Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. PH Studio Jacaranda
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the pros and cons of various options to meet their typing needs. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow emerges as a stalwart choice for those seeking budget-friendly performance without sacrificing quality, characterized by its polished, high-pitched sound and a lively, bouncy feel. This switch is great for gamers and typists alike who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback during their sessions. In contrast, the PH Studio Jacaranda, produced by KTT, offers a more refined typing experience with its gentle bottom-out force of 43.5g, which makes it exceptionally finger-friendly and ideal for prolonged use. The Jacaranda's extended 22mm spring enhances its bounciness, contributing to a crisp and satisfying sound, distinctly resonating with users who prioritize tactile feedback. While both switches deliver the linear typing sensation prized by many, they cater to slightly different preferences and use cases. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
39g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the PH Studio Jacaranda share remarkable similarities in their housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing for both switches creates a distinctive sound profile characterized by sharpness, high-pitch tones, and clarity. This attribute is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance, making each keystroke sound crisper. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for users who incorporate RGB lighting into their setups, as it allows light to diffuse beautifully through the housing, contributing to an aesthetically pleasing illumination effect in both switches.
In contrast to their top housings, the bottom housing materials differ distinctly in auditory characteristics. Both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Jacaranda feature nylon in their bottom housings, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile while typing. The softness of nylon naturally absorbs sound waves, creating a more muted and rounded acoustic feedback compared to the sharper sound emanating from the polycarbonate top. Although both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, their combined use of a softer bottom material and a stiffer top results in a balanced auditory experience, with the nylon contributing to the overall depth and warmth, while the polycarbonate enhances clarity.
Ultimately, the way these materials interact during use highlights the importance of both the top and bottom housings in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches. Users of both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and PH Studio Jacaranda switches will find that the unique combination of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a blend of properties—sharp and resonant sounds from the top and deep, full sounds from the bottom. This duality means that although they have different auditory qualities based on their housing materials, they can produce a similarly satisfying experience when typing, making them both excellent choices for enthusiasts keen on enhancing their tactile and acoustic experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch to the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, contrasting sharply with the Jacaranda's lighter actuation force of 39 grams. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Yellow more suitable for users who prefer a substantial typing experience, while the Jacaranda is ideal for those who appreciate a lighter touch, promoting a less fatiguing typing experience during long sessions. Additionally, the bottom out force for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is 67 grams, again heavier than the Jacaranda’s 45 grams. Thus, while both switches can be engaged for keystrokes, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow demands a more forceful press, which could lead to a more tactile feedback that some users might enjoy, whereas the Jacaranda’s lighter forces cater to those who value speed and ease over heft. This notable difference clearly positions the G Pro 3.0 Yellow as the heavier option and the Jacaranda as the lighter choice, allowing users to select based on their personal typing preferences or gaming needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Jacaranda has a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel, making it preferable for gamers seeking quicker response times. However, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a deeper experience when typing, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. In summary, if you prefer a more traditional and hearty input, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the better option, while the Jacaranda is ideal for those who favor faster actuation with its 3.5 mm travel distance.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the PH Studio Jacaranda switches exhibit a clacky, high-pitched sound profile that provides an engaging auditory experience. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow produces a sharp and resonant sound that is clean and crisp, ideal for those who appreciate a more refined noise without any bassy undertones. Similarly, the Jacaranda carries a bright and percussive quality, enhancing the typist’s interaction with each keystroke. Ultimately, users of either switch can expect a high-pitched, crisp sound that adds character to their typing, though the exact nature of the acoustics may be influenced by factors like the keyboard case and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is noted for its polished and creamy typing experience, leading to smooth key presses with minimal resistance. This results in a comfortable and pleasant typing experience, often enhanced by factory lubrication. On the other hand, the Jacaranda switch offers a silky sensation that emphasizes ease of key travel and minimal friction, ensuring a luxurious typing feel. Despite the different descriptors, both switches deliver a quality tactile experience that is smooth, albeit each might cater to slightly different preferences in tactile smoothness.
In conclusion, whether you choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the PH Studio Jacaranda, you'll enjoy a similar clacky and high-pitched sound profile accompanied by a smooth typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow leans towards a polished and creamy feel, the Jacaranda provides a silky smoothness that enhances key travel. Ultimately, both switches present excellent options for typists looking for quality performance, and your choice might boil down to slight nuances in sound and tactile feedback preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switches should hinge on your typing preferences and needs. If you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 67 grams that delivers a polished and creamy feel, resulting in a slightly bouncy and clacky sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent choice. Its sturdiness lends itself well to long typing sessions or gaming, especially if you like a tactile response without a significant fatigue factor. In contrast, if you value a lighter action switch that’s gentle on your fingers, with a lower bottom-out force of 45 grams, opt for the Jacaranda. Its extended spring provides a silky and bouncy typing experience with a crisp, clacky sound that can enhance both casual typing and gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your comfort and auditory preferences—whether you lean towards a robust typing experience with the G Pro 3.0 or an effortlessly smooth feel with the Jacaranda.
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