Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Ice King Linear mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out for its budget-friendly yet excellent linear switch quality, providing a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear boasts a silky smooth typing experience thanks to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for being polished and high-pitched, the Ice King Linear is characterized as silky and frictionless. 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
50g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Ice King Linear both use different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, the Ice King Linear utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. This contrast in materials results in a difference in sound and feel when typing on each switch.
In terms of their bottom housings, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Ice King Linear use nylon material. This means that typing on switches from either keyboard will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the sound-absorbing properties of nylon. While the top housing of a switch has more impact on the sound when a key is released, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. Despite using the same material for their bottom housings, the overall typing experience on these keyboards may vary due to other factors such as switch design and keycap material.
Ultimately, whether you choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the Durock Ice King Linear, you can expect a unique sound and feel based on their housing materials. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow creates a clear and resonant sound profile, while the nylon top housing of the Ice King Linear produces a duller and rounder sound. Both keyboards offer a different typing experience, with the choice between sharper or deeper sound profiles. Despite these differences, the nylon bottom housing of both keyboards ensures a consistent deep and full sound when typing, making them both excellent options for those seeking a premium typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, we can see that the actuation force for the G Pro is 50 grams, while the actuation force for the Ice King is slightly higher at 52 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the G Pro at 67 grams and the Ice King at 62 grams, making them both on the medium to medium-heavy range. The lighter actuation force of the G Pro may be preferred by users who want a lighter typing experience for longer periods of time, while the slightly heavier actuation force of the Ice King may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push feel. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches offer users the option to choose based on their personal preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Ice King Linear has a shorter travel distance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and response of the keyboard. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Ice King Linear, with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial key press may find the G Pro 3.0 Yellow more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
The Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 Yellow linear switch offers a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile when typing, giving a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch produces a more subdued sound, creating a dampened and subtle sound signature. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that cater to different preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow providing a more vibrant and energetic typing sound, while the Ice King Linear offers a quieter and more understated typing experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is described as polished and creamy, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. The switch provides reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek and effortless sensation while typing. In comparison, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is described as silky, frictionless, and creamy, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches offer a buttery and smooth typing experience, with the Ice King Linear emphasizing a heightened level of smoothness and fluid travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a higher-pitched and resonant sound alongside a polished and creamy typing experience, the Ice King Linear offers a more subdued sound profile with a silky, frictionless, and creamy typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and typing sensation, with both switches promising a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile with a polished and creamy typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more subdued sound with a silky, frictionless, and creamy typing experience, the Ice King Linear might better suit your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel while typing. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your typing style and overall keyboard experience. Ultimately, the choice is yours to make based on what appeals most to you in terms of sound and feel.
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