Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Haimu Orange Sea
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Haimu Orange Sea offer distinct experiences, catering to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is celebrated for its budget-friendly nature, delivering a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile that many typists find satisfying, alongside a bouncy typing feel that promotes engagement. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea switches shine with their impeccably smooth typing experience and a neutral sound signature, making them a great choice for those who prioritize quiet operation and a refined tactile feel. While the G Pro 3.0 excels in providing a lively and resonant typing experience, the Orange Sea appeals to users seeking a more subdued, yet equally enjoyable key response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ultimate switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Haimu Orange Sea both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar auditory experience. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both switches benefit from this material's clarity, enhancing resonance during keypresses and particularly excelling when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. The aesthetic appeal of clear polycarbonate top housings allows for effective light diffusion, making both models visually appealing in illuminated setups. Thus, users can expect a consistent high-frequency sound and vibrant lighting effects from both switches due to their shared top housing material.
Contrasting the top housing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Haimu Orange Sea employ nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces a distinct sound quality to each switch. Nylon is recognized for its softer texture, which absorbs sound more efficiently than harder plastics. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that lends a more muted and rounded character to keypresses. Both switches, therefore, exhibit a unified bottom-end quality that offers a rich and satisfying typing experience. The combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing in both switches creates a cohesive tonal balance, further enhancing their appeal to typists who appreciate a blend of clarity and warmth in their keyboard sound.
Overall, while the top housings of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Haimu Orange Sea are identical in material, the bottom housings strengthen the differences in their auditory characteristics. The polycarbonate top provides a crisp sound during key release, while the nylon bottom softens the impact and resonance during pressing. This duality means that, despite the similarities in materials, users can enjoy a well-rounded, enriched typing experience that combines clarity with depth. Both switches deliver a satisfying harmony, making them suitable options for enthusiasts seeking high-performance mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in their weights. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea operates with a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Orange Sea switch is significantly lighter than the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, making it a more suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, particularly advantageous for extended typing sessions or gaming. Meanwhile, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's heavier feel is designed for those who appreciate a sturdier keystroke, providing greater resistance which some typists prefer for feedback and a more substantial experience. Thus, while both switches serve their purposes well, the choice ultimately depends on individual preference for weight and tactile feedback during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Orange Sea features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a more substantial depth, catering to those who prefer a more tactile experience while typing. On the other hand, the Orange Sea's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers who favor quicker key presses for faster response times. Thus, if you're in search of a switch that provides a traditional feel with deeper engagement, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the better choice, whereas if you prefer a snappier response, the Orange Sea would be more suitable due to its shorter 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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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
When it comes to sound quality, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a distinct advantage with its higher-pitched clacky sound profile. This characteristic produces a sharp and crisp auditory experience that can be quite immersive while typing. The higher frequency resonates well, especially for those who prefer a cleaner sound over deeper, bass-heavy tones. In contrast, the Haimu Orange Sea's sound profile remains unspecified, meaning there is less information available to make a direct comparison. However, the Orange Sea is touted for its neutral sound signature, which suggests it may provide a more muted auditory experience, potentially appealing to users who prefer a less noticeable sound.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow excels with a notably polished and creamy typing experience. These descriptors suggest that the switch offers a smooth and refined finish that minimizes friction, allowing for effortless key travel. The buttery sensation associated with the creamy feel enhances the overall tactile satisfaction while typing, akin to gliding your fingers over the keys. The feel of the Haimu Orange Sea is not explicitly defined, leaving a gap in how it might compare. Nevertheless, if users find a preference for smoothness similar to that of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, they could potentially achieve a delightful typing experience with the Orange Sea as well.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch stands out for its high-pitched, resonant sound and its polished, creamy feel, making it a great choice for budget-conscious users seeking auditory and tactile satisfaction. The Haimu Orange Sea remains somewhat ambiguous in its sound and feel, but its neutral sound profile could appeal to those looking for subtlety. If the Orange Sea provides a smooth typing experience, it could create a comparable sensation to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, fulfilling similar user needs. Consequently, personal preference, along with the choice of board and keycaps, will ultimately guide newcomers in selecting the switch that best suits their typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a more noticeable tactile feedback along with a slightly heavier bottom-out force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is your go-to option. Its high-pitched, resonant sound adds an engaging auditory experience that many find satisfying, especially during gaming or fast-paced typing sessions. The polished and creamy feel also enhances the overall typing experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy bouncy and responsive switches for both gaming and day-to-day tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and an impeccably smooth typing experience, the Haimu Orange Sea switches may be more suitable for you. With a bottom-out force of only 45 grams, these switches allow for effortless keystrokes, making them an excellent choice for extensive typing sessions or for users who value a more delicate touch without the auditory chime. Ultimately, you should choose the switch that aligns best with how you plan to use your keyboard, whether it’s for gaming, typing, or a mix of both.
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