Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing and gaming needs, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Weightlessness serve distinctly different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 White, a linear switch, is celebrated for its budget-friendly price and an incredibly light actuation force of just 38g, making it perfect for those who crave a buttery smooth and effortless keystroke experience. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, creating a visually appealing setup, while the medium-high pitch offers satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch provides a more nuanced typing experience with its subtle to moderate tactile feedback, giving typists a tangible indication of actuation without the associated noise of clicky switches. This makes it an excellent choice for those who seek a balanced sound profile that complements the tactile feel. Each switch caters to different typing styles and preferences, and understanding the nuances between them can help inform your choice. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Weightlessness exhibit notable differences in their housing materials, particularly in the composition of their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 White utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This quality is especially evident in the switch's ability to resonate sound clearly, making it an excellent choice for users who might utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual effect of the lights. In contrast, the Weightlessness features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, rounder sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a more muted experience for typists, with a focus on a richer auditory feedback.
Examining the bottom housings of these switches reveals a point of similarity, as both the G Pro 3.0 White and the Weightlessness utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This choice in material creates a consistent typing experience between the two, with both switches delivering a fuller sound profile during key presses. The nylon's softness serves to absorb sound effectively, resulting in a more satisfying bottom-out experience regardless of the distinct sound character imparted by the top housing materials. Thus, while they vary in their sound qualities when pressing the keys, the use of nylon contributes to an underlying consistency in the tactile experience.
Ultimately, the combination of differing top housing materials with matching bottom housing compositions leads to integrated yet distinct auditory profiles for the G Pro 3.0 White and the Weightlessness. Users can expect a sharper and crisper sound sensation from the G Pro 3.0 White due to the polycarbonate top, while the Weightlessness will offer a smoother, deeper auditory feedback thanks to its nylon top. However, the shared nylon bottom in both switches ensures that both are characterized by a deep and resonant feedback upon bottoming out, highlighting a nuanced differentiation in experience depending on the key press release as opposed to the bottom-out point.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch to the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces. The G Pro 3.0 White requires an actuation force of 38 grams, making it a lighter option, ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience during long periods of use. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback while typing. Additionally, while the bottom out force for the G Pro 3.0 White is 45 grams, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch remains unspecified. This difference indicates that typists using the G Pro 3.0 might experience a defined end feel when keys are pressed down fully, contributing to a clear response during typing. Overall, if you favor lighter switches and a more relaxed typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White is the superior choice, whereas the Weightlessness would be better suited for those seeking a heavier and more tactile click with each keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we can see that the travel distances differ significantly, with the G Pro 3.0 White measuring 4 mm and the Weightlessness at 3.4 mm. This indicates that the G Pro 3.0 White offers a longer travel distance, which some users may find provides a more substantial feel during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Weightlessness switch is likely to deliver quicker response times, making it suitable for gamers who prefer rapid key presses. Those who appreciate a more tactile experience might favor the Weightlessness switch, while individuals looking for a deeper, more traditional response may opt for the G Pro 3.0 White. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preferences regarding key travel and feedback.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the G Pro 3.0 White stands out with its medium-high pitch that results in a bright and percussive auditory feedback. It offers a clacky sound that is crisp and lively, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate auditory confirmation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch's sound profile is not explicitly described, leaving its acoustic qualities unknown. However, it’s worth noting that both switches' sound can be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap material used, which makes it possible for users to achieve a desirable sound profile regardless of the switch chosen.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is characterized by its creamy and silky texture, providing a smooth, buttery typing experience that feels effortless due to its light actuation force of just 38g. This switch allows for easy and comfortable typing, reducing finger fatigue during extended use, which is perfect for both gaming and productivity. The Weightlessness switch, while offering a subtle to moderate tactile experience, remains less defined in feel. The specifics of its tactile feedback are not detailed, leaving it open to interpretation, but it is likely that its tactile nature aligns with users who appreciate a gentler, more nuanced response beneath their fingertips.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch excels in both sound and feel, providing a lively auditory experience and smooth typing comfort, making it well-suited for delicate typists. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness switch may attract those who prefer a more tactile experience, yet it lacks detailed sound and feel descriptions to solidify its position. Ultimately, both switches can cater to different typing preferences, and users may find similar results depending on their keyboard setup and personal comfort needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you value a light activation force and an extremely smooth, buttery feel, the G Pro 3.0 White is an excellent choice, especially for those long typing sessions or gaming marathons where you want to minimize finger fatigue. Its clacky sound profile paired with a frosted light diffuser makes it a great option for vibrant RGB setups, adding both visual appeal and auditory satisfaction. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more tactile experience that offers a subtle feedback without being too pronounced, the Weightlessness switch is ideal. Its balanced sound profile and tactile characteristics provide a satisfying typing experience, making it suitable for both office environments and casual use where noise might be an issue. Ultimately, consider the nuances of your use case, whether you lean toward a lighter touch with the G Pro 3.0 White or prefer the tactile feedback of the Weightlessness switch, to ensure you select the one that best enhances your mechanical keyboard experience.
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