Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the decision can greatly influence both typing comfort and overall user experience. In the realm of linear switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out for its budget-friendly appeal, delivering a unique combination of higher-pitched clacky sounds and a bouncy typing feel that many users find enjoyable. Its qualities of being polished, creamy, and resonant make it a popular choice for those seeking a balance of performance and affordability. On the other hand, the Keygeek Keylin offers a more premium typing experience, featuring new molds that enhance smoothness and produce rich acoustics—qualities that can lead to an elevated sensation while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow attracting budget-conscious gamers and typists, while the Keylin appeals to those willing to invest in a more refined tactile experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Keygeek Keylin exhibit a fundamental difference in the material used for their top housing, which significantly influences their respective sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, clearer sound profile. This property of polycarbonate allows it to deliver a more resonant and high-pitched auditory experience, particularly when used alongside RGB lighting. This design supports an aesthetic appeal while enhancing the auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Keylin's top housing is constructed from nylon, a softer material that absorbs sound better than polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper, fuller, and rounder acoustic signature. Therefore, the two switches present distinctly different auditory experiences based on their top housing materials.
Both switches, however, share nylon for their bottom housing, which creates a foundation that affects the typing experience in a similar way. The nylon material is renowned for its ability to dampen sound, leading to a more muted and rich bottom-out sound across both switches. As the bottom housing has a more profound influence on the feel and sound when the switch is fully pressed, users will experience a consistent deepening and fullness when activating either the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the Keylin. The shared nylon composition guarantees that both switches, despite their differing top housings, will have a similar and satisfying bottom-out experience characterized by a duller sound signature.
In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Keygeek Keylin have contrasting top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—both switches exhibit similar features in their bottom housing due to the use of nylon. This composition provides a foundational acoustic quality that helps unify their performances when typing. The distinctive sounds produced on releasing the keys will vary, aligning with the properties of their respective top housing, thus offering both switches an engaging and varied typing experience. With the G Pro 3.0 Yellow emphasizing crisper sounds on release and the Keylin providing a warmer audio feel, each caters to different preferences while still offering a fundamentally enjoyable typing experience due to their nylon bases.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch with the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Keylin's lighter 38 grams, making the Keylin more suitable for users who prefer quicker, less strenuous keystrokes for extended typing or gaming sessions. Additionally, the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is 67 grams, which is significantly heavier than the Keylin's 48 grams. This means that users of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow might experience a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate a firmer feedback from their switches. In summary, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the heavier option overall, while the Keylin offers a lighter feel, making it an ideal choice for those seeking comfort during prolonged use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different user preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional depth that many typists and gamers appreciate for a more substantial keystroke feel. In contrast, the Keylin has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which may appeal to those who prioritize quicker response times and prefer a snappier typing experience. Consequently, if you choose the Keylin switch, you can expect a more responsive feel, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow delivers a deeper and potentially more satisfying actuation for users who enjoy a tactile experience. Thus, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the longer option at 4 mm, while the Keylin is the shorter one at 3.6 mm.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Keygeek Keylin linear switches, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its higher-pitched, clacky sound. This means that when typing, users will experience a sharp and crisp auditory feedback that is resonant, offering an immersive and clean acoustic experience. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Keylin switches are not specified, leaving an unknown element in terms of their auditory feedback. However, it is essential to remember that the sound of a switch can vary based on other factors such as the keyboard case and keycaps used, which may affect the overall experience for both switches.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches are characterized by a polished and creamy typing sensation. The smooth and refined nature of these switches contributes to a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and an effortless glide during keystrokes. Again, the Keylin's feel characteristics are not detailed, creating another unknown aspect in this comparison. This absence of information leaves potential users wondering about the tactile feedback and smoothness that the Keylin may or may not offer.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch stands out with its distinct high-pitched sound and creamy, polished feel, making it a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly yet enjoyable typing experience. Conversely, the Keygeek Keylin linear switch remains a bit of a mystery due to the lack of described qualities, particularly in sound and feel. For users who prioritize specific auditory and tactile engagements, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a reliable option, while the Keylin may require further exploration to uncover its unique benefits.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the experiences you seek from your keyboard. If you enjoy a bouncy feel while typing and appreciate a slightly heavier keystroke, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent choice, particularly given its medium-heavy actuation force of 67 grams. This switch also provides a distinct high-pitched and resonant sound that some users find exhilarating, making it perfect for those who lean towards a more active and responsive typing environment. On the other hand, if you lean towards lighter, smoother typing experiences, the Keylin switch's 48-gram bottom-out force and premium construction will be more to your liking. The Keylin’s refined acoustics without the resonant high-pitched sound profile might especially appeal to users seeking a more subtle auditory feedback while enjoying creamy and polished keystrokes. In essence, your decision will boil down to whether you prioritize a heavier, more tactile feedback with a distinct sound versus a lightweight, exceptionally smooth typing experience.
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