Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow offer unique experiences for keyboard enthusiasts. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch that provides a gentle bump while typing, enhancing the overall typing experience without being too overwhelming. It also features a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow is a linear switch, which offers a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, ideal for those who prefer a more consistent typing feel. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that cater to different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced while typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for gamers and enthusiasts looking to customize their keyboards with colorful lighting effects.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both switches incorporate nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Compared to polycarbonate, nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This makes nylon a preferred material for users who prefer a quieter typing experience without compromising on the tactile feedback provided by the switches.
While both switches share similar housing materials, the placement of these materials within the switches can affect the overall typing experience. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the polycarbonate top housing will impact the sound when releasing a key. By understanding how different housing materials contribute to the sound profile and typing feel of switches, users can make informed decisions when selecting switches that align with their preferences and needs.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a medium tactile experience. In contrast, the Silent Yellow switch has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown, while individuals seeking a more pronounced push may opt for the Outemu Silent Yellow. Both switches provide distinct typing experiences based on their actuation and bottom out forces, ensuring users can choose the one that best suits their preferences.
Travel distance
In terms of travel distance, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch have the same distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar level of travel distance. This similarity allows for consistent typing experiences across both switches. Despite having different tactile feedback (tactile vs. linear), the travel distance remains the same. Thus, whether you prefer the shorter travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the longer travel distance of the Silent Yellow, both switches will provide you with a comparable typing experience.
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 Outemu Silent Yellow comes in at $3.10 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 Brown tactile switch is known for producing a medium-high pitch sound that adds a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing experience. On the other hand, information about the sound characteristics of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is unavailable. It is important to consider that the sound of a switch is also influenced by the keyboard housing and keycaps being used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is praised for being easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses that requires minimal force to activate. This results in a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Additionally, the mild tactile sensation of these switches falls in a safe middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. In contrast, details regarding the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch are not provided.
Taking into account the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch stands out for its gentle tactile feedback, medium-high pitch sound, and easy-to-press feel. While information about the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is limited, it is likely that it offers a smoother and quieter typing experience, characteristic of silent switches. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences - the G Pro 3.0 Brown for those who enjoy tactile feedback and audible clicks, and the Outemu Silent Yellow for users seeking a more discreet and quiet typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, you can achieve similar typing results with either switch when paired with a compatible keyboard setup.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, you should consider your preference for tactility and bottom out force. If you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a subtle tactile bump that enhances your typing experience without being too overwhelming, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a smooth, linear typing feel with no tactile bump, then the Silent Yellow switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your typing style, preferences, and desired typing experience when making your decision between these two switches.