Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and SP-Star RedBlue are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is highly regarded for its budget-friendly excellence, making it a great choice for those looking for a high-quality switch without breaking the bank. Typing on these switches produces a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy type feel, providing a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the RedBlue switches are known for their medium-light typing experience, making them suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch. These switches have a relatively higher-pitched sound profile and offer a neutral and mild typing experience. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the SP-Star RedBlue both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially advantageous for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting. So, in terms of housing material, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the SP-Star RedBlue yield similar results in terms of sound profile and aesthetics.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a nylon material, while the RedBlue uses a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known to create a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics like polycarbonate. This is due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and results in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the RedBlue contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, similar to its top housing. Therefore, while both switches employ different bottom housing materials, they still offer distinct sound profiles.
When it comes to pressing down on the switches, the qualities of the bottom housing material come into play. The bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the key. Therefore, the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow will provide a different tactile experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the RedBlue. On the other hand, the sound when you let go of a key is primarily influenced by the top housing. Since both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, they will have similar sound profiles when a key is released.
Overall, the housing materials used in the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the SP-Star RedBlue switches contribute to their distinct sound profiles. While the top housings are both made of polycarbonate and offer similar results, the bottom housings made of nylon for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and polycarbonate for the RedBlue provide different tactile experiences and sound profiles during key presses.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires a force of 50 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the RedBlue's actuation force is not known. In terms of bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is heavier, requiring 67 grams of force to fully press the key, while the RedBlue requires 57 grams, making it lighter in comparison.
The weight of a switch is an important consideration for keyboard enthusiasts. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may benefit from the G Pro 3.0 Yellow as it allows them to type for longer periods of time, making it suitable for work or prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who desire a more substantial typing experience might opt for the RedBlue switch as it offers a slightly heavier actuation force, giving them a stronger push feel.
While the actuation force of the RedBlue switch is unknown, if it is similar to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, users can expect comparable results in terms of triggering keystrokes. However, the difference in bottom out force should be noted, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requiring a higher level of force compared to the RedBlue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel a distance of 4mm from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of 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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 produces a higher-pitched clacky sound profile, which can be described as sharp and crisp. This switch offers a resonant and immersive auditory experience, with a clean and sharp sound. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which gives a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It is also described as neutral, with a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. Additionally, the RedBlue switch is known for its thocky characteristics, producing a deep and satisfying sound when pressed.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a polished experience with a smooth and refined finish. This results in a sleek typing experience, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. The switch is also described as creamy, offering a buttery and silky sensation when typing. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch provides a mild typing experience, making it gentle and approachable to most users. Similar to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, the RedBlue switch is also considered polished, providing reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and SP-Star RedBlue switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a polished, creamy feel. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch has a low-pitched sound profile with a thocky characteristic and a mild, polished feel. If you prefer a higher-pitched, resonant sound and a smooth, refined typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a great choice. However, if you prefer a low-pitched, thocky sound and a gentle typing experience, the RedBlue switch would be suitable. It's important to remember that the overall sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a higher pitched clacky sound profile, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the perfect choice for you. These switches offer a fairly bouncy type feel and provide a polished or creamy typing experience, giving you a smooth and refined finish with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a bottom out force of 57 grams and a relatively higher-pitched sound profile, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switches are the way to go. These switches offer a mild and polished typing experience, making them approachable to most users. They also produce a low-pitched sound profile, giving you a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your preference for bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Whichever switch you choose, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and SP-Star RedBlue linear switches are excellent options for mechanical keyboards.
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