Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. TTC Gold Red

Overview

The world of mechanical keyboards offers a myriad of options when it comes to choosing the perfect switch. Two switches that stand out among the competition are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Gold Red, both of which belong to the linear switch family. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is renowned for its budget-friendly excellence, providing an impressive typing experience with a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a satisfyingly bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Gold Red switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance, accompanied by a snappy sound profile that adds just the right amount of personality to your keyboard. Both switches have their own unique qualities, making them worthy contenders in the mechanical keyboard realm. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow Linear

TTC Gold Red Linear

$3.10

$2.78 per 10

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Gold Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a similar sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in both switches creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and appearance from the polycarbonate top housing of both switches.

While the top housings of these switches are the same, their bottom housings differ. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Gold Red features a nylon bottom housing as well. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel due to their nylon bottom housings.

In terms of overall performance, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gold Red offers a balance of sound characteristics. The top housing material impacts the sound when a key is released, providing a sharp and resonant tone. Conversely, the bottom housing material influences the bottom-out sound and typing feel, creating a deep and full tone. Both switches offer a unique sound experience due to the variation in housing materials, allowing users to choose based on their preferred sound profile.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, there are notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Gold Red's 43 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is also higher at 67 grams, while the Gold Red has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This implies that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a heavier and more substantial typing experience, whereas the Gold Red offers a lighter and potentially more comfortable feel. These variations in force can be significant factors to consider depending on personal preference and specific use cases. However, it is worth noting that both switches fall within the medium range of actuation and bottom out forces, providing reliability and ensuring consistent performance. Thus, while the results may differ slightly, both switches ultimately offer similar levels of responsiveness.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Consequently, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results from both switches.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile. This means that when you press these switches, you can expect a clean and sharp sound that is more on the treble side. The Gold Red switch, on the other hand, offers a thocky and low-pitched sound. This results in a deeper, richer tone when pressing and releasing the keys. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a higher-pitched clacky sound, the Gold Red provides a modest touch of personality without being too ostentatious. Keep in mind that the sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard itself and the keycaps you use.

When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is described as polished and creamy. This means that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel make typing on these switches effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch offers a mild and silky feel. This means that the typing experience is gentle and approachable, with enhanced smoothness and minimal resistance. It falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it suitable for most users. Both switches are also described as polished, indicating a smooth typing experience.

In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and TTC Gold Red switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, accompanied by a polished and creamy typing feel. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, with a mild and silky typing feel. Both switches excel in their respective attributes, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy a higher-pitched clacky sound and a polished, creamy feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a great choice. Alternatively, if you prefer a thocky, low-pitched sound and a mild, silky feel, the Gold Red switch will provide a pleasing typing experience. Keep in mind that these descriptions are based on the available information, and individual experiences may vary.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, as well as a fairly bouncy typing feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force, a thocky and low-pitched sound profile, and a typing experience that is buttery smooth with a light-medium level of resistance, the TTC Gold Red linear switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer their unique qualities, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow Linear

$3.10

$2.78 per 10

Learn more

TTC Gold Red Linear

$5.00

$3.28 per 10

Learn more