Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Outemu Silver 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 Silver offer distinctive typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch that is praised for its budget-friendly nature without skimping on quality. It provides a gentle bump that enhances typing without being overpowering, making it ideal for those who enjoy a subtle tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver is a linear switch that offers a smooth and consistent keystroke with no tactile feedback. This makes it a preferred choice for users who prioritize a seamless typing experience without any interruptions. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and Outemu Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown and Outemu Silver have nylon bottom housings, which provide a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound. Overall, both switches offer a balance of sound qualities with their combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials.
While both switches share similar housing materials, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and Outemu Silver may have slightly different sound profiles due to variations in design and construction. The G Pro 3.0 Brown may provide a clearer and resonant sound when pressing down on the switch, as the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the Outemu Silver may offer a more rounded and duller sound when releasing a key, as the top housing has more influence on the sound when letting go of a key. These differences in sound profile can create varied typing experiences for users.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and Outemu Silver offer distinct sound profiles and typing experiences despite sharing similar housing materials. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharper sound profile, while nylon in the bottom housing produces a deeper sound. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with clear resonance or a fuller sound with more absorption, both switches provide a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the G Pro 3.0 Brown and Outemu Silver will depend on individual sound preferences and typing feel desired by the user.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch differ slightly. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In comparison, the Outemu Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, putting it in the medium-heavy category. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Outemu Silver is heavier in terms of bottom out force. However, both switches provide a similar tactile typing experience due to their comparable actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a similar level of key travel. The tactile feedback of the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a bump in the keypress, giving it a distinct feel compared to the smooth linear action of the Outemu Silver. While the travel distance is the same for both switches, the difference in tactile feedback can impact the overall typing experience for the user.
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 Silver 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 G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is known for its medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory feedback during typing, adding an enjoyable layer to the overall typing experience. The Outemu Silver switch, on the other hand, lacks specific information regarding its sound characteristics. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can be influenced by various factors such as keyboard plate material, case design, and keycap material.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is praised for its easy-to-press nature, offering a gentle resistance during key presses that requires minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the mild tactile bump in these switches enhances the typing experience, providing a responsive and low-impact feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver switch does not have specific information available regarding its feel characteristics, making it difficult to compare directly.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch offers a budget-friendly option with quality tactile feedback and a medium-high pitch sound that enhances the typing experience. Its easy-to-press nature and mild tactile bump make it a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver linear switch lacks specific information on both sound and feel characteristics, making it more challenging to provide a direct comparison. If you are looking for similar results to the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch, it is recommended to consider switches with known tactile and auditory qualities to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch or the Outemu Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a gentle tactile bump that enhances your typing experience without being too overwhelming, then the G Pro 3.0 Brown is a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a smooth linear feel without any tactile feedback, then the Outemu Silver switch would be more suitable. Consider factors such as sound, feel, and bottom out force when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing needs.