Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. TKC Tangerine

Overview

Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the TKC Tangerine, two linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for typing enthusiasts. The G Pro 3.0 White, from Gateron's G Pro series, is a budget-friendly switch designed to cater to delicate typists. With an impressively light actuation force of only 38g, this switch ensures effortless and sensitive keystrokes. It also boasts a frosted light diffuser that allows for brighter RGB lighting, along with a medium-high pitch that provides satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine takes typing to the next level with its incredibly smooth feel. These switches feature UHWMPE housings, a rarity in the world of bespoke mechanical switches, which contribute to their smoothness. Typing on the Tangerine switches also produces a fairly high-pitched clack, enhancing the overall typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 White Linear

TKC Tangerine Linear

$3.40

$3.27 per 10

$6.30 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the TKC Tangerine switches have distinct differences in their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing. Both materials have their own unique sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 White creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, which is ideal for those who prefer a more precise typing experience. On the other hand, the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine produces a bright sound with resonant clacks, giving it a distinctive and lively feel.

In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 White offers the advantage of translucency, making it perfect for those who want to showcase RGB lighting effects. Meanwhile, the UHWMPE top housing of the Tangerine may not have the same level of transparency but still carries a visually appealing quality.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 White features a nylon bottom housing, while the Tangerine boasts a UHWMPE bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 White offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the contrary, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine contributes to its bright sound signature, making it particularly suitable for those who enjoy a lively and resonant typing experience.

Although the top and bottom housings of the two switches differ, their impact on the overall sound and feel is still significant. When pressing down on the G Pro 3.0 White, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing are more pronounced, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 White influences the sound when releasing a key. Similarly, in the case of the Tangerine, the UHWMPE bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound, while the UHWMPE top housing has a greater impact on the sound when letting go of a key. Overall, while they have their own distinct characteristics, both switches provide an enjoyable and responsive typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 White has a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams, meaning that it requires a gentle push to register a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Tangerine switch is currently unavailable, so we cannot directly compare it. However, the G Pro 3.0 White's bottom out force is 45 grams, while the Tangerine has a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, indicating a heavier and more substantial typing experience.

For those who prefer a lighter switch, the G Pro 3.0 White would be a suitable choice as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. This lighter actuation force is particularly beneficial for individuals who use their keyboard for work or indulge in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more solid and robust typing experience might opt for switches with heavier forces. In this case, the Tangerine switch's higher bottom out force would provide a more substantial and satisfying tactile feedback.

While the actuation force of the Tangerine switch is not available, we can assume it would be similar to the G Pro 3.0 White switch in terms of lightness, as both are linear switches. Therefore, users aiming for a lighter typing experience can expect similar results from these two switches. However, for those desiring a heavier typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 White may not meet their preferences, and the Tangerine switch would be a better choice due to its higher bottom out force. Overall, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance as the switch travels from top to bottom. Therefore, no matter which switch you choose, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch offers a clacky sound profile, which is described as sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a distinct and audible typing experience. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch produces a high-pitched sound when pressed. This results in a sharp and crisp sound profile, which is preferred by individuals who do not like rich and bassy sound profiles. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a creamy typing experience. This means that the switch offers a smooth and buttery feel when typing. The application of lubricant at the factory and specific materials contribute to this silky sensation. The G Pro 3.0 White switch is also easy to press, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue. Additionally, the switch is described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and reduces strain on the fingers. It provides a comfortable typing experience for extended sessions. The TKC Tangerine switch is characterized by a frictionless feel. This implies an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance or friction when pressing the keys. The switch offers a fluid travel, enhancing the overall typing comfort.

In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy, easy-to-press, and feathery typing feel, the TKC Tangerine switch produces a high-pitched sound and offers a frictionless typing experience. It is essential for newcomers to consider their personal preferences when choosing between these switches. However, both switches promise a pleasant and satisfying typing experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are a delicate typist looking for a budget-friendly switch with a light actuation force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is the ideal choice for you. With a bottom out force of 45 grams, this switch offers effortless and sensitive keystrokes. The G Pro 3.0 White switch also provides a brighter RGB lighting experience due to its frosted light diffuser and offers a medium-high pitch auditory feedback, providing a satisfying typing experience. In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 White switch has a neutral and subdued sound profile, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Additionally, it offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing feel, enhancing the overall smoothness and low-impact typing experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate an incredibly smooth typing experience and a high-pitched sound profile, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is the ideal match for you. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, the Tangerine switch provides a pleasure to type sensation. The UHWMPE housings contribute to the smoothness of the keystrokes, making each stroke a delight. The Tangerine switch is described as high-pitched and offers a frictionless, buttery, and polished typing feel, giving you a seamless and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the TKC Tangerine linear switch depends on your preferred actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 White Linear

$3.40

$3.27 per 10

Learn more

TKC Tangerine Linear

$6.30 per 10

Learn more