Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Yellow Silver, both of which are linear switches. The G Pro 3.0 Black from Gateron is known for its premium quality and budget-friendly price point, making it a popular choice for those looking for a more substantial typing experience. With a 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, it offers a balanced medium-heavy feel and emits a medium-high pitch sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch is favored for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it ideal for both gamers and typists seeking speed and responsiveness. While the G Pro 3.0 Black may appeal to those who prefer a more tactile and substantial feel, the Outemu Yellow Silver is better suited for those who prioritize quick and responsive typing. 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
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Yellow Silver, one can see distinct differences in sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a thin and higher-pitched sound that is characterized as clacky. In contrast, the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This difference can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which leads to a more resonant sound. While both offer satisfying sound profiles, they cater to different preferences in terms of pitch and clarity.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile. This contrasts with the nylon bottom housing of the Yellow Silver, which offers a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature. The choice between POM and nylon can affect the overall typing experience, with POM providing a unique sound profile and nylon offering a classic deep sound. Both materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switch, influencing the typing experience for users.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in a switch plays a significant role in determining its sound profile and feel. While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Outemu Yellow Silver offer distinct characteristics in their housing materials, both switches provide unique typing experiences. Whether it be the sharp and clear sound of polycarbonate or the deep and fuller sound of nylon, users can choose based on their preferences for sound pitch and clarity. Ultimately, the housing materials contribute to the overall typing experience and can make a difference in how satisfying the switch feels to use.
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, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is lighter with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a medium-light feel. The G Pro 3.0 Black is better suited for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Yellow Silver is ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. Both switches offer a smooth linear operation, ensuring a consistent typing feel with every keystroke. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in regards to actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either of these switches, the user will experience a consistent travel distance. Both switches offer a tactile experience that is conducive to efficient typing and gaming. Since both switches have identical travel distances, users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and response when using either switch. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Black and Yellow Silver switches offer a comparable typing experience in terms of travel distance, making them suitable options for those looking for a consistent and reliable linear switch.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch offers a clacky and subdued sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound with a hint of dampened tones. This unique combination creates an auditory experience that is both lively and somewhat muted, appealing to users who enjoy a balance between a crisp sound and a more understated typing atmosphere. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, offering a moderate sound level that caters to a wide range of users, whether they are beginners, advanced typists, or gamers looking for a versatile option. The subjective qualities of sound in these switches provide distinct options for users seeking different auditory experiences.
Regarding feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is praised for its creamy, silky, and subtle typing experience. With a smooth and buttery feel, users can enjoy effortless typing that glides smoothly across the keys, enhancing the overall typing sensation. The subtle resistance and gentle feel of the G Pro 3.0 Black further contribute to a comfortable typing experience suitable for shared spaces. In comparison, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch lacks specific descriptors for feel, indicating that its subjective qualities in this aspect are not as prominently defined as the G Pro 3.0 Black. However, it is important to note that both switches offer a linear feel, providing consistent keystrokes with no tactile feedback, allowing for quick and precise typing actions.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a clacky and subdued sound profile along with a creamy, silky, and subtle typing feel, the Yellow Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile without specific descriptors for feel. Users can expect a unique auditory and tactile experience when using the G Pro 3.0 Black, while the Yellow Silver switch delivers a versatile option suitable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Black with its medium-heavy bottom out force and clacky sound profile is ideal for those seeking a more substantial typing feel and a crisp auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver with its lighter actuation force and neutral sound profile caters to users who prioritize speediness and responsiveness without distracting noise. Ultimately, choose the switch that aligns with your specific typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.