Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch for your mechanical keyboard, you are presented with two distinct options to consider. The G Pro 3.0 Black is a linear switch renowned for its heaviest weight within the G Pro series, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown offers a lighter tactile bump for a comfortable typing experience accompanied by a muted sound profile. While the G Pro 3.0 Black exudes a clacky and vibrant aesthetic with its RGB lighting, the Silent Brown showcases a buttery and polished feel. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the TTC Silent Brown both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. While the G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing that is pointed and relatively high-pitched, the Silent Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Silent Brown allows for RGB lighting effects, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Brown produces a fuller and rounder sound.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the TTC Silent Brown offer unique sound profiles that are characterized by their respective housing materials. The use of POM in the G Pro 3.0 Black's bottom housing creates an interesting tactile experience with a deeper sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Brown contributes to a fuller and rounder sound. Additionally, the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience varies, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound upon key release.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the TTC Silent Brown showcase how different housing materials can influence the sound profile of a switch. While the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a unique blend of INK materials that create a satisfying clacky sound, the Silent Brown's polycarbonate housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience, with each material offering its own set of characteristics that contribute to the final sound profile.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams compared to the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. The G Pro 3.0 Black provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, while the Silent Brown offers a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of standard travel distances, with the G Pro being slightly longer than the Silent Brown. Gamers may prefer the G Pro for its slightly longer travel distance, providing a more traditional keypress feel, while those looking for a faster response time may opt for the Silent Brown with its shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch is known for its clacky sound, which is sharp and snappy, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown switch is recognized for its muted sound profile, offering a softer and quieter typing experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black. If you prefer a more subdued sound, the Silent Brown switch would be the ideal choice.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black switch is described as creamy and silky, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with a medium-heavy feel. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switch offers a buttery and mild feel, with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. Both switches aim to deliver a comfortable typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Black leaning towards a more substantial feel compared to the Silent Brown.
Overall, if you're looking for a linear switch with a heavier feel and a clacky sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a lighter feel and a muted sound profile, the TTC Silent Brown switch would be a great option. Both switches offer high-quality performance within their respective categories, so you can expect a satisfying typing experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a heavier typing experience with a more pronounced auditory feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Black might be the better choice for you. It offers a medium-heavy bottom-out force and a clacky sound profile. On the other hand, if you value a lighter tactile bump and a muted sound profile for a more comfortable typing experience, the Silent Brown could be the ideal option. It provides a light-medium resistance with a satisfying rounded tactile bump and a quieter sound. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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