Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, a linear switch. These two mechanical keyboard switches offer distinct features and advantages for different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality. It provides a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, allowing for a gentle bump that won't interrupt your typing flow. With its frosted light diffuser, this switch ensures that your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. Additionally, its medium-high pitch offers satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is perfect for environments that require quieter typing. It offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback, providing a silent and smooth typing experience. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision and choose the switch that suits your individual preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the polycarbonate housing is translucent, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics, the G Pro 3.0 Brown's housing offers a visually appealing design.
On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing. This unique blend produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which is not overly sharp. Users often describe the sound as clacky, providing a satisfying typing experience. While it differs from the G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate housing, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend top housing offers its own unique auditory characteristics.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Brown incorporates a nylon material. This classic choice emits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This adds a sense of depth to the overall auditory experience of the G Pro 3.0 Brown.
Similarly, the Silent Ink Black features the proprietary INK blend bottom housing. While the INK blend is known for its pointed and high-pitched sound, it still offers a satisfying, clacky typing experience. Although the material differs from the G Pro 3.0 Brown's nylon housing, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend bottom housing contributes its own distinct qualities.
In conclusion, while there are differences in the housing materials between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, both switches provide satisfying sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offer a clear and resonant sound, with the nylon providing a deeper and fuller tone. Meanwhile, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housing provide a pointed and clacky sound profile. Despite these variations, both switches deliver enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are some notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a lighter actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Silent Ink Black has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 70 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be the better option. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, typing for extended periods of time becomes more comfortable and causes less fatigue. This makes it suitable for individuals who need to use their keyboard for work or enjoy long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, if a stronger and more substantial push feel is desired, the Silent Ink Black would be the preferred choice. With its higher actuation force and bottom out force, typing on this switch provides a more pronounced feedback and a firmer keystroke, which can be satisfying for those looking for a tactile typing experience.
It is important to note, however, that both switches fall within the medium to medium-heavy range in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Therefore, while there are slight differences in the precise force required, the overall typing experience would be somewhat similar. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Silent Ink Black will depend on personal preference for a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4mm. This means that both switches will provide a similar tactile experience, as the distance they travel from the top to the bottom is equal. Therefore, whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the Silent Ink Black, you can expect to have a consistent and comfortable typing experience with a travel distance of 4mm.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 provides a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. While specific information about the sound of the Silent Ink Black switch is unavailable, it is described as a silenced version of the Ink Black switch. This suggests that it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, commonly known as clacky switches. The Silent Ink Black switch aims to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a muted typing experience.
As for feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses. This means it requires minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. The light actuation force reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions, providing a low-impact typing feel. Additionally, it is described as having a mild characteristic, meaning it offers a more gentle typing experience that most users will find approachable. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switch falls into the category of stepped switches, which means it has a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This switch enhances the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also referred to as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in a sleek typing experience. The Silent Ink Black switch achieves this through either the materials used or factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch sound. It delivers an easy-to-press and gentle typing experience, falling into the stepped switch category. The Silent Ink Black switch, on the other hand, provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback and a silky, polished typing experience. Although specific information about the sound of the Silent Ink Black switch is unavailable, based on its classification as a silenced version of the Ink Black switch, it is expected to produce a softer and quieter sound. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities suited for different preferences and typing environments.
Conclusion
In closing, if you prioritize a gentle and subtle tactile sensation without overpowering your typing flow, along with a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch would be the ideal choice for you. Additionally, if you appreciate a frosted light diffuser that enhances your RGB lighting experience, this switch is a great option. However, if you value a muted typing experience that minimizes noise, along with a pillow-like bottom-out feel, then the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch would be more suitable for your needs. This switch offers a silky and polished typing experience, with exceptionally smooth key travel and reduced friction. Ultimately, it's up to your personal preference and typing style to determine which switch would be the perfect fit for you. Overall, both the G Pro 3.0 Brown and Silent Ink Black switches provide their own unique characteristics, allowing you to customize your keyboard experience to your liking.
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