Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Huano Strawberry Latte 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 Huano Strawberry Latte both stand out as excellent options for linear enthusiasts, yet they cater to distinct preferences. The G Pro 3.0 White is renowned for its incredibly light actuation force of just 38g, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize effortless keystrokes and a feather-light touch. Its frosted light diffuser also enhances RGB lighting, while the medium-high pitch delivers satisfying auditory feedback, striking a balance between performance and aesthetics. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte focuses on providing a super smooth typing experience with a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, enhancing the overall tactile feedback. While both switches promise a premium feel, your ultimate decision may hinge on whether you favor the G Pro's ultra-responsive action or the satisfyingly smooth nature of the Strawberry Latte. However, 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Huano Strawberry Latte, notable differences emerge in the top housing. The G Pro 3.0 White uses a polycarbonate top housing, noted for its stiffer structure, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material’s translucency also makes it a favorable choice for RGB lighting applications, allowing for more vibrant illumination effects. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing. While both materials provide high-performance attributes, the POK housing is recognized for its smoothness due to its low coefficient of friction, which enhances the tactile experience. However, the tonal qualities may differ significantly, with polycarbonate leaning towards a more resonant sound as opposed to the smoother, clackier sound associated with POK.
Both the G Pro 3.0 White and the Strawberry Latte utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a shared experience in terms of sound characteristics. Nylon’s softer plastic nature absorbs sound, resulting in deeper, fuller audio feedback when typing. This commonality means that regardless of the difference in top housing materials, the overall auditory experience remains grounded in the nylon bottom housing. The presence of nylon ensures that both switches deliver a relatively subdued sound profile during key presses, rendering them more akin in this regard than their top housings suggest.
This division of sound quality between the top and bottom housing materials signifies that while the G Pro 3.0 White and Strawberry Latte may present contrasting qualities in their top constructions, the nylon bottom casing harmonizes their acoustic response. When pressing down on either switch, the nylon effectively shapes the bottom-out sound, offering a fuller auditory experience, while the distinct top housings contribute to the keystrokes’ release sound. Thus, despite the differences in materials used in the upper portions, users can still expect to achieve a similar overall sound experience due to the common nylon bottom, effectively blending their unique characteristics into one cohesive typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, both exhibit light characteristics, but they differ slightly in their actuation forces. The G Pro 3.0 White requires an actuation force of 38 grams, while the Strawberry Latte is slightly lighter at 35 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 45 grams, meaning that they will feel similar when fully pressed down. This makes the Strawberry Latte a better option for those looking for a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 White, with its slightly higher actuation force, caters to users who prefer a bit more resistance when pressing keys. Ultimately, while both switches fall within the light category, the Huano Strawberry Latte will offer a slightly softer feel than the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch to the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, it's clear that they differ in travel distance, which significantly influences typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 White has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditional option favored for its deeper action, which some users find satisfying and more tactile. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, aligning with the modern trend of shorter distances that gamers often prefer for quicker response times. This difference means that the G Pro 3.0 White is the longer switch, providing a more pronounced depth compared to the more abrupt feel of the Strawberry Latte. Ultimately, your choice between them will depend on whether you favor a deeper, more deliberate keystroke or a snappier response that shorter travel distances offer.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte, one can expect distinct auditory experiences from each. The G Pro 3.0 White produces a sound that can vary between clacky and subdued, offering a medium-high pitch that delivers a crisp and bright auditory feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a more percussive keypress sound. On the other hand, the Strawberry Latte features a balanced sound profile that sits comfortably between being neither too quiet nor overly resonant. While both switches provide satisfactory auditory experiences, the G Pro 3.0 White is likely better suited for users who prefer a more pronounced clickiness in their feedback.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 White stands out for its creamy and silky typing experience, characterized by its lightweight actuation force of only 38g. This makes it easy to press, reducing finger fatigue and allowing for a smooth gliding sensation as fingers move across the keys. The G Pro 3.0 White enhances comfort during long typing sessions with its feathery touch and mild resistance. The tactile qualities of the Strawberry Latte, although not explicitly described, can be anticipated to provide a smooth experience; however, without specific descriptors, it’s difficult to provide a direct comparison.
In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White offers a clearly defined mix of clacky sound and a creamy, silky feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte serves as a more muted alternative with an undisclosed but presumably smooth typing experience. Despite their differences, both switches cater to typists seeking a premium experience tailored to affordable budgets. Ultimately, users who value distinct auditory feedback may gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 White, whereas those who prefer a more neutral sound may find the Strawberry Latte appealing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you're seeking a super light typing experience with a touch of auditory feedback, the G Pro 3.0 White excels in delivering effortless keystrokes and a clacky sound profile that can energize your typing sessions, making it ideal for gamers or users who enjoy an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and more balanced sound with a focus on a premium tactile experience, the Huano Strawberry Latte is designed for those who appreciate a refined typing feel. It combines a smooth actuation with a slightly subdued sound, which may be more pleasant in quieter environments or during long typing sessions when finger fatigue is a concern. Ultimately, choose the G Pro 3.0 White for its lightness and auditory excitement, or the Strawberry Latte for a smooth, balanced experience that caters to longer work or gaming hours.
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