Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Mamba are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique qualities for typing enthusiasts. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out as a budget-friendly option that doesn't sacrifice excellence in performance. Typing on these switches provides a higher pitched clacky sound profile, adding a sense of satisfaction to each keystroke. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a fairly bouncy typing feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a springy response. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and offers a gliding typing sensation that allows for smooth and effortless keystrokes. The Mamba also boasts a rich and creamy auditory experience, thanks to its polished finish and thocky sound profile. While these general pointers can guide you towards choosing the right switch, it's essential to delve deeper into their characteristics and your personal preferences to make an informed decision.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Mamba have contrasting housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Mamba's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a sound profile that is pleasant and not particularly sharp, but leans towards a brighter tone. While both switches provide unique sound experiences, they differ in terms of sharpness and brightness.
Moving onto the bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a nylon material, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Mamba employs a POM bottom housing, which creates a pleasing and unique deeper sound that is relatively more muted. These differences in bottom housings contribute to the overall sound of the switches, particularly the bottom-out sound and feel.
Comparing the two switches, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offer a combination that produces a clear and resonant sound with a deeper and fuller undertone. On the other hand, the Mamba's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing, combined with the POM bottom housing, creates a sound profile that is pleasant, bright, and deep, but relatively more muted overall. While their sound profiles vary, both switches prioritize creating unique and enjoyable typing experiences.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Mamba differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while its nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness. Meanwhile, the Mamba's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing offers a brighter sound, complemented by the POM bottom housing's muted yet pleasing deep tone. Despite their differences, both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience with unique sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there are some notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, which means that it requires a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Mamba's actuation force is unknown, so it is difficult to directly compare the two switches in this regard.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Mamba has a bottom out force of 60 grams, which falls into the medium category. Here, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Mamba.
Considering the weight factor, those who prefer a lighter feel will likely favor the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, as it allows for extended typing or gaming sessions without as much strain. However, for individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience, a switch with a heavier force would be more desirable.
Although the actuation force of the Mamba remains unknown in this comparison, if it turns out to be similar to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, users can expect comparable results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Overall, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is slightly heavier in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force when directly compared to the Mamba, the individual preferences of users will ultimately determine which switch suits their typing or gaming needs more effectively.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have different travel distances. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Mamba has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is more traditional, providing a deeper feel when the key is pressed down. On the other hand, the Mamba's shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm is popular among gamers who value faster response times. This shorter travel distance allows for quicker key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing the keys, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its 4 mm travel distance would be a suitable option. However, if you prioritize faster response times and a more responsive typing experience, the Mamba with its shorter 3.5 mm travel distance would be the better choice.
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 Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 offers a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, creating an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba has a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes. However, it should be noted that the sound of the switches is also influenced by factors like the keyboard board and keycaps used. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a higher-pitched and resonant sound, while the Mamba offers a more neutral and potentially thocky sound.
As for the feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. These switches have reduced friction and provide a sleek key travel sensation. They also have a fairly bouncy feel when typing on them. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switches have a mild feel that provides a gentle typing experience. They are polished as well, providing smooth key travel and reduced friction. When typing on the Mamba switches, users will experience a gliding sensation as their fingers effortlessly melt into each keystroke. Both switches offer a polished feel, promoting smooth and sleek typing experiences.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Durock Mamba linear switches have distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a higher-pitched and resonant sound, while the Mamba provides a more neutral sound that may lean towards a thocky profile. In terms of feel, both switches are polished, providing smooth and refined typing experiences with reduced friction. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a fairly bouncy feel, while the Mamba offers a gliding sensation. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent budget-friendly option for those who prefer a higher-pitched sound and a sleek typing experience, while the Durock Mamba is a great choice for those seeking a neutral sound and a gentle typing feel. It is important to consider personal preferences and factors such as keyboard boards and keycaps to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent choice. It offers a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, which can be crisp and sharp. The typing experience is described as bouncy and the switch has a polished and creamy feel, providing smooth and refined key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium bottom out force, the Durock Mamba is a great option. Its sound profile is described as neutral with a thocky quality, producing a moderate and satisfying typing experience. The Mamba has a gliding sensation when typing and a rich and creamy auditory experience. The switch also has a mild and polished feel, making it approachable to most users.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Mamba depends on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider if you prefer the higher-pitched and resonant sound of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the neutral sound with thocky qualities of the Mamba. Additionally, think about whether you prefer the bouncy and polished feel of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the gliding and mild feel of the Mamba. Assessing these factors will help you make an informed decision and find the linear switch that suits your typing preferences best.
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