Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and G Pro 3.0 Silver are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct experiences for different users. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, a tactile switch, is an exceptional addition to Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, offering an economical solution without compromising on quality. It provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, with a gentle bump that enhances typing flow. The frosted light diffuser ensures vibrant RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience, while the medium-high pitch adds a satisfying auditory feedback to typing sessions. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver, a linear switch, is designed for gaming enthusiasts. It offers unmatched value with lightning-fast responsiveness, thanks to its shorter travel distance of 3.4mm. The RGB lighting, enhanced by the frosted light diffuser, adds to the gaming atmosphere, while the medium-high pitch brings an exhilarating auditory element. Despite these general pointers, let's dive in deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver have similar housing materials for both their top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, creating a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting.
As for the bottom housings, both switches make use of nylon, which is a classic switch housing material. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and creating a duller and rounder sound. With the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and Silver will offer a similar experience in this aspect.
However, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings differ between switches. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a polycarbonate top housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver features a silver polycarbonate top housing. Despite the difference in color, the qualities of the polycarbonate material remain the same for both switches. Similarly, both switches have nylon bottom housings. Therefore, while there may be slight variations in appearance, the overall sound and feel of the switches will be similar due to the shared housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, there are some notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams. This means that the Silver switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke compared to the Brown switch. Similarly, when it comes to the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly heavier force of 63 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Brown switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Silver switch offers a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience. However, it's worth noting that both switches provide medium to light weights, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. So, if one prefers a lighter switch for longer periods of typing or gaming, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the better choice. Conversely, for those who enjoy a heavier and more substantial typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be the suitable option.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance of travel for both switches. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall experience when using either switch. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other when it comes to travel distance, as they both share the same 4 mm measurement.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 Brown switch is known for offering a medium-high pitch and a satisfying auditory feedback. The sound produced can be described as delightful and subtle, adding an extra layer of joy to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as bassy, low-pitched, and thocky. This means that the sound profile of the Silver switch is deeper, richer, and more pronounced, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. It offers a lower frequency range and a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches provide auditory feedback, but the Brown switch is more gentle and subtle, while the Silver switch offers a more pronounced and satisfying sound experience. Keep in mind that the sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is known for its easy-to-press nature, offering gentle resistance during key presses. It requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. This switch provides a responsive and low-impact typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It can be considered mild, offering a gentle typing experience without any extreme characteristics. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as buttery and creamy. These descriptors suggest a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Choosing the Silver switch means enjoying a silky sensation as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys, with each keystroke feeling smooth and effortless. Both switches offer comfortable typing experiences, but the Brown switch focuses on easy activation and low-impact feel, while the Silver switch provides a buttery and creamy typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and Silver switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Brown switch provides a delightful and subtle auditory feedback with a medium-high pitch, creating a pleasant typing experience. It offers an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force for activation and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silver switch delivers a bassy and low-pitched sound, adding depth and richness to key presses. It provides a buttery and creamy feel, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. However, if you prefer a similar result in terms of sound and feel, you can expect a satisfying auditory feedback and comfortable typing experience from both switches, albeit with different characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for an affordable and high-quality switch that provides a subtle tactile feedback, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is the way to go. With a medium bottom out force and a delightful typing experience, these switches are perfect for general typing tasks. The frosted light diffuser ensures vibrant RGB lighting, adding an immersive visual experience to your setup. The medium-high pitch also adds a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing sessions, making them even more enjoyable.
On the other hand, if you prioritize performance in gaming, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are the ideal choice. With a lower bottom out force and a shorter travel distance, these linear switches offer lightning-fast responsiveness, giving you a competitive advantage in gaming. The frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, creating a visually stunning gaming setup. The medium-high pitch adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Overall, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you value a more tactile feedback and a versatile switch for both typing and gaming, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is a great option. However, if you prioritize gaming performance and a smoother keystroke experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the way to go. Evaluate your priorities and choose the switch that aligns with your requirements. Happy typing and gaming!
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