Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Cherry MX Black are both linear mechanical keyboard switches with their own unique characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for being budget-friendly while still offering excellent performance. Typing on these switches provides a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black is renowned for Cherry's dedication to perfection. With their new Hyperglide tooling, these switches offer a classic textured smoothness. When typing on them, we experience a familiar deep sound profile. Despite these general differences, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Cherry MX Black differ in their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, while the MX Black has a nylon top housing. This results in distinct sound profiles for each switch. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. It is also translucent, making it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Black produces a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its ability to absorb more sound due to its softer nature. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow leaning towards a brighter sound and the MX Black offering a more rounded tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the MX Black utilize nylon. Therefore, they share similar qualities in terms of sound production. The nylon bottom housing of these switches contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when compared to other switch housing materials. Whether it's the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the MX Black, users can expect a similar sound experience when bottoming out the keys of these switches.
It is important to note that the top and bottom housing materials play different roles in the overall switch experience. As such, pressing down on these switches will primarily highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the sound when releasing a key is heavily influenced by the top housing. Thus, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the MX Black may have similar nylon bottom housings, the choice of top housing material greatly impacts the sound during key release, making each switch unique in its sonic characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that they have distinct differences in their weights. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, presenting a medium-heavy sensation. On the other hand, the MX Black showcases a heavier touch with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. Therefore, the MX Black is heavier than the G Pro 3.0 Yellow in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces.
Considering the weight aspect, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a relatively lighter experience, which can be advantageous for individuals seeking extended typing or gaming sessions. This lighter actuation force enables them to type with ease for longer periods of time. In contrast, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the MX Black, as its heavier actuation and bottom out forces deliver a stronger push feel. This can be appealing for users who desire a more robust and tactile typing sensation.
Although the actuation force and bottom out force differ between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Cherry MX Black, individuals who prefer similar results in terms of weight and force can find satisfaction in both switches. Given that both switches are linear, they share the common trait of lacking any tactile or auditory feedback. Therefore, users seeking a smooth and consistent typing experience can expect similar results from both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and MX Black, regardless of their differences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on a key equipped with either switch will result in a similar experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is best known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a sharp and crisp sound, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch offers a low-pitched sound profile, featuring a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offering a higher-pitched experience and the MX Black delivering a deeper sound. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its polished and creamy typing experience. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished feel can be attributed to either the materials used or factory lubing. Typing on the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is described as buttery and silky, as the fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with ease, providing a luxurious typing sensation. On the other hand, the MX Black is described as having a textured and stiff feel. Some users prefer switches with noticeable friction, while others prefer a smoother, friction-free typing experience. Additionally, MX Black switches require a higher amount of force to actuate and bottom-out compared to other switches. Therefore, if you prefer a smooth and refined typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch would be a better choice, while the MX Black switch provides a more textured and stiff feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Cherry MX Black switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a clacky sound with a fairly bouncy feel. It also offers a polished and creamy typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the MX Black has a low-pitched sound profile, delivering a deep sound. It offers a textured and stiff feel, with noticeable friction when pressed. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them will depend on your personal sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly and bouncy typing experience with a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a classic textured smoothness with a deep low-pitched sound profile, the Cherry MX Black linear switch with its refined finish and reduced friction would be a great fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Whether you prefer a higher-pitched and bouncy typing experience or a low-pitched and textured feel, both switches offer their own unique qualities. In the end, it's important to choose the switch that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
Mentioned in this article
