Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present two distinct options tailored for different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its robust construction and substantial feel, featuring a 60g actuation point and a 70g bottom-out force, making it ideal for users who enjoy the tactile feedback of a heavier switch—perfect for those who spend long hours typing and seek a more grounded experience. Its ability to amplify RGB lighting effects adds a vibrant aesthetic dimension as well. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g excels in providing a serene typing experience with an ultra-light 43g actuation force, catering to light typists looking for a quiet environment. This switch's design is reminiscent of soft raindrops, making it an excellent choice for shared workspaces where noise can be a distraction. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on your typing style—heft and feedback versus subtlety and silence. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches utilize distinct materials for their respective top housings, leading to different auditory profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which creates a pointed and high-pitched sound signature that many users appreciate for its clackiness. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch is equipped with a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound, giving a rounder auditory experience rather than the sharper tones found in the G Pro 3.0 Black. In scenarios where users prefer a more muted keypress, the softer nature of nylon may favor those seeking a quieter typing experience, while fans of Gateron’s blend may enjoy a more pronounced sound.
When examining the bottom housing materials of both switches, the differences are equally compelling. The G Pro 3.0 Black employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) bottom housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a muted, deep sound profile. Conversely, the Silent Sakura utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, resulting in a brighter and crisper acoustical effect. This distinction means that, while the G Pro 3.0 may deliver a satisfying tactile feel and a rounded auditory experience, the Silent Sakura can provide a clearer and more resonant sound upon bottoming out due to the harder and more resonant nature of polycarbonate. Users who value a particularly crisp sound may find the Silent Sakura's composition preferable, especially in environments where acoustic clarity is paramount.
It's important to note that the interplay of the top and bottom housing materials significantly influences the overall sound and feel of each switch when pressed. For both switches, the bottom housing material primarily impacts the bottom-out sound, while the top housing material affects the sound produced when releasing a key. As a result, if a user prefers the tactility and sound profile of one switch, they may still opt for the other knowing that there are contrasting aspects that might serve their individual preferences. Ultimately, while comparisons can be drawn regarding the switch materials, enthusiasts may find satisfaction in the unique characteristics each offers, catering to diverse typing experiences and sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy, which provides a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is much lighter with an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, catering to those who prefer a softer touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. The variance in forces indicates that while the G Pro 3.0 Black may be favored by users who enjoy a stronger push feel, the Silent Sakura switch is ideal for individuals who seek the comfort of a lighter keystroke. Thus, if you are looking for a more forceful experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the option to choose, while the Silent Sakura - 43g is the better choice for a lighter typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will experience the same travel distance with both switches. Consequently, users seeking a consistent keypress feel will find that both options provide similar results, making either choice suitable for those who prefer a linear switch that offers the same level of responsiveness and feedback.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Sakura - 43g for $2.99.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the HMX Silent Sakura, it's evident that they cater to different auditory preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black is characterized by a medium-high pitch with a clacky auditory signature, offering a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. This makes it suitable for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Silent Sakura is engineered for a nearly silent experience, evoking the gentle sound of raindrops, which is ideal for those who prefer a discreet typing environment. The Silent Sakura features a subdued sound profile that is designed to minimize noise, making it less intrusive in shared spaces. However, the specific sound characteristics of the Silent Sakura are not detailed, leaving some ambiguity.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black delivers a creamy and silky typing experience, allowing typists to glide smoothly across the keys thanks to its well-lubricated design and balanced heavier actuation forces. The typing sensation is enhanced by a certain degree of resistance that adds to the tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying keystroke with each press. By contrast, the Silent Sakura, with its lighter 43g bottom-out force, aims for a gentle and subtle feel, allowing for a smoother typing experience that requires less effort. However, the specific tactile characteristics of the Silent Sakura switches remain unexplored, leaving some questions about how they compare directly to G Pro 3.0 Black's smoothness and overall typing experience.
In summary, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the HMX Silent Sakura switches fundamentally hinges on individual preferences for sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Black appeals to those who appreciate a more substantial, audible feedback coupled with a creamy typing experience, while the Silent Sakura is ideal for users seeking a lighter, virtually silent typing experience. Both options offer unique advantages depending on personal preferences, especially considering the G Pro's richer auditory feedback compared to the Silent Sakura's quiet charm. Given their distinct qualities, it is essential to consider your typing environment and style to determine which switch aligns best with your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound, and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a more tactile and substantial typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black is an excellent choice. With its medium-heavy actuation and bottom-out force, it delivers a satisfying, creamy feel that's great for typists who enjoy a bit of resistance. Additionally, its clacky sound profile enhances the auditory feedback, making it ideal for those who appreciate a classic mechanical feel and don’t mind some noise, especially in a personal workspace or gaming setup. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter and lighter typing experience, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is the switch for you. With its ultra-light actuation and bottom-out force of only 43 grams, it’s perfect for long typing sessions, particularly in shared or noise-sensitive environments where you want to minimize sound disruption. This switch caters to light typists, offering a gentle tactile experience reminiscent of soft raindrops, making it exceptionally pleasant for office work or late-night gaming without the clatter. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, the sound level appropriate for your surroundings, and the overall feel you desire in a mechanical keyboard.
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