Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, it's essential to consider the unique characteristics and performance of options like the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Magnetic Jade. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is celebrated for its budget-friendly excellence, delivering a bouncy typing feel and a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile that many users find satisfying during both gaming and typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, elevates the typing experience with its bright and clacky sound, targeting enthusiasts eager for an enhanced acoustic performance in their keyboards. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is ideal for those seeking a polished and resonant experience without breaking the bank, the Magnetic Jade appeals to users who prioritize superior typing quality and are looking to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard for a premium feel. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches, it becomes clear that both feature polycarbonate as their top housing material. This similarity results in a consistent acoustic profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to a clear resonance that enhances the auditory experience during typing. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate tops is beneficial for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as it allows the light to illuminate the switch effectively. Therefore, regardless of potential differences in other aspects of the switches, users can expect a similar sound profile due to the shared material in the top housings of both switches.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is made of nylon, while the Magnetic Jade also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. This choice of material impacts the auditory characteristics significantly. Nylon is known for its softer composition, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. As such, when typing on either switch, users will likely notice a rounder and more muted sound upon bottoming out, as the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon play a crucial role here. Even though both switches share the same top housing material, the nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent sound experience in terms of depth and fullness across both switch models.
In essence, the differences in their housing materials underscore the importance of each component in producing sound and feel. With polycarbonate tops delivering clarity, users experience a vivid sound when releasing the keys, while the nylon bottoms provide a contrasting, deeper tone upon actuation. Therefore, even if the overall sound characteristics are similar across both switches, the nuanced variations in typing experience can be attributed to the interplay of the materials used in their housings. As a result, users can expect a harmonious blend of a sharp top-end sound combined with a rounded lower sound profile in both switches, typical of setups utilizing similar housing compositions.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there is a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a better choice for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade switch features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to those who seek a more effortless keystroke for extended typing or gaming sessions. Thus, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is heavier overall, with a stronger push feel, the Magnetic Jade offers a softer touch, providing a less taxing experience for prolonged use. This distinction makes it clear that users should consider their personal preferences between a heavier or lighter switch when choosing between these two options.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance signifies that the Yellow switch provides a more traditional and deeper typing experience, which some users may find more satisfying, especially when they prefer a hearty depth in their key presses. On the other hand, the Magnetic Jade’s 3.5 mm travel distance caters to the modern trend of shorter distances, making it potentially more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that feels deeper and potentially more tactile, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be your choice, whereas the Magnetic Jade might be preferred for its faster and more responsive action owing to its shorter 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 Gateron Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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
The sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a higher-pitched clacky tone that is sharp and crisp, ideal for those who prefer a more resonant auditory feedback while typing. This clean and vibrant sound enhances the typing experience, providing an immersive auditory environment that can be satisfying for users who enjoy a lively keystroke sound. Conversely, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch also features a bright and clacky sound; however, the details surrounding its exact acoustic qualities are less explicitly defined. While both switches share a reputation for producing a clacky sound that many users appreciate, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow leans slightly towards the higher-pitched end of the spectrum, making it a prominent choice for those drawn to that specific auditory nuance.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is characterized by its polished and creamy texture, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience that reduces friction and provides a buttery sensation. This allows for effortless key travel, making each keystroke feel almost weightless and fluid. The Gateron Magnetic Jade's tactile experience remains unspecified, which leaves a gap in comparison. While users can generally expect high-quality feedback from Gateron switches, the tactile nature of the Magnetic Jade will require personal experience to fully appreciate.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Magnetic Jade Hall Effect switches deliver a vibrant sound profile, though the former is more specifically described with a sharp, high-pitched quality. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow also excels in providing a polished and smooth feel, with no detailed descriptions available for the Magnetic Jade's tactile experience. For those seeking a bright and lively typing experience, either switch presents a fine choice, though the unique auditory and tactile qualities of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may appeal particularly to users who prioritize defined sound and a luxurious feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a medium-heavy key feel, enjoy a bouncy and polished typing experience, and appreciate a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent fit for your mechanical keyboard. This switch is particularly well-suited for gamers or typists who enjoy a responsive and tactile touch without the distinct feedback of clicky switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force combined with a distinct auditory appeal and you're looking for an enhanced gaming experience on keyboards like the Wooting, the Magnetic Jade might be the better choice for you. Its unique sound and smooth action offer an immersive typing experience that elevates your overall satisfaction. Ultimately, consider what aspects matter most to you—be it sound, feel, or switch actuation—before making your decision, as each switch has distinctive characteristics that cater to different user experiences.
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