Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Ink Black V2 are both linear mechanical keyboard switches worth considering. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is renowned for its budget-friendly excellence, providing a satisfying typing experience with a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is a long-time community favorite known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack sound. It offers a different experience with a low-pitched, bassy sound profile. Both switches have their unique characteristics and appeal to different preferences. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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 INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Ink Black V2 differ in their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Ink Black V2 uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing. Both materials contribute to a high-pitched sound profile, but there are slight differences. The polycarbonate material in the G Pro 3.0 Yellow creates a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiffness. On the other hand, the INK blend in the Ink Black V2 produces a pointed and clacky sound that is characterized as satisfying. Despite these differences, both switches are suitable for use with RGB lighting due to their translucent properties.
In terms of the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, while the Ink Black V2 utilizes Gateron's INK blend bottom housing. Nylon as a housing material enhances the sound profile with a deeper and fuller tone. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the INK blend in the Ink Black V2 provides a relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. These differences in bottom housing materials give each switch a unique bottom-out sound and feel.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the overall sound and feel of the switch. When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Ink Black V2 may have different housing materials for the top and bottom, they can still deliver similar results in terms of overall sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are similarities and differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. In terms of actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires 50 grams, while the Ink Black V2 requires 60 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a lighter actuation force compared to the Ink Black V2. However, when it comes to bottom out force, both switches have similar medium-heavy weights. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Ink Black V2 has a bottom out force of 70 grams. Therefore, although the actuation force differs between the two switches, the resulting typing experience in terms of bottoming out will be similar as they both fall within the medium-heavy range. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, with those who prefer a lighter actuation force opting for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and those seeking a slightly heavier actuation force choosing the Ink Black V2.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, both switches will travel the same distance from the top to the bottom. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance you feel when typing on either switch. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying keystroke experience.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 switch offers a high-pitched and resonant profile. Typing on these switches will result in a clean and sharp sound, with a sharper and crisper tone. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch has a low-pitched and bassy sound profile. Key presses on these switches produce a deeper and richer tone, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 switch has a unique chirpy characteristic that sets it apart from others. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
As for the feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a polished and creamy typing experience. The switch is smooth and refined, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with a sleek and buttery sensation. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch provides a mild typing experience. It offers a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This mildness makes it approachable to most users, as it falls within a safe and middle-ground zone. Similar to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, the Ink Black V2 switch also has a polished finish for reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Ink Black V2 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, while providing a polished and creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched and bassy sound profile, along with a mild and polished typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, you can choose between these two switches to achieve the desired experience. However, it's important to consider other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, as they can also affect the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switches, there are a few key factors to consider. If you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lower-pitched sound with a bassy tone and a unique chirpy sound, the Ink Black V2 is the better choice.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, both options offer a polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. However, if you prefer a switch with a creamy and buttery feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder and more approachable typing experience, the Ink Black V2 is the better option.
Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a budget-friendly choice with a higher-pitched and resonant sound, and a creamy and polished feel. The Ink Black V2, on the other hand, offers a lower-pitched and bassy sound with a chirpy touch, and a mild and polished typing experience. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns with your preferences to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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