Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, and two intriguing options in today's market are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Cherry MX Purple RGB. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out for its budget-friendly appeal, offering a smooth and bouncy actuation typical of linear switches, coupled with a higher-pitched clacky sound that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB provides a refined tactile feedback experience, characterized by a short and medium-strength bump, making it a favored choice for those who enjoy a more discernible touch while typing. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a fantastic option for gamers and typists seeking a responsive yet quiet experience, while the MX Purple caters to enthusiasts who appreciate tactile cues. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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 Purple RGB switches exhibit distinct differences in their housing materials, primarily in the choice of plastics for their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when the key is released. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB features a nylon top housing, known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and more rounded auditory experience. This divergence not only affects the tonal characteristics but also affects how users perceive the overall typing experience, with G Pro 3.0 Yellow keys offering a brighter sound while MX Purple RGB switches deliver a softer response.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, it is noteworthy that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Cherry MX Purple RGB use nylon for their bottom components. Both switches therefore exhibit a consistent characteristic of producing fuller sound profiles when typing. The nylon material's inherent softness allows it to dampen sound, leading to a more muted auditory feedback when a key is pressed down. This similarity introduces a level of coherence in the overall sound experience across both switches, as the bottom housing largely influences the bottom-out sound for both. This shared property ensures that while the top housing may produce distinctly different sounds, the foundational experience remains somewhat similar at the point of actuation.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials used for the top housing and the similar properties of the bottom housing create a unique interplay in each switch's sound profile and feel. In the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow, the sharpness and clarity introduced by the polycarbonate top provide a different auditory input when releasing a key, while the nylon bottom maintains a fuller tone during actuation. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB synthesizes its duller pitch from nylon in both top and bottom housings, creating a more consistent yet softer input. Users can expect varying experiences in key release sounds while enjoying the muted feedback that both switches share due to their nylon bottom housings. Thus, even with differing top materials, the underlying sound qualities provide a sense of familiarity across both types of switches.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch exhibit some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, impacting their suitability for various users. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, although its bottom out force remains unknown. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is heavier overall, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, while the lighter Cherry MX Purple RGB might be preferable for those looking for ease during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. For users seeking lighter options, the Cherry MX would be better suited, while those who enjoy a stronger push feel would likely favor the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Overall, while both switches provide unique tactile experiences, the differences in actuation and known bottom out force emphasize the importance of personal preference in choosing the right switch.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch feature the same travel distance of 4 mm. This similarity means that users will experience an identical keypress distance when using either switch, leading to comparable results in terms of typing or gaming performance. Since both switches have the same travel distance, the feel and responsiveness will also be alike, making either option suitable for those who prefer a linear, smooth keystroke or a tactile feedback experience within the same 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 Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 switch boasts a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile that produces a sharp and crisp auditory experience when typing. This resonant quality contributes to a clean and immersive sound that can be quite satisfying for those who prefer a more lively acoustic feedback from their keyboard. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch does not have a defined sound profile mentioned, which leaves its auditory experience somewhat unknown. However, due to the characteristics of tactile switches in general, one might expect a relatively muted sound when compared to the more pronounced clackiness of linear switches like the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
The feel of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is marked by its polished and creamy characteristics, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. The switch allows for fluid key travel, which is complemented by a buttery sensation thanks to factory lubrication. This results in an effortless typing experience that many users find appealing for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is designed with a short, medium-strength tactile bump, which offers a differentiated feel that some typists and gamers may prefer for its feedback during use. Without additional details on its tactile qualities, it’s hard to compare it directly to the creamy experience of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch emphasizes a higher-pitched sound and a remarkably smooth, polished feel that can be great for users seeking a lively auditory and tactile experience. Meanwhile, the Cherry MX Purple RGB adds a tactile bump that appeals to those who appreciate noticeable feedback during keystrokes, but its sound profile remains unspecified. Users might gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for a more acoustic and smooth typing experience, whereas the Cherry MX Purple RGB could be favored by those who enjoy a blend of tactile response without a distinct acoustic quality in their keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches can offer satisfying results, but they cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, consider your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a smooth and responsive typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile that's budget-friendly, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent choice; its polished and creamy feel makes it particularly appealing for fast typists or gamers who appreciate a bouncy and fluid keypress. On the other hand, if you seek a more tactile and nuanced feedback with a refined bump that provides clear actuation, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the way to go, especially if you enjoy a distinctive tactile sensation in your typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize the linear smoothness and sound of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the tactile feedback and characteristic feel of the MX Purple RGB, ensuring a satisfying experience tailored to your needs.
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