Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Durock Light Tactile

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Light Tactile. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is widely regarded as a budget-friendly option, offering a linear switch experience. Typing on these switches provides a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a satisfyingly bouncy feel. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile stands out with its gentle tactility, offering a welcome contrast to sharper tactile switches on the market. Typing on these switches is accompanied by an angelic tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. While these general pointers can give you an idea of what to expect from each switch, let's delve deeper to help you decide which one suits your needs best.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow Linear

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$3.10

$2.78 per 10

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Light Tactile switches share similar housing materials, with both featuring a polycarbonate top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting, making it an ideal choice for those who want to add visual flair to their keyboard. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and aesthetic possibilities from both switches.

Where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Light Tactile also features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches benefit from the acoustic properties of nylon, enhancing the overall typing experience.

It's important to note that while the top and bottom housing materials have distinct effects on the sound and feel of a switch, the impact will vary depending on the specific action being performed. When pressing down on the switch, the qualities of the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, when releasing a key, the top housing will have a more significant impact on the sound produced. By considering the properties of both the top and bottom housings, users can better understand the nuances in sound and feel between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Light Tactile switches.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch are quite similar. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a slightly lighter actuation force of 50 grams, while the Light Tactile requires 52 grams to activate. However, both switches share the same bottom out force of 67 grams, making them equally medium-heavy in that aspect.

Considering weight, those who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. With its lower actuation force, it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing, making it suitable for work environments or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, for individuals who desire a more substantial and stronger push feel during typing, the Light Tactile with its slightly higher actuation force could provide the desired experience.

In summary, while the actuation force differs slightly between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Light Tactile, their bottom out forces are the same. This makes their typing experiences comparable, with slight variations in the initial force required to trigger a keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and whether one prefers a lighter or slightly heavier actuation force.

Travel distance

The travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch are both 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance as the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance allows for a consistent typing experience across both switches. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the Light Tactile, the feel under your fingertips will be equally satisfying as both switches offer the same travel distance of 4 mm.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches are best described as high-pitched and resonant. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making them stand out from switches with more rich and bassy sound profiles. Additionally, typing on these switches provides an immersive auditory experience, with a clean and sharp sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switches have a more neutral sound profile. They offer a moderate sound with no specific descriptors mentioned. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, if a user prefers a higher-pitched and resonant sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches would be a suitable choice. If a user prefers a more moderate and neutral sound, the Light Tactile switches would provide similar results.

When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches are described as polished and creamy. A polished switch indicates that it has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. This smoothness is achieved through the use of specific materials or factory lubrication. Thus, these switches offer reduced friction and smooth key travel, providing a pleasant typing sensation. The creamy characteristic of these switches further enhances the typing experience, giving it a buttery and silky sensation. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switches are described as mild and polished. A mild switch provides a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. This makes the Light Tactile switches approachable to most users, as their qualities stand in a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, like the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches, the Light Tactile switches also have a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Overall, if a user prefers a smooth and refined typing experience with a creamy feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches would be an excellent choice. If a user prefers a mild and polished feel with reduced friction, the Light Tactile switches would offer a similar experience.

Taking into account the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches and the Durock Light Tactile switches have distinct subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches are known for their high-pitched and resonant sound profile, which provides an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, these switches have a polished and creamy feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switches have a more neutral sound profile and provide a mild and polished typing experience. While these switches have differences, users can achieve similar results in terms of sound by choosing the desired pitch and by considering factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Similarly, users can achieve a smooth and refined typing experience by opting for either the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the Light Tactile switches, depending on their preference for a creamier or milder feel. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for beginners and advanced users alike.

Conclusion

To conclude, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be a great choice for you. It is known for its higher pitched clacky sound profile and fairly bouncy typing feel. However, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with the same bottom out force, the Durock Light Tactile would be a better option. It offers a gentle and angelic tactility, along with a jelly-like sound signature. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, while the Light Tactile has a neutral sound profile. As for the feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a polished and creamy typing experience, thanks to its smooth and refined finish. On the other hand, the Light Tactile offers a mild typing experience that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, along with a polished feel. Overall, both switches have their unique characteristics and it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow Linear

$3.10

$2.78 per 10

Learn more

Durock Light Tactile Tactile

$5.50

$4.25 per 10

Learn more