Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse landscape of mechanical keyboard switches, two standout options are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Huano Strawberry Latte, both prized for their linear feedback but distinct in their characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is celebrated for its budget-friendly excellence, offering a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy typing experience that some users find pleasurable during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte showcases a super smooth performance, crafted from the latest molds, and features a balanced sound profile that strikes a harmonious middle ground—not too quiet, yet not overly resonant. While enthusiasts might gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for its pronounced auditory feedback, those seeking a more refined and fluid typing experience might lean toward the Strawberry Latte. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Huano Strawberry Latte feature distinct top housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and tactile responses. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence. This material contributes to a crisper, higher-pitched sound, ideal for those who prefer a sharper auditory feedback when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte features a POK (polyketone) top housing, which offers a high level of smoothness with a slightly different aural characteristic. While POK is exceptionally durable with excellent wear and shock resistance, it contributes to a clackier sound profile, distinguishing itself from the polycarbonate's ringing clarity. Although these materials differ, they can both facilitate RGB lighting due to their translucency, making either choice aesthetically pleasing for illuminated setups.
Both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, which plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile when the key is bottomed out. Nylon is known for its softer composition, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound upon key press regardless of the top housing. Consequently, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Strawberry Latte feature this common characteristic in their bottom housing, leading to a somewhat similar auditory experience when the keystrokes are fully engaged. This shared nylon component ensures a uniformity in sound dampening and overall feel, giving both switches a warm, rounded bass response that contrasts nicely with their respective top housings.
In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Huano Strawberry Latte provide users with differing sound profiles and tactile experiences due to their unique top housing materials—polycarbonate and POK respectively—they share a commonality in using nylon for their bottom housings. This synergy allows enthusiasts to enjoy similar bottom-out sounds and feel across both switches, with each top housing enhancing the typing experience in its distinctive manner. The combination of these different materials ensures that, despite their contrasts, each switch delivers a well-rounded performance suited to varied typing preferences and styles.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and bottoms out at 67 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of only 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter force may appeal to those who favor prolonged typing sessions or extensive gaming, as it can reduce finger fatigue. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the heavier option, while the Strawberry Latte is the lighter, offering distinct tactile experiences for different user preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch present distinct characteristics in their travel distances, measuring 4 mm and 3.6 mm, respectively. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow, with its longer travel distance, offers a more traditional and hearty feel, which can be beneficial for users who appreciate a deeper keypress. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, with a shorter 3.6 mm travel distance, caters to gamers and others who seek quicker response times and a more responsive typing experience. While both switches provide a linear feel, the difference in their travel distances means that users who prefer a more abrupt engagement will likely favor the Strawberry Latte, while those who appreciate a more gradual keystroke will lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Thus, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the longer switch, while the Strawberry Latte is the shorter option.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches produce a distinctly high-pitched sound profile that is both sharp and resonant, delivering a clean auditory experience when typing. This sound characteristics align well with those who prefer a more refined auditory feedback over deeper, bassy tones. The reported clacky sound adds an engaging element to typing, allowing for a satisfying auditory response with each keystroke. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer a balanced sound profile. While they are not described as particularly quiet, they also do not reach the level of resonance and sharpness found in the G Pro 3.0 Yellows. The result is a typing experience that is pleasant without being overly imposing, making the Strawberry Lattes an appealing choice for users seeking a more subdued sound.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches are noted for their polished and creamy qualities. These descriptors suggest a smooth and refined typing sensation that greatly enhances the user experience. The switch's construction and potentially applied lubricants contribute to reduced friction and an almost effortless gliding motion as fingers move across the keys. In contrast, there is no detailed information available about the feel of the Strawberry Latte switches, leaving their tactile feedback unknown. This could imply that while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a distinct experience, the feeling of the Strawberry Latte switches may be either comparable or an entirely different quality that remains to be explored.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow excels in delivering a high-pitched, resonant sound alongside a smooth, creamy typing experience. In comparison, the Strawberry Latte provides a more balanced auditory profile without specific details on its tactile characteristics. If sound is a top priority, the choice between these switches will be clear, while feel may require further research or personal testing to determine. Ultimately, each switch provides an enjoyable typing experience, but the subtle differences may sway a user's preference one way or the other.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch should be guided by your typing preferences and desired keyboard experience. If you prefer a sturdier key feel with a heavier bottom-out force of 67 grams, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent option. Its high-pitched, resonant sound profile and polished, bouncy typing sensation create an engaging experience, particularly suited for intense typists or gamers who appreciate feedback from their keystrokes. Conversely, if you value a lighter touch with effortless actuation—thanks to its 45-gram bottom-out force—the Huano Strawberry Latte becomes your go-to choice. Its creamy, super smooth typing experience coupled with a balanced sound profile makes it ideal for long typing sessions or users who prioritize comfort and a more subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your individual preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel to ensure an enjoyable typing experience tailored to your needs.
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