What's the difference between the Gateron G Pro 2.0 Switch and Gateron G Pro Switch?
Since the release of the Gateron G Pro 2.0 Switch, it has received a lot of popularity in the market for its smooth feel and backlight effect. There seem to be people who aren't too familiar with the G Pro 2.0 Switch yet with its upgraded mold. So, we thought it would be interested to compare and contrast the Gateron G Pro 2.0 and G Pro switch for those interested in using these switches but can’t decide on which one.
Before we start comparing the G Pro 2.0 and G Pro switches, let’s briefly introduce them.
The G Pro switch originated from its predecessor, the G switch, both produced by Gateron. The G Pro switches have an optimized mold with a more stable switch stem structure. It is pre-lubed before leaving the factory and delivers a more natural and smoother typing feel.
The G Pro 2.0 switch series still retains the full G Pro switch series lineup as well as the factory pre-lubed technology. Its operating force and travel are also pretty similar to the G Pro switch in that both bring a smooth and stable typing experience.
Difference: Appearance
The G Pro 2.0 switch retains the G Pro series’ design style with its transparent upper housing and a white base. However, instead of the G Pro’s light bifurcation on the upper cover and frosted surface design, the G Pro 2.0 series went with a transparent switch cover. We also added a raised light-concentrating and light-guiding structure on the top cover light hole with a material that is more transparent, clear, and transmits the light brighter. The newly added light-concentrating and light-guiding structures can also better refract and divert light, making the light look softer and natural to bring users a better lighting effect.
The upper row is the structure of the G Pro Brown switch
The upper row is the backlight effect of the G Pro 2.0 switches
Difference: Stability And Durability
The G Pro 2.0 and G Pro’s switch covers are fixed by a four-leg snap-type. Compared to the older "G switch" version, both of them have a good firmness. The reinforced switch cover frame also prevents damage during disassembly. The G Pro 2.0 switch mold has also been optimized to reduce wobbliness and further improve the trigger performance. The switch is also equipped with a gold-plated contact and has a good anti-oxidation effect, which can guarantee longer longevity and durability.
Difference: Compatibility
Both the G Pro 2.0 and G Pro utilize a 3-Pin switch base scheme, which offers excellent compatibility and can be easily installed on most hot-swap mechanical keyboards on the market. Due to the difference in the upper cover structure, there are some differences in LED compatibility. The G Pro is compatible with 2-Pin LED/4-Pin LED/SMD-LED and RGB-SMD lights. The G Pro 2.0 supports SMD-LED and RGB-SMD lights.
The upper row is the back of the G Pro 2.0 switches
G Pro 2.0 VS G Pro
G Pro 2.0 Red VS G Pro Red
The difference between both the switches is the G Pro red switch has a bottom-out force of 70 gf, whereas the G Pro 2.0 red switch has a smaller bottom-out force of 50 gf to make the switch softer. Additionally, the G Pro 2.0’s 22.5 mm long spring offers a smoother pressing feel and a stronger rebound than the G Pro’s 15.4 mm spring. They are both suitable for typing for a time and various usage scenarios.
The left is G Pro 2.0 Red switch
G Pro 2.0 Red Switch
G Pro Red Switch
G Pro 2.0 Blue VS G Pro Blue
The Gateron blue switch is a clicky switch with bumpy feedback and a loud sound. Those who like the feel of an old typewriter will love the blue switch. The G Pro 2.0 Blue and G Pro Blue are both non-factory lubed (this affects the clicky sound) and have a very similar typing feel. There are subtle differences in their appearances.
The left is G Pro 2.0 Blue switch
G Pro 2.0 Blue Switch
G Pro Blue Switch
G Pro 2.0 Brown VS G Pro Brown
The G Pro 2.0 Brown’s bottom-out force is 20gf less than that of the G Pro Brown switch, which means that the force change is smaller and feels more consistent after the keystroke reaches the operation point. There are also differences in the spring lengths, the G Pro 2.0 brown switch has a 20.5 mm spring and the G Pro Brown has a 15.4 mm spring. Thanks to the longer spring, The G Pro 2.0’s tactile feel is clearer and the bump feel comes a little bit earlier.
The left is G Pro 2.0 Brown switch
G Pro 2.0 Brown Switch
G Pro Brown Switch
G Pro 2.0 Black VS G Pro Black
The Gateron Black switch is a linear switch with the strongest operation force among Gateron’s mass-produced switches. For those who prefer a linear switch with a strong mechanical feedback, the black switch is a good choice. The G Pro Black’s bottom-out force is slightly heavier than the G Pro 2.0 and has a little stronger bottom-out feeling. The G Pro 2.0 Black switch is softer and smoother than the G Pros.
The left is G Pro 2.0 Black switch
G Pro 2.0 Black Switch
G Pro Black Switch
G Pro 2.0 Yellow VS G Pro Yellow
The Gateron Yellow is very popular in the keyboard community. It is a linear switch, like the red switch, but with a 5 gf heavier operational force to deliver a different type of feel. The G Pro 2.0 Yellow has a quieter rebound sound than the G Pro. They have a similar typing feel with slight variations in appearances.
The left is G Pro 2.0 Yellow switch
G Pro 2.0 Yellow Switch
G Pro Yellow Switch
G Pro 2.0 White VS G Pro White
Aside from the fact that the G Pro 2.0 White and the G Pro White differ in that one is factory pre-lubed and one is not, the G Pro White can bottom out to 59 gf while the G Pro 2.0 white has a bottom-out force of 45 gf and is softer. For those who prefer a stronger bottom-out feel, the G Pro White switch will be a better choice.
The left is G Pro 2.0 White switch
G Pro 2.0 White Switch
G Pro White Switch
G Pro 2.0 Silver VS G Pro Silver
The Gateron Silver is a normal profile switch with short key travel and quick triggering, making it very popular with gamers. For appearance, both of the switches’ switch stem has a dust wall structure and is pre-lubed. The difference is that the G Pro 2.0 Silver’s wall structure has been upgraded from the original "[+]" to a "【+】" and delivers a more stable typing experience. The G Pro requires a little more strength to complete the entire key press. If you are not a person who is used to bottoming out keys, then there is not much difference in feel between the two for you.
The left is G Pro 2.0 Silver switch
G Pro 2.0 Silver Switch
G Pro Silver Switch
G Pro 2.0 Or G Pro, which switch should I choose?
From all the comparisons above, it can be concluded that the two switches have little difference in feel.
They are both amazing without a doubt. Whether you want switches for gaming or office use, they will meet your needs. So the deciding factors you have to consider are your own preferences and keyboard compatibility.
If you are an RGB enthusiast and have a keyboard with SMD-LED, then you should consider the G Pro 2.0 switch with its improved stability and brighter backlight.
If you want a switch with more compatibility, then you can choose the G Pro switch as it is compatible with almost all PCB keyboards on the market.