Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Durock Sea Glass, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer impressive features and unique characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 White, a linear switch, is perfect for those who prefer an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, ensuring effortless and sensitive keystrokes. With its frosted light diffuser, this switch allows for brighter RGB lighting, while its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Sea Glass, also a linear switch, presents a captivating selection of five pastel colors and emanates a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness due to its proprietary material blend. Despite its 62g bottom-out force, the Sea Glass possesses a weightlessness that defies expectations and typing on it reveals a uniquely hollow sound signature. While these general pointers provide a glimpse into the advantages of each switch, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
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 Durock Sea Glass feature different materials for their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 White utilizes polycarbonate, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is also beneficial for RGB lighting enthusiasts due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Sea Glass combines polymer nylon and UHMWPE, resulting in a unique blend that offers a pleasant and slightly brighter sound. While both top housings aim to enhance the overall sound quality, the G Pro 3.0 White focuses on a sharper and clearer profile, while the Sea Glass aims for a more balanced and brighter experience.
Regarding the bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 White utilizes nylon, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller yet rounder sound. Conversely, the Sea Glass features a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its bottom housing material. This combination brings about unique qualities, resulting in a pleasant sound profile that is not particularly sharp but still leans towards the brighter side. Both bottom housings play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch, with the G Pro 3.0 White emphasizing a deeper and fuller experience while the Sea Glass aims for a more balanced and pleasant sound quality.
In terms of the overall impact on the sound and feel, the top and bottom housings of a switch can have different influences. Pressing down on the G Pro 3.0 White would emphasize the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, releasing a key on the G Pro 3.0 White would highlight the impact of the polycarbonate top housing, contributing to a crisp and resonant sound. Similarly, the Sea Glass would have a split impact, with the blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the bottom housing creating a unique sound and feel upon pressing down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Thus, while the housing materials differ, both switches offer a combination of sound and tactile experiences depending on the direction of the keypress.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a gentle touch. On the other hand, the Sea Glass requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more pronounced push feel during typing.
In terms of bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 White requires 45 grams of force, which is slightly heavier than its actuation force. This gives users a consistent typing experience, without the need for excessive force. In contrast, the Sea Glass has a bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a more substantial typing experience that is favored by enthusiasts seeking a more tactile and satisfying response.
Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter touch and extended typing sessions may lean towards the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White, as its lighter actuation and bottom out forces enable comfortable and prolonged use. Conversely, the Durock Sea Glass provides a medium actuation force and a heavier bottom out force, catering to individuals who value a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. While both switches offer their own benefits, the decision ultimately depends on personal preference and specific typing needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch have different travel distances. The G Pro 3.0 White has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. The G Pro 3.0 White offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Sea Glass falls on the shallower end of the spectrum. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, so the Sea Glass would be the preferred choice for those seeking a more responsive keyboard. On the other hand, some individuals may find that shorter travel distances feel too abrupt, and prefer a switch with a longer travel distance like the G Pro 3.0 White. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and whether one values a faster response time or a more substantial feel when pressing down on the keyboard keys.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 known for its medium-high pitch, which provides a satisfying auditory feedback. It can be described as clacky, with a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch doesn't have any information available regarding its sound qualities. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also depend on other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, it is advisable to consider these factors when determining the overall sound experience.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is known for offering a premium typing feel without breaking the bank. It is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be due to lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. Typing on the G Pro 3.0 White switch feels like effortlessly gliding your fingers across the keys, thanks to its easy-to-press nature with a light actuation force of only 38g. This light actuation force reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, making it comfortable for various purposes.
The Durock Sea Glass switch, on the other hand, is described as providing a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in its typing experience. This unique feeling is facilitated by its proprietary material blend. However, the switch remains smooth without compromising its smoothness. It is also described as frictionless, offering an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience. The Sea Glass switch has a bottom-out force of 62g but manages to provide a weightlessness that defies expectations. This light actuation force and smoothness contribute to a comfortable and low-impact typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a light and clacky sound with a creamy and easy-to-press feel, while the Durock Sea Glass switch provides a unique dry and frictionless feel without information available on its sound qualities. Both switches offer a light actuation force, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the G Pro 3.0 White switch excels in providing a satisfying auditory feedback, the Sea Glass switch stands out with its distinct dryness and wispiness, accompanied by a hollow sound signature unique to it. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing experience desired, with the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White offering a budget-friendly option and the Durock Sea Glass providing a captivating selection of pastel colors.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a delicate typist who seeks an effortless and sensitive typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its light bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a creamy, easy-to-press, and feathery typing feel. The G Pro 3.0 White also has a clacky sound profile, providing a crisp and percussive auditory feedback. Furthermore, if you prefer RGB lighting, the G Pro 3.0 White allows for brighter illumination with its frosted light diffuser. On the other hand, if you prioritize a unique typing experience and a frictionless feel, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch could be the switch for you. Despite its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, the Sea Glass offers a weightlessness that defies expectations. It provides a mildly feathery and easy-to-press typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Moreover, the Sea Glass delivers a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness that creates a uniquely hollow sound signature. Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch depends on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile.
Mentioned in this article
