Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Ice King Tactile stand out as popular options for different reasons. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a linear switch known for its budget-friendly excellence and high-pitched clacky sound profile, providing a bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile offers a unique tactile experience with a creamy smoothness and pronounced tactile bump, delivering a symphony of touch that blends the best of both worlds. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may appeal to those seeking a more polished and resonant typing experience, the Ice King Tactile caters to individuals looking for a silky and frictionless touch. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
68g
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 Tactile both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom parts, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow using polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom, while the Ice King Tactile uses nylon for both top and bottom. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for RGB lighting with its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Ice King Tactile creates a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic material.
The nylon bottom housing of both switches also contributes to the sound profile, with nylon being known for producing a deeper and fuller sound compared to harder plastics. While both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow splits its housing materials between the top and bottom, with the nylon bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the Ice King Tactile maintains consistency in its sound profile with nylon used for both top and bottom. This difference in housing materials between top and bottom can result in varying sound profiles and typing experiences for each switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches such as the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Ice King Tactile plays a significant role in the sound and feel of typing on these switches. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a mix of polycarbonate and nylon for its top and bottom housing, resulting in a combination of crispness and depth in sound, the Ice King Tactile provides a consistent high-quality tactile experience with nylon used for both top and bottom housing. Whether one prefers the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch are both medium-heavy, making them suitable for individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Durock Ice King Tactile's 58 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires 67 grams, while the Durock Ice King Tactile needs 68 grams. Both switches provide a tactile feedback that some users prefer, but the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference for typing feel. Whether you prefer a lighter or heavier force, both switches offer similar results in terms of performance.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, it is clear that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Ice King Tactile's 3.5 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow's 4.0 mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel, while the Ice King Tactile's 3.5 mm provides a slightly shallower experience. Gamers may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for its longer travel distance, as it can offer a more deliberate key press, while those looking for faster response times may lean towards the Ice King Tactile. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of key feel and responsiveness.
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 Tactile 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 Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch produces a high-pitched and resonant sound, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch offers a more subdued sound, creating a dampened and subtle sound signature that is not completely silent but less pronounced than many other switches. The choice between the two switches in terms of sound really comes down to personal preference and the overall typing experience one is looking to achieve.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is described as having a polished and creamy feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and effortless key travel. In comparison, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch provides a silky, frictionless, and stepped feel, enhancing the smoothness of typing and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches aim to provide a satisfying tactile experience, but the Ice King Tactile switch offers a more intricate and nuanced tactile feedback compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch offer different sound profiles and tactile feels, they both aim to enhance the typing experience in their own unique ways. For those who prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound with a polished and creamy feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more subdued sound with a silky, frictionless, and stepped feel, the Durock Ice King Tactile switch may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the type of typing experience one desires.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you enjoy a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile with a bouncy feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued sound with a silky smooth typing experience and a pronounced tactile bump, the Ice King Tactile could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you are looking to achieve.
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