Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Jwick Taro are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches with their own unique characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a linear switch, known for its budget-friendly excellence. Typing on these switches produces a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro is a tactile switch, offering a cozy typing experience with a snappy, medium level of tactility. Users can expect acute and crisp clacks while using these switches. While both switches have their own merits, it's important to dive deeper beyond generalities to make the best decision for your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Jwick Taro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material creates a similar effect for both switches, as polycarbonate is known to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to incorporate lighting into their keyboard setup. Visually, both switches will showcase the clear housing characteristic of polycarbonate, further enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboards they are used in.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Taro employ nylon as their material of choice. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Compared to harder plastics, nylon is relatively softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic creates a unique typing experience that may be preferred by individuals looking for a more subdued sound when typing.
Considering the split in housing materials, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Taro will have different effects when pressing down and releasing keys. The bottom housing, which is made of nylon in both switches, will primarily influence the bottom-out sound and feel, providing a deeper and fuller experience. On the other hand, the impact of the top housing, constructed with polycarbonate in both switches, will be more noticeable when releasing a key, contributing to the overall sound produced. This distinction allows for a nuanced and varied typing experience, depending on the aspect of the switch that is most pronounced during use.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there are a few similarities and differences to note. In terms of actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the exact actuation force of the Taro is unknown. However, both switches have a bottom out force of 67 grams, which is considered medium-heavy.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be the preferred choice, as its actuation force is lower compared to the Taro. This lighter actuation force allows for longer typing periods without fatigue, making it suitable for work or extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the Taro switch. The Taro's actuation force, although unknown, likely falls within a similar range to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, providing a comparable typing experience. Both switches share the same bottom out force, ensuring a consistent level of resistance when fully pressing down on the keys.
In conclusion, while the actuation force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Jwick Taro switches may differ, they both offer a medium-heavy bottom out force. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow providing a lighter feel for extended typing sessions, while the Taro switch delivers a potentially similar experience with a slightly heavier actuation force.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Taro tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance at 4.0 mm, while the Taro offers a slightly shallower experience at 3.7 mm. It is worth noting that shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, especially among gamers who value faster response times. Opting for the shorter travel distance of the Taro switch can provide a heightened sense of responsiveness. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress may find the longer travel distance offered by the G Pro 3.0 Yellow more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 and the Jwick Taro switches have distinct sound profiles. When typing on the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, users will experience a higher pitched clacky sound. This switch provides a resonant and sharp sound profile, which is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the Taro switches offer a neutral sound profile. While the exact sound characteristics are not described for the Taro switches, they are said to have a moderate sound profile suitable for most purposes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. With this information, those seeking a higher-pitched and resonant sound may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, while those looking for a more neutral sound profile may find the Taro switches more appealing.
Moving on to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches are described as polished and creamy. This indicates that they have a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience. The reduced friction and smooth key travel make typing on these switches effortless. They provide a silky sensation, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. On the other hand, the Taro switches are described as buttery and stepped. A buttery switch implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the stepped characteristic suggests that these tactile switches have two stages, allowing users to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. These descriptions indicate that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches provide a polished and creamy typing experience, while the Taro switches offer a buttery and stepped sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches have a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a polished and creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches provide a neutral sound profile and a buttery, stepped feel. Both switches offer distinct characteristics, giving users the option to choose based on their sound and feel preferences. It's important to consider personal preferences, as well as other factors such as keyboard board and keycaps, to achieve the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch that offers a bouncy type feel and produces a higher pitched clacky sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a great choice. This switch provides a polished and creamy typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a cozy typing experience and acute and crisp clacks, the Jwick Taro is the way to go. It has a medium-level of tactility and a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a variety of uses. The Taro switch offers a buttery and stepped typing sensation, providing a seamless and uniform keystroke experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a linear or tactile switch, as well as the specific sound and feel you're looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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