Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Neo Lavender HE offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences and needs. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is recognized for its budget-friendly allure, featuring a linear design that provides a smooth and bouncy typing feel paired with a higher-pitched clacky sound profile. This makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a satisfying and responsive typing experience without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE is a hall effect switch that marks its territory with a clean, low sound signature, particularly suited for Wooting keyboards and those who desire an innovative, magnetic switching mechanism. While both options cater to varying tactile and auditory preferences, each brings its own set of advantages to the table. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Neo Lavender HE switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which plays a crucial role in shaping their auditory characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, leading to a sound profile that is sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize an articulate typing experience, especially when RGB lighting is a consideration due to its translucency. Conversely, the Neo Lavender HE features a nylon top housing, which, being a softer plastic, yields a deeper, fuller sound profile that is inherently less sharp. This softness allows nylon to absorb sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory response, catering to those who prefer a softer touch in their typing experience.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, creating some similarities in how they feel when activated. The nylon bottom housing of both switches produces a deeper and dryer sound, primarily influencing the tactile feedback as well as the bottom-out sound when pressing a key. This means that while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's polycarbonate top offers a distinct sound when releasing a key, the noteworthy impact on sound and feel at bottom-out comes from the nylon base. Consequently, both switches can elicit a satisfying typing experience, but the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom combination of the G Pro 3.0 will lead to a more pronounced sonic contrast compared to the more uniform roundness provided by the fully nylon Lavender HE.
Ultimately, users may find that even though the sound profiles of these two switches differ due to the top housing materials, they can achieve a manageable balance when typing. The top housing of the GPro 3.0 delivers a sharper sound upon release, while the dominant nylon influence from both switches provides a deeply resonant typing experience. As such, if you prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be more to your liking, whereas if you favor a smoother, fuller typing experience, the Neo Lavender HE could be ideal. Regardless, both switches will elicit a satisfying feel while combining the characteristics of nylon in their bottom housings.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch present a clear contrast in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, which some typists and gamers might appreciate for a more substantial tactile experience. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suited for those who prefer effortless keystrokes, especially ideal for longer typing sessions or extensive gaming. Thus, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the heavier option, while the Lavender HE is lighter. Users seeking less fatigue during prolonged use may favor the Lavender HE switch, whereas those desiring a firmer push might opt for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Since their actuation forces differ, one should expect differing typing experiences: the G Pro yields a more deliberate feel compared to the more fluid response of the Lavender HE switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a traditional option that offers a more pronounced feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference means that while both switches provide a relatively satisfying experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a deeper, more substantial bottoming-out sensation, which many users appreciate for its tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Lavender HE’s shorter travel distance caters to those who prefer quicker actuation, potentially enhancing responsiveness for fast-paced gaming. As such, if you're looking for a more profound depth and a traditional feel, you might gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, while the Lavender HE is well-suited for those seeking speed and a slight edge in response time.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 per 10 switches.
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 produces a higher-pitched clacky tone that is characterized by its sharp and crisp auditory feedback. This resonance offers a clean and immersive experience for typists who enjoy a more vibrant sound profile. In contrast, while specific details about the Neo Lavender HE's sound characteristics are not provided, it is noted for its clean and low sound. The differences suggest that users who prefer a more pronounced click may favor the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, while those seeking a subtler auditory experience might lean towards the Lavender HE.
Regarding feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is renowned for its polished and creamy typing experience, allowing for smooth and effortless keystrokes. Users can expect reduced friction and a luxurious glide, which makes long typing sessions more enjoyable. On the other hand, the feel of the Neo Lavender HE switch remains unspecified. However, since both switches fall into the linear category, it’s reasonable to expect that they may offer similar smoothness in key travel, which linear switches are known for.
In conclusion, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a solid option for those wanting a bright sound and a velvety feel, making it ideal for typists who appreciate both a lively auditory feedback and smooth keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Neo Lavender HE may appeal to those seeking a quieter, more subdued experience, although specific qualities related to its feel are unknown. Overall, both switches can achieve satisfying results depending on personal preferences, especially when sound and feel complement each user's unique typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch largely depends on your preferences in typing feel, sound, and weight. If you favor a more robust and tactile experience with a heavier bottom-out force of 67 grams, then the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the way to go. Its polished and creamy characteristics offer a smooth and refined typing experience, enhanced by a higher-pitched, clacky sound that can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy auditory feedback. This switch shines on a budget without compromising on quality and can be ideal for both casual typing and gaming scenarios where precision and responsiveness matter. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter feel with a bottom-out force of 50 grams, the Neo Lavender HE is an excellent choice, especially for those who appreciate a clean sound profile and compatibility with Wooting keyboards. The Lavender’s hall effect technology delivers a unique keypress experience, making it suitable for extended typing sessions where reduced finger fatigue is critical. The low, quiet sound and smooth feel of the Lavender HE can be particularly appealing in office environments or shared spaces. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style, sound preference, and how much emphasis you place on features like switch weight and auditory feedback.
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