Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two options stand out: the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a linear switch that is widely recognized for its budget-friendly excellence. Typing on these switches produces a polished and high-pitched clacky sound, accompanied by a bouncy type feel. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream offers a heftier linear typing experience. With a deep and resonant sound profile, these switches provide a textured and invigorating feel. Both switches excel in their own unique ways, offering a different typing experience, but 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
55g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
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 the Kailh NovelKeys Cream differ in their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, while the NovelKeys Cream has a POM top housing. The polycarbonate material in the G Pro 3.0 Yellow creates a sharper and crisper sound profile compared to the deeper and more muted sound profile of the POM material in the NovelKeys Cream. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing in the G Pro 3.0 Yellow allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it a great choice for those who want to showcase vibrant lighting. In contrast, the POM top housing in the NovelKeys Cream does not have the same translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the NovelKeys Cream features a POM bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. As a result, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a duller and rounder sound experience. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing in the NovelKeys Cream contributes to its unique sound profile, which is also on the deeper side but relatively more muted compared to the nylon bottom housing. These differences in bottom housing material affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches.
Although the top and bottom housings of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the NovelKeys Cream are different, they each offer unique qualities to the overall switch performance. The top housing plays a more significant role in the sound when you let go of a key, while the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. Therefore, even though the housing materials differ, both switches provide an enjoyable and distinct typing experience, ensuring similar results in terms of durability and performance.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a lighter actuation force of 50 grams compared to the NovelKeys Cream's 55 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger a keystroke on the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. However, both switches fall within the medium-heavy range for their bottom out force, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requiring 67 grams and the NovelKeys Cream requiring 70 grams. Therefore, while the actuation forces may vary, the typing experience when fully pressing down on the switches will be quite similar, providing a substantial feel for those who prefer heavier forces. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow being slightly lighter in actuation force, but the NovelKeys Cream having a slightly heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch have the same travel distance, both measuring at 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel the switch travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, regardless of whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the NovelKeys Cream switch, you can expect to experience a similar 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 Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is best known for its high-pitched and clacky sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which is ideal for those who prefer a more distinct auditory experience. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch offers a deeper sound profile compared to the average switch. While not overly deep, they provide a fairly resonant and immersive auditory experience. Both switches have a resonant sound profile, but the G Pro 3.0 Yellow leans towards the higher end while the NovelKeys Cream leans towards the deeper end. 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.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is described as having a polished and bouncy type feel. The polished finish of these switches results in a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This polished feel gives a sleek sensation, almost like gliding your fingers across the keys effortlessly. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream offers a buttery and invigorating typing experience. These switches provide a seamless and uniform sensation, with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. The Cream switches have a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, making typing a pleasure. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is bouncier in feel, the NovelKeys Cream provides a more invigorating typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream have distinct subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy type feel, providing a budget-friendly linear switch option. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream gives a deeper sound profile and a buttery, invigorating typing experience, making it ideal for those craving a heftier linear typing experience. While they have different qualities, they both offer an immersive auditory experience with resonant sound profiles. It is important to consider personal preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard, including keycaps and board, to determine the best choice. Overall, these switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a higher pitched and resonant sound profile, as well as a fairly bouncy type feel, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heftier linear typing experience with a deeper sound profile and a resonant sound profile, then the Kailh NovelKeys Cream would be a better choice. When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a polished and creamy typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Meanwhile, the NovelKeys Cream provides a buttery and invigorating typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience.
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