Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, a linear switch, it's clear that each offers unique characteristics for different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a budget-friendly option with a subtle tactile sensation and medium-high pitch for a satisfying auditory feedback. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting for an immersive visual experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its short travel distance, thocky sound, smoothness, and feather-light touch. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown is ideal for those who prefer a tactile bump while typing, the Smoothie Silver caters to individuals seeking a quicker actuation and a smoother keystroke. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, we see that the G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver boasts a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 Brown's polycarbonate providing a clear and resonant sound, while the Smoothie Silver's POM offers a pleasing and distinct sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize sound quality in their design.
Additionally, the bottom housing materials of the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Smoothie Silver provide further distinctions in sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound due to the softer nature of nylon absorbing more sound. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver features a POM bottom housing that contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile. While the top housing may impact the sound when pressing and releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and overall feel of the switch.
Overall, the combination of top and bottom housing materials in the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Smoothie Silver offers users distinct auditory experiences when typing or gaming. The unique qualities of polycarbonate and nylon in the G Pro 3.0 Brown create a clear and resonant sound, whereas the POM materials in the Smoothie Silver provide a deeper and more muted sound profile. While each switch offers its own set of characteristics, both prioritize sound quality and user experience in their design, making them reliable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams compared to the 45 grams required for the Smoothie Silver. However, the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Brown is also heavier at 63 grams, while the bottom out force of the Smoothie Silver is unknown. This means that while the G Pro 3.0 Brown may provide a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, the Smoothie Silver may be lighter and more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Smoothie Silver. The G Pro 3.0 Brown's 4.0mm travel distance provides a more traditional feel, while the Smoothie Silver's 3.4mm travel distance is slightly shorter and may appeal to those seeking a faster response time, such as gamers. The shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver lends itself to quicker key presses, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown's longer travel distance may feel more deliberate and provide a deeper key press experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference, with the shorter travel distance offering faster response times and the longer travel distance providing a more deliberate 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 Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 is known for its medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is known for a thocky sound, which provides a unique and pleasant typing experience. When choosing between these switches, the sound produced will ultimately depend on the user's preference and the additional components of their keyboard setup, such as the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as having an easy-to-press sensation with gentle resistance, requiring minimal force to activate. This results in a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the switch offers a mild tactile feedback that falls in a safe middle-ground zone, providing a responsive and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is known for its unparalleled smoothness and feather-light touch, appealing to users who prefer a swift and effortless typing experience.
Overall, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches offer different sound profiles and tactile sensations, both switches are crafted with quality materials and precision engineering, ensuring a reliable and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high pitch like the G Pro 3.0 Brown or a smooth and lightning-fast linear switch like the Smoothie Silver, both options provide exceptional performance and versatility for keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
Therefore, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, consider your preference for a tactile typing experience versus a smooth and linear one. If you enjoy a gentle bump and medium actuation force, along with a satisfying auditory feedback, then the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer lightning-fast actuation, a thocky sound, and a feather-light touch without any tactile feedback, then the Smoothie Silver would be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall typing experience you seek.
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