Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g stand out for their unique characteristics, catering to different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch known for its gentle bump, offering users a balanced typing experience that enhances feedback without being intrusive. It not only provides satisfying auditory feedback with its medium-high pitch but also showcases impressive RGB lighting thanks to its frosted light diffuser, making it ideal for those who appreciate both function and aesthetics. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g shines as a linear switch designed for a tranquil typing experience, featuring a 53g bottom-out force that strikes a harmonious balance between lightness and satisfaction. Its whisper-quiet operation allows for a focused work environment, perfect for typists who prioritize silence. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your typing style and 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
53g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, the disparity in housing materials plays a pivotal role in shaping the switches' overall sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to the material's stiffness. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g is equipped with a nylon top housing that yields a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon’s inherent softness allows it to absorb more sound waves, resulting in a rounder and more subdued auditory feedback. Therefore, while both switches can provide engaging typing experiences, they differ in the tonal characteristics produced when pressing keys, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown leaning towards a crisper resonance and the Silent Sakura offering a more muted sound.
Turning to the bottom housing, we see an inversion of materials between the two switches. The G Pro 3.0 Brown adopts a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper sound followed by a fuller feel upon actuation. This is crucial because the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound—the auditory feedback experienced when a key is fully pressed down. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 53g incorporates a polycarbonate bottom housing, enhancing its sharper auditory profile at the bottoming-out stage. This arrangement indicates the complexity of sound production in key switches; while both the G Pro 3.0 and Silent Sakura include contrasting materials on the top and bottom, each switch offers a unique blend of sound characteristics that reflect their respective housing designs.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in each switch affects the overall typing experience, separating the auditory and tactile sensations. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate top harmonizes with its nylon bottom to produce a clear sound during release and a deeper resonance at bottoming out, the Silent Sakura - 53g's nylon top softens its overall profile while its polycarbonate base sharpens the impact of each keystroke. The presence of differing materials on both ends of these switches showcases the intricate relationship between housing materials and sound characteristics, allowing each to create a distinct yet effective tactile experience. If you find yourself drawn to either switch, you can expect similarly satisfying typing results, albeit with varying auditory nuances that arise from their unique constructions.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, we observe some distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Brown requires an actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Silent Sakura switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. As a result, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the heavier switch, providing a more substantial typing experience, which can be preferred by users seeking tactile feedback and a stronger push feel. Conversely, the Silent Sakura, with its lighter force requirements, is ideal for those who appreciate a softer touch, reducing fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, these differences cater to varying user preferences, making it essential to choose a switch that aligns with one’s typing style and comfort needs.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either switch, you will experience an identical distance from the top of the key to its bottom, resulting in similar performance and feel during use. As a result, users looking for a similar tactile feedback when typing or gaming can confidently choose between these two switches, knowing that they provide the same 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 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 switch produces a medium-high pitch that offers satisfying auditory feedback, enhancing the typing experience with each keystroke. It strikes a balance that is loud enough to provide audible confirmation without being overly intrusive, making it suitable for both personal and shared workspaces. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is engineered for a notably quieter typing experience, akin to the soft sound of raindrops. This switch minimizes noise, catering specifically to those who seek serenity while typing, making it an excellent choice for environments where discretion is paramount. However, it is essential to consider that the overall sound profile can also be influenced by the keyboard's build and the choice of keycaps.
When examining the feel between these two switches, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is characterized by a delightful and subtle tactile sensation. It features easy-to-press and mild properties, providing a gentle bump that offers a comfortable and approachable typing experience without causing finger fatigue during extended sessions. The stepped design of the Brown switch means there is a distinct tactile feedback that manifests as a gentle resistance during key presses. In contrast, although specific descriptions of the Silent Sakura's feel are not provided, it is focused on a smooth and consistent keystroke with a 53g bottom-out force, catering to typists who enjoy a light yet satisfactory feedback without tactile bumps or noise.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a more pronounced tactile feedback and satisfactory sound profile, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g emphasizes a noise-free experience with its linear design. If you are drawn to tactile sensations and moderate sound, the G Pro Brown may be the ideal fit. Alternatively, if you value a quieter typing experience, the Silent Sakura switches could align well with your preferences. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing styles and use cases; therefore, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback or silent operation in your keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that provides a gentle bump during keystrokes, along with the satisfaction of auditory feedback and vibrant RGB lighting, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is an excellent choice. Its medium-high actuation force of 63 grams ensures that you’ll experience a solid, responsive feel, which can enhance your typing flow and enjoyment, especially during prolonged use. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience—perhaps in a shared or professional environment—the Silent Sakura - 53g is tailored for you. With its medium-light actuation force of 53 grams, it offers a soft keystroke that minimizes noise while still providing satisfying feedback, akin to the gentle sound of raindrops. In essence, choose the G Pro Brown for a balance of tactile feedback and sound enjoyment, but lean towards the Silent Sakura if you seek a serene and smooth typing experience without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, both switches have their unique appeal, so consider what truly matters to your typing preference.
Mentioned in this article
