Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gazzew U4. The G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch that is designed for delicate typists who value a light and effortless typing experience. With an actuation force of only 38g, this switch ensures sensitive keystrokes without straining the fingers. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, and its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 is a tactile switch that offers a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump while typing. It also provides a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation for added comfort. Notably, the U4s have a sound profile that is whisper quiet, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more muted and low-pitched keyboard sound. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gazzew U4 differ in their choice of housing materials, which results in distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound due to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. This stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, creating a higher-pitched profile. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing's translucency makes it ideal for incorporating RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4 utilizes a proprietary blend of plastic known as "boba plastic" for its top housing. This soft plastic material contributes to a rich and deep sound profile, providing a more rounded and robust auditory experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 White features a nylon construction. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housing since it produces a deeper and fuller sound. Its relatively softer nature allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a duller and more rounded sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 employs its proprietary blend, "boba plastic," for both the top and bottom housing. As with the top housing, the softness of this material contributes to a rich and deep sound profile for the bottom-out sound and feel. This consistency in material between the top and bottom housing ensures a cohesive auditory experience throughout the keystroke.
While the G Pro 3.0 White and the Gazzew U4 showcase differences in their housing materials, they also share some similarities. Both switches prioritize delivering a rich and deep sound profile. The G Pro 3.0 White achieves this through its polycarbonate top housing, which provides enhanced clarity and resonance. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4's "boba plastic" blend imparts a similar sound experience due to its softness. Additionally, both switches recognize the significance of the housing material's impact on sound when releasing a key. The G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate housing and the Gazzew U4's "boba plastic" blend ensure a distinct sound profile when a key is released, adding to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is clear that there are noticeable differences in weight. The G Pro 3.0 White switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. On the other hand, the U4 switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White switch would be an ideal choice. With the lower actuation and bottom out forces, this switch allows for smoother and easier keystrokes. It is particularly suitable for individuals who type or game for extended periods of time, as the light weight reduces fatigue.
In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces. The slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams provides a satisfying push feel, while the significantly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams adds to the overall solidity of each keystroke. This switch is favored by those who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and who appreciate the additional effort required to press the keys.
In terms of similarities, both switches offer a distinct tactile experience. While the G Pro 3.0 White switch is linear and lacks a tactile bump, it provides a smooth and consistent feel with its light actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch features a tactile bump that is notably absent in the G Pro 3.0 White switch. Despite this difference, both switches can offer a satisfying typing experience, albeit in different ways.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch depends on individual preferences. Those who prefer a lighter and smoother typing experience may opt for the G Pro 3.0 White switch, while those who seek a more substantial and tactile feel may prefer the Gazzew U4 switch. Both switches offer their own unique advantages and can greatly enhance the typing or gaming experience based on the user's specific needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch have different travel distances. The G Pro 3.0 White has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the U4 has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The G Pro 3.0 White offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the U4 offers a shallower travel distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. While both switches are designed to provide a satisfying typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White offers a longer travel distance for those who prefer a deeper and more responsive feel, while the U4 provides a shorter travel distance for gamers seeking faster key actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.
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 is best described as clacky. It produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, providing a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offers a muted sound profile that is softer and quieter compared to regular or clacky switches. The U4 switch minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, giving it a more subdued and subtle sound signature. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White offers a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience. The switch is known for being smooth and buttery, providing a silky sensation as your fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. The light actuation force of only 38g makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The G Pro 3.0 White switch can be described as feathery and mild, offering a light typing feel that is approachable to most typists. It also has a subtle resistance and a gentle sound signature, making it suitable for shared spaces.
On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. The strong and crisp tactile feedback can be distinctly felt with each keypress, giving typists a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, the U4 switch offers an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation, further enhancing the overall tactile feel. However, other characteristics of the U4 switch, such as its actuation force and sound profile, are unknown from the given information.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 White provides a clacky sound with a bright and percussive auditory feedback. It offers a creamy, easy-to-press, and feathery typing experience, making it suitable for delicate typists. On the other hand, the U4 switch produces a softer and muted sound, with a sharp and intense tactile feedback. It provides an unexpectedly plush and felt-like bottom-out sensation. While the two switches have distinct qualities, it is important to consider individual preferences and factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps when selecting a switch.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are a delicate typist who prefers an effortlessly smooth and light typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its light actuation force of only 45 grams, this switch ensures easy and sensitive keystrokes. It also offers a creamy and silky typing feel, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys. The G Pro 3.0 White switch is known for its neutral sound profile, producing a moderate and crisp sound when pressed.
On the other hand, if you crave a more pronounced tactile feedback and enjoy a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch would be a great option. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, the U4 switch provides a medium actuation force that offers a satisfying tactile bump with each keystroke. This switch is described as having a sharp and exhilarating tactile feedback, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a high feedback intensity. Additionally, the U4 switch produces a muted and low-pitched sound, ensuring a quieter typing experience that is suitable for shared spaces.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch depends on your personal preferences. Consider whether you prioritize a light and smooth typing feel or a pronounced tactile feedback, as well as the sound profile that suits your environment. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
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