Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Jwick Splash Brothers are two excellent choices for mechanical keyboard switches, with their own unique characteristics and benefits. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is renowned for its budget-friendly excellence and offers a linear switch experience. Typists will appreciate the higher pitched clacky sound profile and the fairly bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers stands out as a set of linear "speed" switches with a shorter activation and a long pole stem, resulting in a satisfying typing feel. The switches emit a creamy sound signature that adds to the overall typing experience. Both switches have their own distinct attributes that make them appealing to different users. However, let's dive deeper into the specifics of each switch to help you determine the best option for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Jwick Splash Brothers share the same materials for their top housing - polycarbonate. This material provides both switches with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that feature RGB lighting, allowing for enhanced aesthetics. Therefore, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Splash Brothers will offer similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal due to the shared polycarbonate top housing.
In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Splash Brothers also incorporate a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. This is because nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. As the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will provide a similar experience in terms of the typing sound and tactility stemming from their nylon bottom housing.
The allocation of housing materials has an impact on the overall performance and feel of the switches. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a polycarbonate top housing, its nylon bottom housing creates a distinct typing experience compared to the Jwick Splash Brothers. On the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, the top housing's polycarbonate material influences the sound when you release a key, contributing to its sharp and crisp sound profile. Conversely, the Splash Brothers' nylon top housing will offer a slightly different sound profile upon key release. This demonstrates how the top and bottom housings, even though they share the same materials, can affect the tactile and auditory aspects of the switches, making each model unique in its overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, there are some notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the actuation force of the Splash Brothers switch is unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, it does have a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is lighter than the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
Weight is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a switch, as it can greatly impact the typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter switch may opt for the Splash Brothers, as it allows for longer typing periods without fatigue. This is especially beneficial for individuals who use their keyboards for extended work or gaming sessions. In contrast, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience and prefer a stronger push feel may find the G Pro 3.0 Yellow more suitable. Its heavier bottom out force provides a satisfying tactile response.
Although the actuation force of the Splash Brothers is unknown, the lighter bottom out force suggests that it might have a similar or lighter actuation force compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Without precise information, it is challenging to make an exact comparison in terms of actuation force. However, those seeking a lighter switch may find similar results with both options, while those desiring a stronger push feel should lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow due to its medium-heavy bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The 4.0 mm travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is considered the more traditional option, providing a deeper and more deliberate key press experience. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Splash Brothers appeals to gamers who prioritize faster response times and a more responsive feel. Both switches offer their own benefits based on personal preferences. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker key presses, the Splash Brothers would be the better option. However, if you enjoy a more substantial and deliberate key press, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its longer travel distance would be the preferred choice.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 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, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for producing a higher pitched clacky sound profile. This means that when you press the keys, you will hear a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers is described as having a creamy sound signature. This suggests that the sound produced by these switches will be smoother and more mellow compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. However, please note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is described as providing a fairly bouncy and polished typing experience. The bouncy characteristic means that these switches offer a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation, giving you some rebound when the keys are pressed. Additionally, the polished nature of these switches results in a smooth and refined finish, reducing friction and providing a sleek typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers has a mild, snappy, bouncy, and subtle feel. This means that these switches offer a more gentle typing experience with a lighter resistance and a lively feedback. The longer or dual-staged springs in these switches contribute to their responsiveness, making the typing experience feel more alive.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers have a creamy sound signature and a mild, snappy, bouncy, and subtle feel. The key characteristics of these switches align with their respective descriptions, showcasing unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If a particular quality is desired, the compared switches will provide similar results.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switches would be a suitable choice. These switches offer a high-pitched sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel, making them stand out in terms of sound and feel. They provide a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a more neutral sound profile, the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches would be a great option. These switches have a shorter activation and a long pole stem, resulting in a great typing feel. They offer a creamy sound signature and a mild, snappy, bouncy, and subtle typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on your personal preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel.
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