Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray

Overview

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the SP-Star Polaris Gray are two popular options in the world of mechanical keyboard switches. While both switches fall under the category of linear switches, they offer slightly different experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its budget-friendly excellence, providing a high-pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy type feel. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray is preferred by those who enjoy a bouncy typing experience, with a clean and clacky sound profile. Both switches have their own unique qualities and are categorized differently, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow being described as polished, high-pitched, creamy, and resonant, while the Polaris Gray is categorized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, thocky, and polished. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow Linear

SP-Star Polaris Gray Linear

$3.10

$2.78 per 10

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both utilize polycarbonate material for their top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those looking for a more pronounced typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the keyboard. Both switches share these qualities, ensuring that users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.

On the other hand, the housing materials for the bottom of the switches differ. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, while the Polaris Gray utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for generating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the contrary, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. This means that when pressing down on the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, users will experience a softer, more muted sound, while the Polaris Gray will provide a crisper and more pronounced bottom-out sound.

In terms of overall typing experience, the qualities of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switches. The bottom housing has more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the material used for the bottom housing will play a significant role in how the keys respond to presses. Conversely, the top housing will primarily influence the sound when letting go of a key. Therefore, depending on personal preference, users can choose between the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with a softer nylon bottom housing for a more muted typing experience, or the Polaris Gray with a polycarbonate bottom housing for a crisper and more resonant sound.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, it is evident that they have similar bottom out forces of 67 grams, which categorizes them both as medium-heavy switches. However, in terms of actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires 50 grams, while the specific actuation force for the Polaris Gray is unknown.

For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience that enables them to type for longer periods, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its lower actuation force would be an ideal choice. It provides a smoother and quicker keystroke response, reducing fatigue during prolonged typing sessions or extensive gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial typing experience and enjoy a stronger push feel would benefit from options with heavier forces.

While the exact actuation force for the Polaris Gray switch is not known, it can be inferred that it is likely to be higher than 50 grams, given that its bottom out force matches that of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Consequently, those seeking a heavier typing experience might find the Polaris Gray to be a suitable alternative. Regardless of the specific actuation force, both switches provide a similar bottom out force, resulting in comparable results in terms of the typing experience.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that regardless of which switch is used, the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom when pressing down on a key will be the same. Both switches offer a consistent travel distance, providing a similar tactile experience for users. Whether it's the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the Polaris Gray, you can expect to have a smooth and consistent typing or gaming experience with a 4 mm travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a higher-pitched and clacky sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound, offering a more immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch has a clean and clacky sound profile, described as low-pitched. This means it has a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the higher-pitched sound of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. However, the Polaris Gray is also described as thocky, producing a deep and satisfying sound, resembling a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. Both switches provide unique sound profiles, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference, the keyboard board, and keycaps chosen.

In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a polished and creamy typing experience. A polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The creamy sensation provided by these switches makes typing effortless and smooth, as your fingers glide across the keys. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. The mild characteristic of these switches provides a gentle typing experience, suitable for most individuals as it stands in the middle-ground zone. Like the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, the Polaris Gray also features a polished finish, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel. The feel of these switches will also depend on the materials used and factory lubrication.

In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches offer different subjective qualities. The Yellow switches have a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile, providing an immersive auditory experience. They also offer a polished and creamy feel, resulting in smooth and effortless typing. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switches have a clean and clacky sound profile, described as low-pitched, with a thocky characteristic for a deep and satisfying sound. The Polaris Gray switches also offer a mild and polished typing experience, standing in the safe middle-ground zone. Both switches have their own unique qualities, so it's important to consider personal preference and the desired typing experience when making a decision. However, if you prefer a higher-pitched sound and a polished feel, you can achieve similar results with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, while the Polaris Gray switch provides its own distinct sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, 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. These switches provide a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Gray is an excellent option. Both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, making them suitable for those who prefer a medium-heavy feel.

In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow produces a high-pitched and resonant sound that is sharp and crisp. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a more vibrant and immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray offers a low-pitched sound profile that is bass-heavy and mellow. If you prefer a more neutral sound profile, the Polaris Gray is the way to go. Additionally, the Polaris Gray is also described as thocky, producing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its polished and creamy finish, offering a sleek and smooth typing experience with reduced friction. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the Polaris Gray also has a polished and refined finish, resulting in smooth key travel.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and SP-Star Polaris Gray comes down to your personal preferences. If you prioritize a budget-friendly option with a higher pitched sound profile and a bouncy type feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the way to go. However, if you prefer a bouncy typing experience with cleaner and clacky sound profile, the Polaris Gray is a great choice. Consider your sound and feel preferences, as well as your budget, to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow Linear

$3.10

$2.78 per 10

Learn more

SP-Star Polaris Gray Linear

$5.60

$5.00 per 10

Learn more