Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Ink Yellow. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its budget-friendly excellence and offers a linear switch experience. Typing on these switches produces a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch stands out with its shorter travel distance, providing a typing experience somewhere between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. These switches offer a pleasant smoothness and clackiness. While these general descriptions give a good starting point in choosing a switch that suits your preferences, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can ultimately decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Ink Yellow both have distinct features in their housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as "clacky." While both top housings offer a satisfying sound, they have their own distinct characteristics.
In terms of bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow employs a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, contributing to a duller and rounder sound. Similarly, the Ink Yellow utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which also produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. While both bottom housings contribute to a satisfying sound, they add their own unique qualities.
Although the top and bottom housings differ between the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Ink Yellow, they both influence the overall sound of the switches. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will be more pronounced, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. The top housing, on the other hand, has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer satisfying sound profiles that enthusiasts and typists can enjoy.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Ink Yellow requires 60 grams. Therefore, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is lighter in terms of actuation force. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating that once pressed all the way down, they provide a similar level of resistance.
Considering weight as a factor, individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience might opt for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch, as its lower actuation force allows for extended typing periods. This lighter feel is especially beneficial for those who use their keyboards for long gaming sessions or in professional settings, such as at work. On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Ink Yellow switch, which requires a slightly heavier actuation force. This provides a stronger push feel, offering a more solid and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. 4.0mm is the more traditional choice, providing a decent amount of travel for a satisfying key press. On the other hand, 3.5mm is slightly shallower, which can be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. The shorter travel distance allows for faster activation and can be beneficial in fast-paced gaming scenarios. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel too abrupt or lacking in depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of responsiveness and key press depth.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow for $7.35.
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 has a higher-pitched clacky sound profile. This means that when you press the keys, you can expect a sharp and crisp sound. The sound is clean and sharp, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch has a more neutral sound profile. While it is described as clacky, it produces a sharp and snappy sound, which can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. It is important to note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Turning to the feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a polished typing experience. With a smooth and refined finish, you can expect reduced friction and smooth key travel. The typing experience on these switches is sleek and effortless, providing a sensation similar to gliding your fingers across the keys. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a mild typing experience. It falls into a safe, middle-ground zone, offering a more gentle feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Just like the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, the Ink Yellow switch also has a polished finish, resulting in a sleek and smooth typing experience.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Gateron Ink Yellow switches both have their own unique qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a polished typing experience, while the Ink Yellow switch offers a more neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience. Both switches are known for their smoothness and clackiness, though the specifics may differ. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and the typing experience you desire. However, if you prefer a typing experience similar to that of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, you can expect to achieve similar results with the Ink Yellow switch.
Conclusion
In closing, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Gateron Ink Yellow switches both have a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing them in the medium-heavy category. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is best known for its budget-friendly excellence and its higher pitched clacky sound profile, providing a fairly bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow offers a shorter travel and a typing experience that falls between that of a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard. It provides a pleasant smoothness and clackiness.
When it comes to sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow produces a high-pitched and resonant sound, giving you a sharp and crisp auditory experience. Conversely, the Ink Yellow has a neutral sound profile with a clacky characteristic, resulting in a moderate and percussive sound.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow gives a polished and creamy typing experience. The switch is smooth and refined, offering reduced friction and effortless key travel. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow provides a mild and polished typing experience, placing it in a safe middle ground that would appeal to most users.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Ink Yellow will depend on your personal preferences. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a higher pitched clacky sound and a bouncy type feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be the suitable choice. However, if you prefer a shorter travel and a typing experience that falls between a laptop and a standard mechanical keyboard, along with a pleasant smoothness and clackiness, the Ink Yellow would be the preferred option. Consider your sound and feel preferences to make the final decision.
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