Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular choices to consider are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TKC Tangerine. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a linear switch that offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. Typing on these switches produces a higher pitched clacky sound and a fairly bouncy type feel. On the other hand, the Tangerine switches provide a superior typing experience with an incredibly smooth feel for each keystroke. This is achieved thanks to the UHWMPE housings, which are rarely used in mechanical switches. The Tangerines also offer a high-pitched clack when typing. Both switches have their own advantages and unique characteristics. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TKC Tangerine switches have contrasting housing materials that significantly impact their sound profile. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting. In contrast, the Tangerine switch utilizes a newer material called UHWMPE for its top housing. This material offers a bright sound signature, resulting in resonant clacks when typing. While both materials enhance the sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's polycarbonate provides a sharper and crisper sound, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE delivers a bright and resonant clack.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a nylon construction. This classic switch housing material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Tangerine utilizes UHWMPE for its bottom housing. Similar to its effect on the top housing, the UHWMPE material produces a bright sound signature, offering resonant clacks. While both bottom housing materials influence the sound produced by the switches, the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the Tangerine's UHWMPE delivers a bright and resonant clack when typing.
It is important to note that when a switch has different top and bottom housings, the qualities of each material will be split between the two parts. When pressing down on either the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the Tangerine, the bottom housing will have a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. The softness and sound absorption of the nylon in the G Pro 3.0 Yellow will contribute to a more rounded and dull sound when bottoming out. Similarly, the UHWMPE bottom housing of the Tangerine will enhance the bright and resonant clack when pressing the switch. Conversely, the impact of the top housing will be more noticeable when releasing a key. Therefore, the material used in the top housing, whether it be polycarbonate or UHWMPE, will have a greater influence on the sound when the key is released.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, there are a few notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the actuation force of the Tangerine switch is not available. However, both switches have a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and 62 grams for the Tangerine.
Considering weight, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a slightly lighter typing experience with its lower actuation force, making it suitable for extended typing sessions and gaming marathons where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch, with its unknown actuation force, may offer a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile response.
While the specific actuation force of the Tangerine switch is not available, it is important to note that both switches have a similar medium-bottom out force. This means that even though the actuation forces may differ, the end result of pressing the key all the way down will yield similar results in terms of the force required. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a consistent and comfortable typing experience in terms of travel distance. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the Tangerine, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 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 linear switch is best known for its higher pitched and clacky sound profile. This means that when you type on these switches, you can expect a sharp and crisp sound. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine linear switch also produces a high-pitched clack when typing on them. Both switches offer a similar sound profile, making them suitable for those who prefer a higher pitched sound. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch may also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is described as polished and creamy. This means that the switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek and buttery typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel of these switches make typing feel effortless and silky. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch is described as frictionless, buttery, and polished. These switches offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction. They provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation, similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Both switches offer a smooth feel, ensuring a pleasant typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TKC Tangerine linear switches have their own unique qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a higher pitched clacky sound profile and showcases a polished and creamy feel. On the other hand, the Tangerine switch boasts an incredibly smooth feel due to the UHWMPE housings and provides a high-pitched clack when typing. While they may have some similarities in sound and feel, such as being described as high-pitched and polished, each switch offers its own distinct characteristics.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TKC Tangerine linear switches will depend on personal preferences. If budget-friendliness and a higher pitched sound profile are important factors, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be the ideal choice. However, if a smooth and buttery typing experience is desired, along with a unique material for the switch housing, the TKC Tangerine could be the better option. Both switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, and it is recommended to try them out firsthand to determine which one suits individual preferences best.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch would be a suitable choice. These switches provide a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and pleasurable typing experience, the TKC Tangerine linear switch is a great option. With their UHWMPE housings, these switches offer an incredibly smooth feel with each keystroke, creating a pleasant typing sensation. In terms of sound, both switches produce a high-pitched sound when pressed, so if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound profile, either option would fit your preference. When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a polished and creamy typing experience, while the Tangerine provides a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel. Consider these factors and choose the switch that aligns with your preference for typing experience and sound profile.
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