Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Smoothie Silver stand out as top choices. The G Pro 3.0 Black offers a heavier linear switch experience with its 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, making it ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver provides a lightning-fast actuation with its short travel distance and boasts a thocky sound, unmatched smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While the G Pro 3.0 Black excels in providing a balanced medium-heavy feel and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Smoothie Silver offers unparalleled speed and a unique auditory experience. 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
N/A
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Smoothie Silver both showcase unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. In comparison, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both switches offer satisfying typing experiences, the differences in their top housing materials result in distinct auditory feedback for users.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Smoothie Silver utilize POM material to create a unique sound profile. The POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black contributes to a deeper and more muted sound, similar to the top housing of the Smoothie Silver. This shared housing material between the two switches indicates that users can expect a certain level of consistency in terms of sound profile and overall typing experience, despite the differences in their top housing materials.
Overall, the choice of housing material in a mechanical keyboard switch plays a crucial role in determining the sound profile and tactile feel of the switch. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Gateron Smoothie Silver exemplify how different housing materials can result in distinct typing experiences. While the G Pro 3.0 Black's INK blend top housing offers a clacky sound, the Smoothie Silver's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, the shared POM bottom housing between the two switches ensures a consistent and enjoyable typing experience for users seeking a unique auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Black has a heavier touch compared to the Smoothie Silver. The G Pro 3.0 Black requires an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, with no information provided about its bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Smoothie Silver, as it allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the other hand, individuals looking for a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Black for its heavier touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference based on the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm. In terms of comparison, the G Pro 3.0 Black has a longer travel distance than the Smoothie Silver, offering a more traditional typing experience with a deeper keypress. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver provides a shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for a faster response time. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on individual preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black allows for a more deliberate and deliberate typing experience, while the Smoothie Silver provides a quicker and more responsive keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a longer or shorter travel distance for your typing or gaming needs.
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 Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 known for its clacky and somewhat subdued sound profile. The sharp and snappy sound upon key press provides a satisfying auditory experience that is not too overpowering. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch doesn't have a specific sound description provided, so it's difficult to compare the two in this aspect. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is often described as creamy, silky, and subtle. This means that the typing experience is smooth, buttery, and gentle on the fingers, enhancing overall typing comfort. The Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, unfortunately, lacks a specific feel description, making it challenging to directly compare to the G Pro 3.0 Black in this aspect. However, given the reputation of Gateron switches for smoothness, it is likely that the Smoothie Silver offers a similarly pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch stands out for its medium-heavy feel, clacky and subdued sound profile, and creamy, silky, and subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch features a short travel distance for fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch. While there are some differences between the two switches based on the available information, both are likely to provide a high-quality typing experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Smoothie Silver would depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a balanced feel, medium-high pitch sound, and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the G Pro 3.0 Black may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you value lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver switch could be more fitting. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features and qualities, so make sure to select the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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