Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry MX Silent Red are two popular options to choose from. Both switches are linear in nature, offering a smooth typing experience without the tactile feedback found in other switch types. The G Pro 3.0 Red is praised for its budget-friendly price point and medium-light actuation force, striking a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, while its medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red maintains the classic characteristics of the MX Red but operates silently, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. Its muted and thocky feel, along with a low-pitched sound profile, provides a unique typing experience. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry MX Silent Red both utilize nylon for their bottom housing material, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This means that users of both switches can expect a quieter typing experience with a more muted bottom-out sound. The choice of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches allows for a consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel.
However, when it comes to the top housing material, the G Pro 3.0 Red stands out with its polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic compared to nylon, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is especially suited for switches that feature RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the illumination to shine through. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. While both materials offer their own unique qualities, the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Red may provide a more distinct typing experience for users looking for a sharper sound.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry MX Silent Red share nylon as their bottom housing material, they differ in their choice of top housing material. The G Pro 3.0 Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing offers a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the material used for the top housing can greatly impact the overall typing experience, with polycarbonate providing a more resonant sound and nylon offering a more muted sound. Depending on personal preference in sound and feel, users can choose between these switches based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the G Pro 3.0 Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Cherry MX Silent Red's bottom out force is not specified. The G Pro 3.0 Red is lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as during work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red provides a silent keystroke experience but lacks information about its bottom out force. Both switches offer a similar actuation force, so users can expect comparable results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for typing feel and the importance of weight in the typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Gateron switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Cherry MX switch. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a more traditional feel with its 4 mm travel distance, while the Cherry MX Silent Red switch provides a slightly shallower feel with its 3.7 mm travel distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cherry MX switch, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Gateron switch. Both switches offer similar results in terms of linear actuation, but the slight difference in travel distance may impact the overall feel of the typing 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 Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 Red switch has a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between actuation force and sound level, making it suitable for a variety of uses. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is known for its muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound characteristics, perfect for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Red providing a more versatile option while the MX Silent Red prioritizes noise reduction.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is praised for its creamy, mild, and polished typing experience that offers smooth and refined key presses. On the contrary, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as having a textured feel, which may appeal to users who enjoy a bit of friction in their typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Red focuses on providing a silky typing sensation, the MX Silent Red offers a different tactile experience with its textured characteristic. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of typing feel.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a versatile sound profile and a smooth typing experience, the MX Silent Red focuses on reducing noise levels and offering a textured feel. Depending on whether you prioritize sound level or typing feel, you can choose between these two switches to achieve a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience. Similar results can be expected in terms of overall performance, with each switch catering to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the factors that are most important to you. If you value a budget-friendly option with a balanced actuation force and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the G Pro 3.0 Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience in noise-sensitive environments and enjoy a slightly heftier feel similar to the classic MX Red switch, the MX Silent Red could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
Mentioned in this article
