Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that combines smoothness and responsiveness, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 are both excellent options to consider. The G Pro 3.0 Red, a linear switch, is known for its budget-friendly price point and medium-light actuation force, making it ideal for those seeking a balance between typing speed and comfort. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3, also a linear switch, boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a unique typing experience that is both silky and seamless. Both switches feature light diffusers that enhance RGB illumination, adding a vibrant touch to any keyboard setup. 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
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
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
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. This material offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the G Pro 3.0 Red also includes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to polycarbonate. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a consistent sharper and more resonant sound profile throughout the switch.
The use of different housing materials in the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Lightning Silver V3 affects not only the sound produced but also the overall typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Red combines polycarbonate and nylon for a balanced sound profile, the Lightning Silver V3 remains consistent in its sharp and clear sound due to the uniform polycarbonate material used in both the top and bottom housing. Typing on the G Pro 3.0 Red may result in a mix of crisper top-out sounds and fuller bottom-out sounds, while typing on the Lightning Silver V3 will consistently offer a sharper and high-pitched sound with each keystroke.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and typing feel. The G Pro 3.0 Red offers a mix of sharpness and depth with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, providing a more varied typing experience. In comparison, the Lightning Silver V3 maintains a consistent sharp and crisp sound throughout the switch due to its uniform polycarbonate housing. Both switches are suitable for users looking for a tactile typing experience but offer slightly different sound profiles based on their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we can see that the G Pro 3.0 Red is lighter in both aspects. The actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Red is 45 grams compared to the Lightning Silver V3's 48 grams. Additionally, the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Red is 50 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 requires 60 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the G Pro 3.0 Red make it more suitable for those looking for a smooth and effortless typing experience, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the slightly heavier forces of the Lightning Silver V3 may appeal to users who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback while typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch offers a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch with a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The difference of 0.6 mm in travel distance may not seem significant, but it can affect the typing experience for some users. Those who prefer a deeper keypress may find the G Pro 3.0 Red more to their liking, while others who enjoy a more responsive feel may opt for the Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and how each individual user values the travel distance in their typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red 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 Red for $2.77.
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 Red linear switch is known for its neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a distinct clacky and high-pitched sound that offers a crisp and percussive typing experience. The sound produced by both switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch is described as creamy, mild, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Similarly, the Lightning Silver V3 switch is also described as silky, providing users with an exceptionally smooth typing feel that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches aim to enhance the overall typing experience with their tactile characteristics.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Red switch provides a neutral sound profile and a creamy typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 switch delivers a clacky sound and a silky feel. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on the user's personal preferences in sound and feel, as both switches aim to elevate the typing performance in their unique ways.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, you should consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be a suitable choice for a smooth typing experience with a balance of responsiveness and ease of use. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 would be the ideal option for a silky and seamless typing experience with enhanced RGB illumination. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. Choose the switch that best suits your typing style and enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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