Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Akko Rosewood offer two distinct yet appealing options for fans of linear switches. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is celebrated for its budget-friendly performance, providing a higher-pitched clacky sound and a bouncy typing experience that many gamers and typists enjoy. Its polished feel and creamy touch make it a commendable choice for those seeking responsiveness without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches deliver an entirely different auditory experience, featuring a deep, thocky sound profile right out of the box, enhanced by a layer of factory-applied lubricant that promotes smooth keystrokes. While both switches cater to linear switch enthusiasts, they embody different tactile sensations and auditory feedback that can significantly influence your typing experience. 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
40g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Akko Rosewood switches, a key difference lies in their top housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which is designed to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, enhancing the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing. Its translucency also allows for effective RGB lighting diffusion, making it visually appealing for enthusiasts who appreciate aesthetics alongside performance. In contrast, the Rosewood's top housing is composed of nylon, a material known for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller profile. This notable difference impacts the auditory experience when typing, resulting in a switch that feels and sounds more muted compared to its Gateron counterpart.
On the flip side, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Akko Rosewood switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which allows for a more pronounced contrast between their respective top housings. The nylon bottom of both switches contributes to a duller and rounder sound, creating a common ground in their overall auditory experience when bottoming out. Since nylon is known for its sound absorption properties, users of both switches can expect a deeper thud upon pressing the keys. This similarity is particularly important as it means that regardless of the differences in their top housing materials, both switches ultimately convey a fuller sound profile during key presses.
In essence, the combination of polycarbonate in the top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and nylon in both bottom housings leads to a unique auditory experience for each switch. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow excels in producing a sharp, defined sound due to its polycarbonate top, the Akko Rosewood offers a rounder and deeper auditory feedback from both its nylon housing materials. Thus, users seeking a high-pitched, resonant typing experience may prefer the G Pro 3.0, whereas those looking for a richer, warmer sound may gravitate towards the Akko Rosewood. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound profiles and tactile experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, noticeable differences emerge. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch that provides a more substantial feel while typing. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which caters to those who prefer a more delicate touch for longer typing sessions. Thus, the Rosewood is the lighter option, ideal for users who prioritize ease of use and endurance, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow appeals to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. The differing weights in actuation forces suggest that typing on these switches will yield distinct tactile experiences, making the choice between them largely dependent on personal preference for lightness versus heft.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, which means that users will experience identical keypress sensations when engaging either switch. This equal travel distance ensures that both switches will provide a consistent and comparable typing experience, making them suitable options for those who prioritize smooth and linear key presses. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and actuation feel.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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
The sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is characterized by a high-pitched, clacky tone that provides an engaging auditory experience. This higher frequency allows for clearer auditory feedback, which can be especially appealing for users who appreciate more distinct and sharp sounds while typing. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch produces a deep and satisfying thocky sound right out of the box, aided by a factory-applied lubricant. This lower, bass-heavy sound can provide a more muted auditory experience that some typists find more pleasant. Users seeking a crisp and resonant sound may lean toward the G Pro 3.0, while those who prefer a fuller, thocky sound will likely gravitate toward the Rosewood.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow delivers a highly refined typing experience, described as polished and creamy. These qualities create a smooth, effortless key travel, enabling a sense of ease when striking the keys. The expertly manufactured finish reduces friction, leading to a sleek and seamless feel. On the other hand, specific details regarding the feel of the Rosewood switches are not highlighted, leaving some uncertainty in direct comparison. However, the reputation of the Rosewood suggests a generally satisfying typing experience, which could converge with the pleasant feedback offered by the G Pro 3.0.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Akko Rosewood switches have their unique auditory and tactile qualities. While the G Pro 3.0 is celebrated for its crisp, high-pitched sound and smooth, polished feel, the Rosewood is favored for its deep thock and satisfying typing experience, albeit with less detail about its specific feel. For newcomers to mechanical keyboards, choosing between these switches will largely depend on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, with either option providing rewarding, albeit distinct, experiences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, your choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force. If you favor a heavier actuation and enjoy a higher-pitched, resonant sound with a bouncy typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is an excellent option, particularly if you're looking for a budget-friendly switch that still provides a polished and creamy feel. On the other hand, if you seek a lighter actuation for quicker keystrokes and a deeper, more thocky sound profile, the Akko Rosewood switch may be the better choice. Its factory-applied lubricant ensures a smooth typing experience right out of the box, making it ideal for those who appreciate a rich auditory feedback while typing. Ultimately, consider the weight of the switches, the type of sound that will enhance your typing or gaming experience, and remember to reflect on how each switch feels under your fingers, as the perfect switch for you will depend on your typing style and preferences.
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