Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Kailh BCP offer distinctly different yet compelling experiences for users who favor linear switches. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is celebrated for its budget-friendly excellence, boasting a polished, high-pitched clacky sound profile that pairs well with a bouncy typing feel. This makes it an excellent choice for those who seek an enjoyable typing experience without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Kailh BCP takes inspiration from the iconic Black Cherry Pie switch, delivering a uniquely creamy and viscous typing sensation alongside a signature poppy clacky sound. The BCP's custom-molded design eliminates the hassle of disassembly while providing an elastic feedback that some enthusiasts may find more appealing. Both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel and auditory feedback, making them worthy contenders for any keyboard enthusiast. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Kailh BCP, a marked contrast emerges in their top housing compositions. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a higher-pitched, crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature. This rigidity not only facilitates a clearer sound but also enhances the aesthetic quality of the switch, particularly in setups with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows light to pass through more effectively. In contrast, the Kailh BCP employs a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. The absorption qualities of nylon mellow the acoustic feedback, producing a sound that is rounder and more subdued compared to the sharper characteristics of polycarbonate.
While both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, the sound profiles created by their respective top housings will dictate the overall auditory experience when typing. In the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, the polycarbonate top enhances the impact of the release sound, giving it a distinctively brighter aspect during key release. Conversely, the BCP's nylon top dampens the sound, leading to a consistent, softer auditory feedback throughout the keystroke. Consequently, users may find the typing experience on the G Pro 3.0 Yellow to feel more vibrant and dynamic while using the BCP might feel more cushioned and controlled, reflecting the inherent qualities of their materials.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches share a common ground with nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This creates a level of similarity in the bottom-out experience of each switch, as both will demonstrate a lush, rounded sound profile due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. Users seeking a consistent typing feel will appreciate that, despite the contrasting sounds produced during key presses, the cushioning effect during bottoming out remains similarly rich, imparting a satisfying tactile feedback. Therefore, while the top housings may lead to distinct auditory experiences, the underlying performance of both switches is unified by their shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, we see some nuances in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, while the Kailh BCP requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 52 grams but features a lighter bottom out force of 63.5 grams. Consequently, this indicates that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the lighter switch overall, as it has a lower actuation force, making it potentially better suited for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Kailh BCP offers a more substantial push feel due to its higher actuation force, appealing to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. While both switches fall within the medium-heavy range, their differing forces result in varied tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Kailh BCP linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Yellow the longer option, offering a more traditional depth that many users find satisfying, especially those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. On the other hand, the Kailh BCP, with its shorter travel distance, aligns more closely with the preferences of gamers who seek quicker response times and a more abrupt feel. Consequently, if you favor responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Kailh BCP would be the better choice. Conversely, if you appreciate the tactile sensation of a deeper press, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be ideal.
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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch has a distinctively higher-pitched and clacky sound profile that provides a sharp and crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke. This resonant quality enhances the typing experience, making it feel lively and engaging, especially for users who prefer a more treble-focused sound. In comparison, while the specifics of the Kailh BCP’s sound profile are not elaborated upon, it is noted that it also features a poppy and clacky sound, suggesting it may provide a similar auditory experience, albeit potentially with its own unique character. Ultimately, if sound clarity and pitch are your primary concerns, both switches will deliver a stimulating auditory feedback, although the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is more explicitly defined in this aspect.
When looking at the feel of each switch, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is characterized by its polished and creamy typing experience, resulting from a refined finish and potentially factory lubing. This creates a smooth key travel that significantly reduces friction, allowing for a fluid typing experience where the fingers glide effortlessly over the keys. The creamy sensation described implies that users can expect a buttery touch, resulting in a sleek and enjoyable interaction with the keyboard. On the other hand, although the Kailh BCP does not have a detailed description of its feel, it is implied to offer a bouncy and elastic experience that might be reminiscent of a polished finish as well, suggesting both switches could provide a satisfactory tactile response, albeit with different nuances.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Kailh BCP linear switches cater to preferences around sound and feel, delivering a clacky auditory experience that many typists enjoy. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out with its polished and creamy typing sensations, while the BCP may provide a unique bounciness that complements the tactile feedback. Ultimately, both switches can provide a dynamic typing experience, making them excellent choices for newcomers looking for quality performance without breaking the bank. Your choice may ultimately depend on your personal preferences for detailed auditory and tactile sensations, but both options are likely to yield a satisfying experience overall.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Kailh BCP linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. If you favor a switch with a medium-heavy bottom-out force that produces a high-pitched, resonant sound profile, and enjoy a polished, bouncy typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent choice. It’s especially ideal for those who enjoy a crisp auditory feedback during their typing sessions. Conversely, if you lean towards a slightly lighter feel with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and prefer a typing experience characterized by a creamy, viscous sensation paired with a delightful poppy sound, the Kailh BCP switch would better suit your desires. The BCP's distinct characteristics can offer a more engaging tactile experience and sound profile that many find appealing for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the sensory enjoyment and performance that matters most to you in your keyboard setup.
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