Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 mechanical keyboard switches, you're presented with two distinct options catering to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch that offers a gentle bump and medium-high pitch, ideal for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience without overwhelming feedback. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch known for its clacky sound and silky typing feel, perfect for those who prefer a smooth keystroke with a high-pitched sound signature. Each switch has its own unique features, such as the light diffusers for enhancing RGB lighting, making them both appealing choices for different reasons. 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
55g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, one key difference lies in their bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile with its stiffer plastic material. This contrast in housing materials demonstrates how the choice of nylon or polycarbonate can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound output of a mechanical keyboard switch.
On the other hand, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Lightning Silver V3 utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, emphasizing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This similarity in housing material suggests that users can expect comparable sound characteristics when pressing down on keys and releasing them. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, appealing to those who prioritize aesthetics and customization in their keyboard setup. While the bottom housings may differ, the shared use of polycarbonate in the top housings ensures a consistent sound experience across both switches.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing feel. The G Pro 3.0 Brown's combination of nylon and polycarbonate housings offers a balance between deep, full sound and sharp, crisp tones. In comparison, the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate top and bottom housings prioritize a clear and resonant sound profile throughout typing. Whether you prefer a softer, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard aesthetics and performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we see that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 48 grams. However, the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Brown at 63 grams is also heavier than the Lightning Silver V3's 60 grams. Both switches fall into the medium weight category, making them suitable for a wide range of users. Those who prefer a slightly lighter feel may opt for the Lightning Silver V3, while those looking for a bit more resistance may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing or gaming experiences.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer of the two switches compared. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. While both switches offer a good amount of travel distance for typing and gaming purposes, the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a slightly deeper press compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and how much travel distance is preferred for optimal performance. If you prefer a deeper, more substantial keypress, the G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch may be the better option. However, if you prefer a quicker, more responsive keypress, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a different typing experience, so it's essential to consider what type of typing or gaming feel you prefer before making a decision.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown 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 Brown for $2.77.
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 Brown offers a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, adding joy to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, affecting the overall audio experience.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown provides an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a comfortable and effortless typing feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the switch is described as mild and stepped, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is known for its silky smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Taking into account all the available information, it is evident that the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offer distinct sound and feel qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a medium-high pitch and an easy-to-press experience with a subtle tactile sensation, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clacky high-pitched sound and a silky smooth typing feel. Both switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, but regardless of the choice, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch or the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it comes down to your personal preferences. If you prefer a gentle tactile sensation and medium-high pitch sound, along with a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality, the G Pro 3.0 Brown may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, along with a silky smooth typing experience, then the Lightning Silver V3 might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your individual typing style and what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Mentioned in this article
