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Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Durock White Lotus

An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Durock White Lotus are two distinct mechanical keyboard switches with their own unique features and advantages. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out as a linear switch that combines budget-friendly excellence with a polished and high-pitched sound profile. Its bouncy typing feel adds a touch of satisfaction to each keystroke. On the other hand, the White Lotus switch is a tactile option designed for discerning typists. It offers a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making it suitable for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the White Lotus switch features a removable light column, allowing for vibrant and luminous RGB lighting effects that enhance the overall keyboard setup. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Technical specifications

Actuation force

50g

Actuation force

46g

Bottom-out force

67g

Bottom-out force

56g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

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

Modified PC & UPE Blend

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

15.4mm long spring

Spring

Gold-plated long spring

Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Durock White Lotus utilizes a modified PC and UPE Blend top housing. Both materials contribute to creating a unique sound profile, but they differ in their characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. In contrast, the modified PC and UPE Blend top housing of the White Lotus offers a premium feel without specific sound characteristics mentioned. However, both housings allow for RGB lighting due to their translucency.

Moving on to the bottom housings, both switches share a similar material - nylon. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, creating a more satisfying auditory experience. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a dullest and rounder sound. Therefore, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the White Lotus benefit from the bottom nylon housing in terms of sound quality.

Overall, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the White Lotus employ different materials for their top housings, both switches offer a clear advantage in sound quality due to the presence of polycarbonate and modified PC & UPE Blend materials, respectively. Similarly, the use of nylon in their bottom housings ensures a deeper and fuller sound experience. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the White Lotus, you can expect an enhanced auditory experience, albeit with slightly different characteristics based on the chosen housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is clear that there are some notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the White Lotus's 46 grams, making it a bit heavier to initiate a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow takes the lead with 67 grams, while the White Lotus has a lower force of 56 grams. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Yellow have a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a stronger push both to trigger a keystroke and to fully press down. On the other hand, the White Lotus provides a lighter typing experience, with a lower force required for both actuation and bottoming out. So, if someone prefers a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming, the White Lotus would be a suitable choice. However, if someone desires a more substantial and heavier push feel, then the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be the preferable option. Overall, both switches offer different levels of actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with the flexibility to choose the weight that suits their typing preferences.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped 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 satisfying feedback in terms of travel distance, allowing for a precise keypress experience. Consequently, whether you choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the Durock White Lotus, you can expect to achieve similar results in terms of travel distance.

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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.

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 provides a higher-pitched clacky sound profile. This results in a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, which may not appeal to those who prefer richer and bassier sound profiles. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers a low-pitched sound. With a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, it provides a neutral sound profile that is moderate in terms of volume. This makes it suitable for various environments, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use the switches at home or in an office setting. However, it's important to note that the final sound of the switches will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, so individual results may vary.

Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is described as polished and creamy. The polished finish of these switches ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, reducing friction and allowing for smooth key travel. This polished feel can be attributed to the materials used or factory lubing. The creamy sensation of these switches is akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, with each keystroke melting into the switch. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. The switches provide gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Overall, the White Lotus switches offer a responsive and low-impact typing feel. Moreover, they are considered subtle switches, meaning they have a gentle resistance without being overly feather-light. This provides a tactile feel without overwhelming the user. The combination of these qualities results in an approachable and comfortable typing experience for most users.

In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch 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 polished, creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the White Lotus offers a low-pitched sound and an easy-to-press, mild typing feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a higher-pitched sound and a smooth typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be the better choice. If you prefer a low-pitched sound and a gentle, responsive typing feel, the White Lotus would be more suitable. It's important to consider these qualities alongside your personal preferences and requirements to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

In closing, if budget-friendly excellence and a medium-heavy bottom out force are what you prioritize in a linear switch, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the ideal choice for you. With its higher-pitched clacky sound profile and bouncy type feel, it offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, if you value exquisite light tactility, a lower bottom out force, and the ability to customize RGB lighting effects, then the Durock White Lotus is the perfect fit. Its delicate tactility strikes a perfect balance, making it suitable for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. Additionally, the low-pitched sound profile adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and budget, as both switches offer their own distinct advantages.

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