Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Huano Sakura represent two appealing options for those who favor linear switches. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out as an excellent budget-friendly choice, characterized by its polished feel and higher-pitched clacky sound profile, providing a bouncy typing experience that can enhance both gaming and typing efficiency. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura excels in offering a feather-light touch and medium acoustics, making it an exceptional option for users who engage in prolonged typing sessions and prefer a softer keystroke feel. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, where the G Pro 3.0 Yellow leans towards a more resonant and lively typing experience, while the Sakura emphasizes comfort and ease of use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow Linear

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.10

$2.78 per 10

$3.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Huano Sakura utilizes a polyketone (POK) top housing. The use of polycarbonate in the G Pro 3.0 Yellow contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, resulting from its stiffer nature that promotes clear resonance. This characteristic is ideal for those who appreciate a high-pitched auditory feedback when typing, especially when the switch has RGB lighting due to the translucency of the polycarbonate. On the other hand, the POK material in the Sakura’s top housing offers its advantages, enhancing the switch's smoothness with a notably low coefficient of friction. Although it may provide a different auditory profile, the durability and strength of POK create a robust and reliable performance for users.

Contrastingly, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Huano Sakura share the same material for their bottom housing: nylon. This classic switch housing material helps to create a deeper and fuller sound through its softer composition, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This similarity means that users can expect consistent auditory feedback in terms of sound profile when bottoming out on either switch, as both will elicit the same rounded sound characteristic. However, the interplay between different top housing materials will yield nuanced variations in the overall experience, showcasing the distinct tonal qualities produced by polycarbonate versus polyketone.

Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Huano Sakura creates a distinctive tactile and auditory experience. While the polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper sound profile, the nylon bottom housing ensures similarity in the bottom-out sound, favoring a rounder acoustical experience. In the case of the Sakura, its POK top housing enhances the smoothness of the typing experience while maintaining an auditory consistency brought by the nylon bottom. Thus, despite the differences in top housing materials, the similarities in bottom housing lead to comparable results, particularly in terms of the feel and depth of sound when the key is pressed down.

Weight

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch present a stark contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires a heftier actuation force of 50 grams, compared to the lighter 35 grams needed for the Sakura. This difference makes the G Pro 3.0 more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel, particularly benefiting those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is 67 grams, while the Sakura has a significantly lighter bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 is not only heavier during the typing experience but also when bottoming out, which can provide more satisfying feedback. Ultimately, for long typing sessions or gameplay, the lighter Sakura switch may prove more comfortable, while the heavier G Pro 3.0 Yellow will appeal to those seeking a more robust tactile response.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Huano Sakura linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a more traditional feel, offering a deeper, more substantial key press that some users may find more satisfying. In contrast, the Sakura's shorter travel distance can lead to quicker response times, making it potentially more appealing for gamers seeking speed. Ultimately, those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke might gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, while those who prioritize fast action could prefer the less abrupt feel of the Sakura switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound characteristics, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch presents a higher-pitched and resonant auditory experience. Its clacky profile delivers a sharp sound, which can be particularly appealing to users who prefer a more tactile and crisp auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch is known for its medium acoustics, creating a softer sound profile that is great for extended typing sessions without the harsher sound that some may find fatiguing. This distinction in sound can influence how each switch feels to the user, especially over prolonged use or in quieter environments.

In terms of tactile feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is praised for its polished finish, which contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience. This polish reduces friction, providing a fluid key travel that enhances overall comfort when typing. However, the specifics of the feel for the Huano Sakura switches remain unknown. Still, given their design for a feather-light touch, one can expect a very different sensation, likely focusing more on ease of activation rather than a pronounced tactile feedback.

Overall, both switches cater to distinct user preferences in sound and feel. The Gatoron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is ideal for those who enjoy a sharp, resonant auditory feedback and a smooth typing experience, while the Huano Sakura appeals to users seeking a lighter touch and a more subdued sound profile. Depending on individual preferences, either switch can offer an excellent typing experience, but they cater to different auditory and tactile demands. Understanding this balance can help newcomers choose the switch that best fits their typing style and environment.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style, preferences, and the type of tasks you typically engage in. If you favor a firmer tactile experience and enjoy the sharper, clacky sound profile that comes with a heavier actuation force of 67 grams, then the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent option. This switch is particularly well-suited for quieter office environments or those who appreciate a more pronounced feel under their fingers, making it ideal for both gaming and typing sessions where you desire a more robust feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more subdued auditory experience, the 45-gram bottom out force of the Sakura switch delivers a feather-light feel that allows for effortless and extended typing sessions. The Sakura is perfect for users who require a smooth, less tiresome experience, whether you’re writing lengthy texts or coding for hours on end. In essence, your choice should align with your comfort, desired sound profile, and the nature of the activities you engage in.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow Linear

$3.10

$2.78 per 10

Learn more

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50 per 10

Learn more