Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Gateron Ink Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options that often come into consideration are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Ink Red. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a linear switch that is widely recognized for its budget-friendly excellence. Typing on these switches yields a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel. On the other hand, the Ink Red is also a linear switch but stands out with its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. These switches offer a satisfyingly smooth experience with a crispy and clacky sound profile, making typing effortless. While these general characteristics can help guide your decision, let's dive a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can determine the best switch for your specific needs.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow Linear

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$3.10

$2.78 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Ink Red have different materials used in their top housings. The Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the Yellow's translucent polycarbonate housing is beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Red utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which is characterized by a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile. While it also provides a satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound, it is described as being clacky rather than overly sharp.

In terms of bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow incorporates a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon housings produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the contrary, the Ink Red incorporates Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. This material offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, contributing to the overall clacky sound experience.

Although there are differences in the specific materials used for the top and bottom housings of the two switches, they both provide similar results in terms of the sound they create. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing complement each other to deliver a balanced sound profile. Similarly, the Ink Red's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings work together to produce a clacky and relatively high-pitched sound. Regardless of the materials used, the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there are some notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Ink Red's 45 grams. This means that the Yellow switch requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a heavier force of 67 grams, while the Ink Red has a lighter force of 60 grams. This indicates that the Yellow switch provides a more substantial typing experience, requiring more force to fully press down the key. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch offers a lighter bottom out force, allowing for a quicker and potentially more comfortable typing experience. While the forces differ slightly, both switches fall within the medium range, ensuring a balance between responsiveness and typing comfort. So, if you prefer a lighter actuation and bottom out force, the Ink Red would be the ideal choice. However, if you enjoy a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be a better fit.

Travel distance

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

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches have a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, creating an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switches have a neutral sound profile with a hint of chirpiness. This unique acoustic signature sets them apart from other switches. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches are described as polished and creamy. They offer a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on these switches feels sleek and buttery, as if gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. On the other hand, the Ink Red switches provide a silky and mild typing experience. They enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Similar to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, the Ink Red switches also have a polished finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience.

Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Ink Red switches offer different subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow excels in providing a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile, along with a polished and creamy feel. It is best suited for those who prefer a bouncy typing experience and a more pronounced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Ink Red switches offer a neutral sound profile with a touch of chirpiness, along with a silky and mild typing experience. They are perfect for individuals with a lighter typing style and a preference for smoother keystrokes. While they have their own unique qualities, both switches offer excellent performance and are budget-friendly options. Regardless of the choice, users can expect satisfying results in terms of sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are on a budget and looking for a linear switch that offers a bouncy and higher pitched clacky sound profile, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the way to go. With its medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, it provides a satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a slightly heavier switch. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is described as having a polished and creamy feel, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.

On the other hand, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a switch with a lower actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red is the ideal choice. With its medium bottom out force of 60 grams, it offers an effortless typing experience. The Ink Red is known for its satisfyingly smooth feel and crispy, clacky sound profile. It is also described as having a silky and polished feel, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.

Ultimately, your choice would depend on your preference for sound, feel, and bottom out force. If you enjoy a bouncier and higher pitched clacky sound with a slightly heavier typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience with a crisp and clacky sound, the Ink Red would be the better option. Consider your typing style, budget, and desired auditory and tactile experience when making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow Linear

$3.10

$2.78 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more