Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Medium Tactile are two popular options in the world of mechanical keyboard switches, offering distinct experiences for users. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a linear switch, known for its budget-friendly excellence. Typing on this switch produces a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile stands out with its pronounced yet balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature. It offers a unique flavor of tactile feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate. Both switches have their own advantages, depending on the user's preference and typing style. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Medium Tactile both have polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiff plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the use of polycarbonate allows for a translucent housing, making it ideal for RGB lighting. Both switches offer the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housings, providing similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
In terms of bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a nylon material, while the Medium Tactile also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is due to its softer nature, which allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. As a result, nylon contributes to a duller and rounder sound. Both switches offer similar qualities in their bottom housings, resulting in a similar typing experience and sound profile.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housings of a switch play different roles in the overall sound and feel. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. In both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Medium Tactile, the qualities of the respective housing materials are divided between the top and bottom, ensuring a balanced and consistent typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, there are both similarities and differences to consider. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the actuation force of the Medium Tactile is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.
In terms of weight, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is lighter than the Medium Tactile, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke. This lighter actuation force may be preferable for those who type for longer periods of time or engage in extended gaming sessions. The decreased resistance allows for faster and more effortless typing or gaming experiences.
On the other hand, the Medium Tactile provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. With its higher actuation force, this switch offers a tactile feedback and resistance that some users find satisfying and more satisfying for their typing needs.
It is important to note that while the actuation force and bottom out force of the two switches differ, both fall within the medium-heavy range. Therefore, users who enjoy a more solid and substantial typing experience can achieve similar results with either of these switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock Medium Tactile will depend on personal preferences and typing requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, both switches have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on a key equipped with either switch will result in a similar feeling of travel distance. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other in terms of 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 Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch has a higher-pitched clacky sound profile. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and crisp sound that may be more appealing to users who prefer a brighter sound. Additionally, the switch is resonant, which further enhances the higher-pitched sound profile and creates an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Durock Medium Tactile switch are unknown.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch provides a polished and creamy typing experience. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This can make typing on the switch feel sleek and effortless, as if gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. In contrast, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is described as accented, meaning it provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming or subtle. It has a mild and polished feel, creating a safe and approachable typing experience. The presence of stepped characteristics indicates that the switch has two stages of tactility, adding a mild pre-travel and post-travel sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The Gateron switch has a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and provides a polished and creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock switch has unknown sound characteristics and offers an accented tactility with a mild and polished feel. It is important to note that individual preferences may vary and the overall typing experience can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. If you are looking for a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, both switches offer options that provide a smooth and refined typing experience, although the specific qualities may differ.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a great choice. It has a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a polished and creamy feel, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, if you desire a tactile switch with a similar medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Medium Tactile is worth considering. It features a pronounced yet balanced tactility, creating an accented and stepped feel. While the sound profile of the Medium Tactile is not explicitly described, it has a jelly-like sound signature according to its reputation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your preference for linear or tactile switches and the specific characteristics that appeal to you in terms of sound and feel.
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