Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a pivotal one, as each switch caters to different typing preferences and experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, a tactile switch, offers a gentle yet satisfying bump during key presses, making it perfect for typists who appreciate feedback while typing without the distraction of a loud click. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, making it a visually appealing option as well. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie is a linear switch that prioritizes smoothness and a thocky sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy a quieter, more fluid typing experience devoid of any tactile interruptions. The decision between these switches ultimately hinges on whether you prefer a tactile sensation that enhances feedback or a smoother, linear feel for unimpeded keystrokes. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, one notable distinction lies in their top housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is particularly resonant and crisp. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which helps create more transparent acoustics, making it an excellent choice for setups featuring RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie is crafted with a POM top housing, which yields a sound profile that is deeper and more muted. This difference means that when someone types on the G Pro 3.0 Brown, they experience a bright sound with immediate clarity, whereas the Sea Salt Smoothie delivers a warmer and softer auditory feedback.
Moreover, the bottom housings of these switches further contribute to their overall acoustic characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Brown's nylon bottom housing is known for generating a deeper, fuller sound profile, mainly due to nylon's capacity to absorb sound, resulting in a more rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie's bottom housing is also made of POM, which offers a likewise muted and unique sound quality. While both switches may deliver a more subdued sound at the bottom of the keypress, the differing materials in the top housings lead to distinct auditory experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown producing more pronounced treble tones and the Sea Salt Smoothie focusing on mellow mid-range frequencies.
The interaction between the top and bottom housing materials is crucial in defining the overall sound experience of each switch. In the G Pro 3.0 Brown, the synergy between its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom results in a well-defined audio profile that balances brightness with depth. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie achieves cohesion by incorporating POM in both the top and bottom, producing a consistently muted sound signature throughout the keystroke. Although they yield different sound experiences, the use of complementary materials in each switch demonstrates how each type reflects its unique design philosophy—one leaning toward a more vibrant sound while the other embraces a smoother, more subdued output. For users prioritizing RGB compatibility, the G Pro 3.0 Brown may be more desirable, while those seeking a quieter experience may prefer the Sea Salt Smoothie for its inherently muted qualities.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch with the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we observe a notable difference in their actuation forces. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is lighter, requiring only 48 grams. This lighter actuation force of the Sea Salt Smoothie may be more suitable for those who prefer extended typing sessions or long gaming periods, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. In terms of bottom out forces, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a measured bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a more substantial feeling upon key activation. Conversely, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, which leaves some uncertainty about the force needed to fully press the key down. Overall, if you are looking for a lighter touch, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be preferable, while those who prefer a firmer push might lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown, especially given its known bottoming out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, a clear distinction arises. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that offers a deeper key press, which some users find preferable for typing and a satisfying tactile feedback. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm, which caters to those who favor quicker response times—ideal for gamers seeking a fast-paced experience. As a result, if speed and responsiveness are your priorities, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be the better choice. However, for users who appreciate a more pronounced keypress and rich tactile sensations, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be more appealing given its longer travel distance.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 Brown switch produces a medium-high pitch auditory feedback that is both satisfying and not overly loud, making it suitable for a variety of environments. Its sound profile adds an extra dimension to the typing experience without being intrusive, allowing users to enjoy their typing flow unimpeded. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch has a "thocky" sound, a deep and resonant quality that is particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate the auditory aspect of switch activation. The thocky sound profile tends to provide a richer sound experience, which many users find appealing during typing or gaming sessions. However, both switches' sounds can be influenced by the specific keyboard they are paired with and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown exhibits an easy-to-press characteristic with gentle resistance, making it comfortable to type for extended periods. The tactile bump, although subtle, provides a sense of feedback that helps typists know when a key has been actuated. The mild nature of this tactile sensation ensures that it appeals to a wide range of users, striking a balance without overwhelming the typing experience. The stepped nature of the switch allows for a nuanced feel, with a clear distinction in the keystroke. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie excels in providing an exceptionally smooth experience, though its specific characteristics regarding feel were not detailed. Typically, a linear switch like the Smoothie would lack tactile feedback, offering a consistently smooth keypress throughout the stroke.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Sea Salt Smoothie cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The G Pro Brown is perfect for those who enjoy a tactile experience with responsive feedback and a satisfying auditory signature. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie offers a rich sound profile with a focus on smooth operation, which may appeal to enthusiasts who prioritize fluid key presses. While they provide distinct experiences, the choice between them ultimately depends on individual typing preferences and the desired auditory character. Either way, each switch contributes uniquely to an engaging typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and what you want to achieve with your keyboard. If you value a tactile typing experience that combines gentle resistance with audible feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be an excellent choice. Its easy-to-press mechanism and mild tactile feel make it suitable for both casual typing and gaming, allowing for comfort during prolonged use without overwhelming your senses. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smoother, uninterrupted typing experience without any tactile bumps, the Sea Salt Smoothie is likely the better option. Its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness create a seamless keypress, making it ideal for individuals who favor linear switches, whether for gaming or data entry. Ultimately, your selection should reflect your preference for tactile feedback or smoothness, as both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles.
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