Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, finding the perfect switch is a key consideration for any typist or gamer. Two popular linear switches that stand out are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The G Pro 3.0 White is a budget-friendly option from Gateron's G Pro series, catering to delicate typists with its incredibly light actuation force of only 38g. This switch offers effortless and sensitive keystrokes, while also providing a satisfying auditory feedback with its medium-high pitch. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch offers a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing users in a satisfying typing experience. With a lengthened single-stage spring, it provides a bouncy feel with each keystroke. The Tourmaline Blue strikes a balance with its standard spring weight, making it enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
59g
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
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue share similar housing materials, as both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This choice of material enhances the sound profile of the switches, resulting in sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sounds. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting effects to shine through. Therefore, users can expect a consistent and enjoyable typing experience with both switches, particularly in terms of sound and aesthetics.
However, the notable difference between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 White utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Tourmaline Blue employs a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound when typing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the stiffer polycarbonate bottom housing of the Tourmaline Blue contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound profile. These variations in bottom housing materials result in a difference in the sound and feel when pressing down on the switches, with the G Pro 3.0 White offering a duller and rounder bottom-out sound compared to the sharper and crisper sound of the Tourmaline Blue.
Overall, while the top housings of the G Pro 3.0 White and Tourmaline Blue are identical and provide similar benefits in terms of sound profile and RGB lighting compatibility, the choice of bottom housing materials sets them apart. Depending on individual preferences, users can select between the deeper and fuller sound of the G Pro 3.0 White's nylon bottom housing or the sharper and crisper sound of the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, there are clear differences in their weight. The G Pro 3.0 White is the lighter option with an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a relatively easy typing experience. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue is the heavier option, with an actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, delivering a more substantial and firm typing sensation. These differences in force make the G Pro 3.0 White more suitable for extended typing sessions or extended gaming, as it allows for effortless key activation, reducing fatigue. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue is better suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel and desire a more pronounced feedback while typing. It is crucial to consider these weight variations and understand personal preferences when choosing between the two switches.
Travel distance
The travel distance comparison between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch reveals that both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a similar level of travel distance. Whether it be typing or gaming, both switches offer a consistent travel distance that ensures a comfortable and tactile feel during use. Thus, users can expect to achieve comparable results when using either the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White or the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switch.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is known for its clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch has a neutral sound profile, which means it has a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy typing experience. This means that the switch feels smooth and buttery when typing, providing a silky sensation as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys. It is also described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The G Pro 3.0 White switch can be considered feathery, with an exceptionally light actuation force that reduces strain on your fingers and allows for comfortable extended typing sessions. Additionally, it is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that appeals to most users with its safe middle-ground zone. The switch also offers a silky typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. The Tourmaline Blue switch, on the other hand, is also easy-to-press with a light actuation force, enhancing the typing experience by providing a responsive and low-impact feel. It is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience suitable for most users.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is known for its clacky sound, creamy and easy-to-press feel, while the Tourmaline Blue switch has a neutral sound profile and a gentle, easy-to-press feel. While they have some similarities in terms of easy-to-press and mild characteristics, the G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a creamier and more feathery typing experience compared to the Tourmaline Blue switch. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, but the choice between them will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a delicate typist and prefer an incredibly light actuation force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With a bottom out force of only 45 grams, these switches offer effortless and sensitive keystrokes. They also provide a bright RGB lighting experience and a satisfying auditory feedback with their medium-high pitch. Moreover, the G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing feel, enhancing the overall smoothness and comfort of your typing experience.
On the other hand, if you are seeking a deep and thocky sound profile combined with a balanced spring weight, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch would be a great option for you. With a bottom out force of 67 grams, these switches provide a moderate-heavy actuation force suitable for a wide range of users. The Tourmaline Blues offer a bouncy feel with each keystroke and a satisfying typing experience. Furthermore, these switches offer a buttery, easy-to-press, and mild typing feel, providing a seamless and low-impact typing sensation.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and a variety of typing feels, the G Pro 3.0 White would be a fantastic choice. However, if you value a deep sound profile and a balanced spring weight, the Tourmaline Blue switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired typing feel when making your decision.
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