Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Neptune mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its budget-friendly excellence, providing a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune stands out with its innovative internal structure, offering a smooth, frictionless glide and a springy resistance that feels like chewy delicacies such as mochi or tapioca pearls. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is categorized as 'Polished', 'High-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Resonant', the Neptune is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Gummy', 'Frictionless', 'Low-pitched', 'Mild', 'Muted', 'Neutral', 'Polished', 'Subdued', and 'Thocky'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, 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
41g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Neptune, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile perfect for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Neptune boasts a POM top housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound. While both top housings offer unique sound profiles, they cater to different preferences with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow delivering a crisper sound compared to the Neptune's more subdued tone.
Moving on to the bottom housings of these switches, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. In contrast, the Neptune employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which leads to a sharper and clearer sound profile. The choice between these housing materials depends on one's preference for sound characteristics, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offering a more rounded sound and the Neptune providing a sharper tone.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Neptune showcase differences in sound profiles based on their housing materials. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow excels in providing a crisper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate housing, the TTC Neptune offers a more muted and deeper tone with its POM housing. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow delivers a fuller sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Neptune produces a sharper tone. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound experiences based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, it is evident that the Neptune is the lighter option with an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While the Neptune is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a medium-heavy feel. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on personal preference, with the Neptune catering to those who prefer a lighter touch, and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow catering to those who prefer a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual typing preferences and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their quick response times. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a more traditional 4 mm travel distance, providing a slightly deeper keypress feel compared to the Neptune. On the other hand, the Neptune's 3.8 mm travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more shallow and quicker actuation. Overall, if you prioritize faster response times, the Neptune may be the better option, while those who enjoy a deeper keypress may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 linear switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, creating a sharp and crisp auditory experience upon each key press. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch provides a low-pitched, muted, and subdued sound, resulting in a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that minimizes noise and keeps the typing ambiance refined and unobtrusive. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow leans towards a brighter sound, the Neptune offers a more subtle and deep thocky sound when typing. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your preference for sound profile, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow catering to those who enjoy a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Neptune is ideal for those seeking a quieter, bass-heavy typing experience.
Regarding feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is described as polished and creamy, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the TTC Neptune switch offers a buttery, gummy, and frictionless feel, allowing for a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation with a unique textured pleasure in each keystroke. Both switches offer a comfortable typing experience, but the G Pro 3.0 Yellow leans towards a sleek and sleek typing experience, while the Neptune provides a more textured and springy feel, resembling the resistance found in chewy delights like mochi or tapioca pearls. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your preference for tactile feedback, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow catering to those who prefer a smoother typing experience, while the Neptune is ideal for those seeking a more textured and springy feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch excels in providing a higher-pitched and polished typing experience, with a clacky sound profile and a bouncy feel that offers a budget-friendly option for those seeking a sharper sound and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune linear switch stands out with its innovative internal structure, offering a low-pitched and muted typing experience with a unique matte feel that combines a smooth glide with a springy sensation. Both switches provide excellent options depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of durability and performance regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and a higher-pitched, resonant sound profile with a polished or creamy feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a low-pitched, muted sound profile with a buttery or gummy feel, the TTC Neptune could be your ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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