Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver mechanical keyboard switches, you have two compelling options to consider. The G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch, is ideal for those seeking a more substantial typing experience, with its 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force providing a balanced medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver, also a linear switch, offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, giving you lightning-fast responsiveness and a competitive edge in gaming. While the Black switch is characterized by a medium-high pitch and a frosted light diffuser that enhances RGB lighting, the Silver switch boasts a medium-high pitch and a similar light diffuser for vibrant lighting effects. 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
60g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and G Pro 3.0 Silver differ in their housing materials, with the Black model featuring a proprietary INK blend top housing and a POM bottom housing, while the Silver model has a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The INK blend top housing of the Black model is known for its thin, high-pitched sound profile, giving it a satisfying and clacky feel. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Silver model creates a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. The POM bottom housing of the Black model produces a deeper, more muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silver model generates a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and G Pro 3.0 Silver offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Black model's combination of INK blend top housing and POM bottom housing provides a balance between thin, high-pitched sounds and deeper, muted tones, offering a versatile typing experience. On the other hand, the Silver model's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing create a sharper, more resonant sound with a fuller and rounder quality, catering to those who prefer a crisper typing experience. While the specific characteristics of each housing material may vary, both switches deliver satisfying sound profiles that enhance the overall typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and G Pro 3.0 Silver also differ due to their housing materials. The translucent nature of the polycarbonate top housing in the Silver model allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. In contrast, the opaque nature of the INK blend top housing in the Black model offers a more understated look. Additionally, the choice between the POM and nylon bottom housings further adds to the visual appeal of each switch, with the Black model offering a unique sound profile and the Silver model providing a classic typing experience. Ultimately, the housing materials of the two models contribute not only to their sound profiles but also to their overall aesthetic appeal.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, it is evident that there is a significant difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a higher actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a lower actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, resulting in a lighter and more effortless keystroke. Those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Silver, while users seeking a more substantial and forceful typing feel may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The Black switch offers a longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Silver switch provides a shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences - whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more traditional typing experience. Both switches offer quality performance, so you can expect similar results regardless of the travel distance you choose.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black 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 Black 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 Black linear switch is described as having a clacky and subdued sound profile. This means that the switch produces a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, adding a crisp and bright auditory element to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound characteristics. This switch offers a deeper and richer sound profile with a lower frequency range, giving it a more mellow and satisfying tone during key presses. Depending on your preference for sound, you can choose between the sharper sound of the Black switch or the deeper tones of the Silver switch.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is described as creamy, silky, and subtle. This means that the switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with a silky sensation and gentle resistance, making it a comfortable choice for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is also characterized as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with seamless and effortless typing sensation. Both switches offer a comfortable and smooth typing experience, allowing you to glide your fingers across the keys with ease.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and Silver linear switches offer premium quality and exceptional performance at a budget-friendly price point. The Black switch provides a heavier typing experience with a medium-high pitch sound, while the Silver switch offers a shorter travel distance for lightning-fast responsiveness with a bassy and thocky sound profile. Depending on your preference for typing feel and sound, you can choose between the medium-heavy feel of the Black switch or the competitive advantage of the Silver switch. Whichever option you choose, you can expect top-notch performance and reliable durability from both Gateron G Pro 3.0 switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switches, consider the following guidelines. If you are looking for a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams and a medium-high pitch sound, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel with a bottom out force of 50 grams, faster responsiveness due to a shorter travel distance, and a medium-high pitch sound with a bassy tone, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for typing feel, sound, and gaming performance.
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