Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Jwick Taro, the choice between linear and tactile switches becomes a matter of personal preference. The G Pro 3.0 White is renowned for its budget-friendly nature, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality switch without breaking the bank. With an incredibly light actuation force of just 38g, these linear switches provide effortless and sensitive keystrokes, perfect for delicate typists. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, while the medium-high pitch delivers satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Taro switches offer a different experience entirely. With their cozy and subdued color scheme, these tactile switches provide a snappy medium-level of tactility, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. Both switches have their unique qualities and advantages, making it essential to delve deeper into their specific features and characteristics to determine the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Jwick Taro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through the switch. In terms of aesthetics and sound, users can expect similar results from both the G Pro 3.0 White and the Taro due to their shared use of polycarbonate.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, both the G Pro 3.0 White and the Taro feature nylon. This choice provides a deeper and fuller sound profile for typing. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. While the G Pro 3.0 White and the Taro have different designs and aesthetics, their nylon bottom housing materials contribute to a similar typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound.
Considering the split qualities between the top and bottom housings of switches, the impact of each housing material can be felt in different aspects of the user experience. When pressing down on either the G Pro 3.0 White or the Taro, the characteristics of the bottom housing will be more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the G Pro 3.0 White and the Taro may have slight variations in their overall performance due to their different designs, the impact of their respective housing materials will offer a comparable experience to users.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 White has a relatively light actuation force of 38 grams, meaning it requires a fairly gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, it has a bottom out force of 45 grams, which indicates a slightly heavier push will be felt when fully pressing down on the keys. In contrast, the Taro switch's actuation force is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, its bottom out force is noticeably heavier at 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, if one prefers a lighter touch for extended periods of typing or gaming, the G Pro 3.0 White would be a suitable choice. Conversely, those who desire a more forceful keystroke for a satisfying typing feel might be inclined to select the Taro switch. Whether the actuation force of the Taro switch is lighter, heavier, or similar to the G Pro 3.0 White is unknown, but based on the provided information, it is evident that the Taro switch has a significantly heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The G Pro 3.0 White's travel distance is more traditional, offering a moderate amount of depth when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Taro provides a slightly shallower travel distance, making it more suitable for gamers who prioritize faster response times. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference. If you prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience, the Taro's shorter travel distance would be ideal. However, if you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, the G Pro 3.0 White's longer travel distance is the better option. Regardless of the difference in travel distance, both switches offer similar results in terms of functionality and key activation.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This produces a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch is described as neutral, having a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, both switches provide satisfactory sound qualities, albeit with slight differences. If you are looking for a similar sound profile to the G Pro 3.0 White, the Taro switch would provide a neutral and moderate sound experience.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a range of descriptors. It is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. This is due to potential factory-applied lubrication or specific materials used in the switch. Additionally, it is characterized as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and offering a low-impact and comfortable typing feel. It is also described as feathery and mild, meaning it is exceptionally light to press and gentle on the fingers, reducing fatigue. Furthermore, it is deemed silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Lastly, it is described as subtle, offering a gentle resistance and a light typing feel suitable for shared spaces.
The Jwick Taro switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. It offers a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, it is mentioned as having a stepped feel, implying that it has two stages of tactility, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is known for its clacky sound and its creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle feel. It offers a budget-friendly option with an effortlessly sensitive typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switch provides a neutral sound and a buttery, stepped feel. Ultimately, both switches offer different subjective qualities, catering to different preferences. If you are looking for a similar sound profile and feel to the G Pro 3.0 White, you can achieve comparable results with the Taro switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a delicate typist who prefers a light actuation force and effortless keystrokes, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is a great choice for you. With its bottom out force of 45 grams, this switch offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, and silky typing experience. It also produces a clacky, neutral, or subdued sound depending on your preference. The G Pro 3.0 White is budget-friendly and features a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams and enjoy a snappy, medium-level of tactility, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is a suitable option for you. This switch provides a cozy typing experience with acute and crisp clacks. It offers a neutral sound profile and a buttery, stepped feel during key presses.
Overall, the decision between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch depends on your preference for actuation force, typing experience, and sound profile. Consider the characteristics described above to choose the switch that best aligns with your typing style and requirements.
Mentioned in this article
