Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Ink Box Pink are both linear switches that offer unique qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is renowned for its budget-friendly excellence and delivers a satisfying typing experience with its higher pitched clacky sound profile and bouncy type feel. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink stands out for its smoothness and lighter typing feel compared to other switches. Users will appreciate the translucent design of these switches, which adds a touch of beauty to their keyboard setup. Additionally, the Ink Box Pink offers a higher-pitched clack when used. Both switches have their specific attributes that make them desirable choices for keyboard enthusiasts. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Ink Box Pink differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, offering a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, providing an aesthetically pleasing factor. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top housing, resulting in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. This creates a satisfying and clacky sound without being overly sharp.
In terms of the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow employs a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that 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. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing as well. This creates a similar pointed and high-pitched sound profile, offering a consistent sound experience throughout the switch.
When both the top and bottom housings are different for a switch, as is the case here, their respective properties are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing come into play, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, when releasing a key, the top housing's polycarbonate material influences the sound. Similarly, with the Ink Box Pink, both top and bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound profile, with the INK blend providing a consistent clacky and high-pitched sound throughout the press and release of a key.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, there are some notable similarities and differences. Both switches have an actuation force of 50 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. This ensures that users will obtain similar results in terms of responsiveness and speed. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is slightly heavier with a force of 67 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Yellow switch will provide a more substantial typing experience, offering a stronger push feel, while the Pink switch will be slightly lighter. The weight of the switches is worth considering as it can impact typing endurance and is important for those who prefer either a lighter or heavier feel during prolonged typing sessions or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Ink Box Pink has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is more traditional and provides a deeper feeling when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Ink Box Pink is shallower, which is often favored by gamers seeking faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Ink Box Pink may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper press when typing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its longer travel distance would be a suitable choice. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on individual preferences and desired typing 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 Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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 higher-pitched clacky sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switch also has a higher-pitched clack, resulting in a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. Both switches share a similar high-pitched characteristic, providing users with a sound that is sharp and distinct. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a polished typing experience. This means that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. With reduced friction and smooth key travel, typing on these switches feels incredibly smooth and effortless, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys. Conversely, the Ink Box Pink switch offers a silky typing experience. These switches are exceptionally smooth, reducing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similar to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, the Ink Box Pink switch provides users with a polished feel, allowing for smooth and frictionless typing.
Taking all the available information into account, we can conclude that both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches offer desirable subjective qualities. Although they share a higher-pitched clacky sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its bouncier type feel, while the Ink Box Pink provides a lighter typing feel. Both switches deliver a smooth typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offering a polished and creamy feel, and the Ink Box Pink providing a silky sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences in terms of sound and feel. However, users can expect similar results in terms of higher-pitched sound profiles and a smooth typing experience regardless of the switch they choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent choice. It offers a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy typing feel, which some users may prefer. On the other hand, if you are seeking a smoother typing experience with a lighter bottom out force, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is a great option. It has a medium bottom out force and provides a higher-pitched clack sound. In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics, while the Ink Box Pink offers a clacky and high-pitched sound. When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is described as polished and creamy, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Ink Box Pink, on the other hand, offers a silky and polished feel, enhancing smoothness and minimizing resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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