Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie

Overview

When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out as compelling options, each offering unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black, revered for its robust 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, delivers a heavier yet balanced typing experience that resonates well with those who prefer a more substantial feel under their fingers. Its medium-high pitch auditory profile and frosted light diffuser enhance the overall typing experience, particularly for RGB enthusiasts seeking vibrant visual effects. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is crafted for users who value exceptional smoothness and a thocky sound profile, making it ideal for a quieter yet still satisfying typing experience without sacrificing quality. Both switches embody Gateron’s dedication to affordable excellence, thus making them worthy contenders in any keyboard enthusiast's 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

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black Linear

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, notable differences emerge in their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a distinctively high-pitched and clacky sound profile. This characteristic offers a more pronounced auditory feedback, catering to typists who appreciate a sharper and clearer acoustic response. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is made of POM, resulting in a deeper and relatively muted sound. This gives the Sea Salt Smoothie a more subdued auditory character, which some users may find more pleasing for a quieter typing experience. Thus, while the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a more lively top housing sound, the Sea Salt Smoothie focuses on creating a softer auditory effect.

On the other hand, both the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Sea Salt Smoothie utilize POM for their bottom housings, leading to similarities in sound profile despite their differing top housing materials. Both switches benefit from the POM bottom housing, which produces a deep and muted sound, affecting the bottom-out acoustics and feel during typing. This shared bottom housing allows users of either switch to experience a comforting and iconic sound quality, emphasizing the satisfaction of pressing down on the keys. Since the bottom housing plays a critical role in the overall tactile sensation upon bottoming out, typists can expect consistent feedback and performance whether they choose the G Pro 3.0 Black or the Sea Salt Smoothie.

Overall, while the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Sea Salt Smoothie switch designs leverage different top housing materials that impart contrasting sound profiles, their shared POM bottom housing yields a uniform auditory experience during key presses. Users who prioritize sound may gravitate toward the clackiness of the G Pro 3.0 Black, while those seeking a deeper, muted sound might prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie. Regardless of choice, both models offer an enjoyable typing sensation, where the combined effects of top and bottom housing materials dictate the overall performance and auditory feedback. This means that even with the dissimilar top housings, typists can achieve satisfying results through their respective switch options.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The G Pro 3.0 Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is lighter at 48 grams. This disparity means that typists or gamers who prefer a more effortless key press would likely favor the Sea Salt Smoothie, as its lighter action can help reduce fatigue during extended use. In terms of bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which is medium-heavy and provides a more substantial feel when the switch is fully pressed down. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie does not specify a bottom out force, rendering an important aspect of its performance unknown. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter switch for longer typing sessions, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be the more suitable choice, while those who enjoy a stronger feedback might prefer the G Pro 3.0 Black.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the G Pro 3.0 Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a travel distance of 3.7 mm, which is shorter. This difference in travel distance can significantly impact the typing experience; those who favor a more responsive feel may lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie for its quicker actuation, while users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke might prefer the G Pro 3.0 Black for its deeper travel. Ultimately, this choice comes down to personal preference, as both switches cater to different typing styles and needs.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch creates a medium-high pitch auditory profile. This switch yields a combination of clacky and subdued tones, resulting in a sharp, crisp, and percussive sound, while still being subtle enough not to dominate a shared workspace. In contrast, the sound profile of the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie remains unspecified, meaning its auditory experience is still an unknown factor, which could appeal to users who prefer a quieter typing environment or are looking to experiment with different keycap and board setups to determine their ideal sound.

In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black is characterized by a creamy and silky typing experience that allows for smooth keystrokes. This can be particularly enjoyable for typists who seek a tactile and gliding sensation as their fingers move across the keyboard. The cohesive feel is complemented by a medium-heavy actuation force that adds a sense of substance to each keystroke. The tactile experience of the Sea Salt Smoothie, however, has not been detailed, leaving another aspect of its performance open to exploration.

Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch designs offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black provides a well-defined auditory and tactile performance that suits those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel alongside a recognizable sound signature. While specific details on the Sea Salt Smoothie remain unclear, it may present an opportunity for users to experience something distinct, particularly in terms of its feel and auditory response. Ultimately, whether one prefers the G Pro 3.0 Black’s known qualities or the potential undiscovered qualities of the Sea Salt Smoothie, both switches contribute to the diverse landscape of mechanical keyboard experiences.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches will largely depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more tactile and heavier typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black is your go-to option. With its 70g bottom-out force, this switch is ideal for those who enjoy a robust feel under their fingers, providing a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke. Its clacky sound profile can enhance the feedback while typing, making it suitable for gaming and typing where auditory response matters. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smoother and quieter typing experience, especially in shared spaces, the Sea Salt Smoothie is a compelling choice. Although specifics on its bottom-out force are not provided, it is designed for exceptional smoothness and delivers a thocky sound profile that can be quite pleasing without being overly noisy. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and environment when making your selection. If you thrive on feedback and weight, go for the G Pro 3.0; but if you value consistency and a less intrusive sound, the Sea Salt Smoothie will serve you well.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.70 per 10

Learn more