Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, two mechanical keyboard switches that cater to different preferences and needs. The G Pro 3.0 Red, a linear switch, is renowned for its budget-friendly nature and smooth typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force, it strikes the perfect balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, the switch boasts a frosted light diffuser, allowing for vibrant RGB lighting effects, and a satisfying medium-high pitch. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black, also a linear switch, caters to those seeking a quieter typing experience. With a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, this switch is ideal for environments that demand a subdued typing sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make an informed decision about which switch best suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in terms of their composition. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to be displayed effectively. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound. This unique blend creates a satisfying thin and clacky sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Red incorporates a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile. On the contrary, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing. This blend complements the top housing by delivering a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, enhancing the overall clacky sound experience.
Although the top and bottom housings of the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Silent Ink Black vary, they both contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the switch. The bottom housing mainly affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in materials, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Red requires a lighter touch to trigger a keystroke and provides a more effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black offers a more substantial typing feel with a stronger push force. The weight aspect is crucial to consider, as some individuals prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, while others favor a heavier switch for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, depending on individual preferences, one can choose the lighter G Pro 3.0 Red for a lighter actuation force or the heavier Silent Ink Black for a more substantial push feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance of travel for both switches. Therefore, their travel distances are equal, resulting in similar experiences when using either switch.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate level of sound that is suitable for various settings, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as producing a muted sound. This means that it has been designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it a great choice for environments that require quieter typing. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches are described as offering a silky typing experience. These switches enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimize resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Additionally, both switches are also described as having a polished finish, which results in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The G Pro 3.0 Red switch is further described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. It provides a silky sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. The Silent Ink Black switch, on the other hand, offers a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel, providing a gentle typing experience.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches offer a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance and smooth key travel. While the G Pro 3.0 Red switch has a medium-light actuation force and a medium-high pitch, the Silent Ink Black switch is specifically designed for quieter typing environments. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Red or the Silent Ink Black, you can expect a satisfying typing experience that meets your needs and preferences. With either switch, you can achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you prioritize a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, along with brighter RGB lighting effects and a satisfying auditory experience, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is the way to go. This switch is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience in environments where noise needs to be minimized, then the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the better choice. It offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback and produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches. Both switches provide a silky typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel due to their polished finish. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your specific preferences and needs.
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