Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Weightlessness stand out prominently. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is celebrated for its budget-friendly excellence and linear feel, offering a higher-pitched clacky sound that delivers a fairly bouncy typing experience. Its smooth keypress without tactile bumps makes it an ideal choice for gamers or those who prefer rapid, uninterrupted keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches provide a more tactile experience, with a subtle to moderate tactile bump that enhances the tactile feedback during typing. This characteristic makes them particularly appealing for typists who enjoy a bit more sensation under their fingers while still maintaining a balanced sound profile. While both options cater to unique preferences—whether one leans towards the smoothness of a linear switch or the tactile feedback of a tactile switch—each switch serves its purpose effectively. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Weightlessness switches differ significantly, especially in their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sturdiness and rigidity. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the auditory experience, particularly when utilizing RGB lighting due to its clear nature. On the contrary, the Weightlessness employs a nylon top housing, which is characteristic of a softer material that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller, fuller sound profile, leading to a rounder auditory character. Consequently, users will experience distinctly different sound signatures and tactile feedback when using these switches, largely influenced by the material of the top housing.
When we shift focus to the bottom housings, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Weightlessness utilize nylon, leading to similar sound qualities in that regard. Nylon's inherent properties provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, contributing to a more substantial bottom-out feel. The softer nature of nylon helps absorb sound better than rigid materials like polycarbonate, resulting in a muted yet resonant sound when a keystroke is executed. In both switches, the bottom housing plays a critical role in shaping the overall typing experience, particularly in terms of how the switch feels when fully pressed down, and the sound produced during the bottoming-out process remains consistent across the two.
Overall, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Weightlessness creates distinct auditory profiles and tactile experiences. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's polycarbonate top emphasizes clarity and brightness, the Weightlessness offers a rounded sensation with its nylon top. However, due to both switches sharing nylon in their bottom housings, users will encounter similarities in the sound and feel associated with the bottoming-out action, showcasing how differing materials at the top can lead to unique results while still achieving a familiar character at the bottom.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch with the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find an interesting balance in their specifications. Both switches share the same actuation force of 50 grams, making them feel equally light in terms of initiating a keystroke, which can be beneficial for users who type or game for extended periods, as it reduces finger fatigue. However, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a noticeable bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating that it requires a stronger push to completely bottom out the key. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch does not have a documented bottom out force, leaving that information unknown. This ambiguity suggests that while both switches might feel similar during actuation, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow ultimately offers a firmer feedback and resistance upon bottoming out, which could appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, users aiming for a lighter switch with light actuation and perhaps softer bottoming could lean towards the Weightlessness, while those who appreciate a stronger bottom out sensation might opt for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, a clear difference emerges: the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Weightlessness switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that pressing the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a more pronounced keypress feel, which can be preferable for those who enjoy a deeper, more substantial tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Weightlessness switch, with its shorter travel distance, caters to users looking for a quicker response, making it particularly suitable for gamers who favor rapid key presses. Thus, if you prioritize a more traditional feel and depth, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be the better choice, whereas those who prefer a faster, more immediate response might opt for the Weightlessness switch.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 switches provide a distinct auditory experience characterized by a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile. Their sound is sharp and resonant, creating a cheerful and engaging environment for typing that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switches have an undetermined sound profile in the information provided. However, since sound can significantly depend on the keyboard setup, you may need to consider factors like the type of board and keycaps used when assessing their overall auditory experience.
Regarding the tactile feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches are notable for their polished and creamy texture, delivering a smooth and refined typing experience. Users can expect reduced friction and silky key travel, allowing for effortless input. The Weightlessness switches, on the other hand, offer a subtle to moderate tactile feedback. Although specific descriptions of their feel were not provided, the tactile nature would cater to those who seek some resistance while typing without overwhelming feedback.
In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches excel in delivering a distinct high-pitched sound and a remarkably smooth feel, the Gateron Weightlessness switches offer a more complex tactile experience complemented by an unspecified sound profile. If you're leaning towards a crispy auditory sensation and a buttery feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches won't disappoint. However, if you prefer a balance of tactile feedback and are open to exploring how sound plays into the overall keyboard experience, the Weightlessness switches could also be a worthy consideration.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a smooth and responsive typing experience with a higher-pitched clacky sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force and polished feel make it suitable for fast typing or gaming, providing a satisfying tactile feedback that many users seek in a linear switch. On the other hand, if you value subtle tactile sensations that enhance your typing experience without overwhelming you, the Weightlessness switch might be the ideal option. It’s perfect for tasks where you want a balance between comfort and feedback, especially for typing long documents or programming, where the tactile response can help with accuracy while remaining quiet and unobtrusive. Ultimately, your decision should align with your comfort, sound preference, and the type of activities you'll be engaging in with your mechanical keyboard.
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