typing sensation. It produces a crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your preferred actuation force, typing feel, and sound profile.
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