Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Cherry MX Brown. While both switches have their own unique qualities, they provide contrasting typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its budget-friendly excellence, offering a linear switch that produces a higher pitched clacky sound and a bouncy type feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches excel in subtlety, providing a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. Each switch has its own appeal, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Cherry MX Brown differ in their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, while the MX Brown uses a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. On the other hand, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that typing on the G Pro 3.0 Yellow will produce a clearer and more resonant sound, while the MX Brown will offer a duller and rounder sound. However, both switches can be used with RGB lighting due to their clear housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches use a nylon housing material. This means that they will both elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a soft plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a dulled and rounded sound. While the bottom housing may have more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches share similar qualities in this aspect. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or MX Brown, you can expect a similar experience in terms of the sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Cherry MX Brown differ in their top housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the MX Brown uses a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches share a nylon bottom housing, leading to a similar deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Both switches can also be used with RGB lighting thanks to their translucent housing. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer a clearer and resonant sound (G Pro 3.0 Yellow) or a duller and rounder sound (MX Brown) when typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it is clear that they have notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the MX Brown's 45 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires a slightly stronger push to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the MX Brown has a lower bottom out force of 55 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This implies that the MX Brown provides a lighter experience when fully pressing a key compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
Considering the weight of these switches, those who prefer a lighter typing experience or tend to use their keyboards for extended periods of time may gravitate towards the MX Brown. Its lower actuation and bottom out forces make it more suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming sessions without causing fatigue. Alternatively, individuals who appreciate a stronger, more substantial typing feel may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Its higher actuation and bottom out forces provide a more robust typing experience, but may not be suitable for prolonged use due to the additional force required. It is worth noting that while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is heavier in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, the MX Brown still provides a solid typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance on both switches. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results.
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 Brown 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 well-known for its high-pitched clacky sound profile when pressed. This switch produces a sharp and crisp sound that is more resonant, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a more subtle and subdued audio feedback. It is described as having a bassy sound profile with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is often referred to as polished and creamy. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. It offers a silky sensation, akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The Cherry MX Brown switch, in comparison, is described as textured or scratchy. Some users prefer a switch with noticeable friction when pressed, while others prefer a smoother and friction-free typing experience.
Considering the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch provides a higher-pitched sound profile with resonant audio feedback. It offers a polished and creamy feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch delivers a bassy sound profile with a subtle tactility and textured feel. While they offer different qualities, both switches provide unique typing experiences based on individual preferences. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound with a sleek feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be a great choice. Alternatively, if you appreciate a deeper and richer sound with a textured feel, the Cherry MX Brown is an excellent option. It's important to note that the sound and feel of the switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 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 the perfect choice for you. With its higher pitched clacky sound profile and fairly bouncy type feel, it provides a unique and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and gentle typing experience, the Cherry MX Brown is the way to go. With its medium-light bottom out force and gentle tactility, it offers a light and smooth keystroke. In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a high-pitched and resonant profile, while the MX Brown provides a bassy and low-pitched tone. When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its polished and creamy sensation, while the MX Brown offers a textured experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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