Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g presents users with two appealing options, each tailored to different typing preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Red is well-regarded for its budget-friendly nature coupled with a smooth typing experience, offering a medium-light actuation force that balances responsiveness and user-friendliness. Its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for aesthetic enthusiasts who enjoy a touch of flair in their setup. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g focuses on providing a serene typing experience, engineered to be whisper-quiet, making it an ideal choice for those who work in shared spaces or prefer a less intrusive sound. With its perfectly balanced bottom-out force, the Silent Sakura delivers a light yet satisfying keystroke, perfect for prolonged typing sessions without auditory distraction. Each switch has its unique strengths, catering to varied needs 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, a distinct contrast emerges. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile during key releases. This quality arises from polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, allowing for a more resonant and clear audio experience upon actuation. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switch, especially for users looking to integrate RGB lighting into their keyboard setup. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a nylon top housing that yields a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a typing experience characterized by a rounder audio quality, which may appeal to users prioritizing a muted sound.
While the top housings of the two switches exhibit differing sound characteristics, the bottom housings reveal a different layer of complexity. The G Pro 3.0 Red's nylon bottom housing aligns with the traditional qualities of nylon, creating a deeper sound that resonates during key presses. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, thus incorporating the sharper sound profile typical of polycarbonate materials. This juxtaposition suggests that each switch will produce unique acoustic outcomes depending on which part of the switch is engaged. Consequently, the overall sound experience of each switch will be shaped by the combined effects of both the top and bottom housings, allowing for varied sonic profiles.
Ultimately, despite their differences, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Silent Sakura - 53g showcase how material choices influence typing feel and sound. The G Pro 3.0 Red, with its combination of a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom, delivers a typing experience that blends crispness and depth—perfect for those who enjoy tactile feedback combined with pronounced acoustic clarity. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g, through its nylon top and polycarbonate bottom, offers a fuller, more muted sound while still benefiting from the resonant qualities of polycarbonate. Therefore, although the switches differ in housing composition, they both present opportunities for users to achieve a satisfying typing experience characterized by a balance of sound and tactile sensations.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that users will experience a similar ease of triggering keystrokes with either switch. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the G Pro 3.0 Red reaching 50 grams versus the Silent Sakura's heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. This indicates that while both switches allow for light keystrokes, the Silent Sakura offers a slightly more substantial feel when bottoming out, which may appeal to those preferring a firmer typing experience. In summary, the G Pro 3.0 Red is the lighter option in terms of bottom out force, while the Silent Sakura leans toward the heavier side, catering to different user preferences in typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch have an equal travel distance of 4 mm, meaning that you can expect a similar feel and experience when pressing down on keys that utilize either switch. This consistency in travel distance provides users with comparable responsiveness and typing dynamics, making both switches suitable for those who prefer a linear switch with no tactile bump. Since both switches share the same travel distance, you will achieve similar results in terms of key actuation and overall performance.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch features a neutral sound profile, making it versatile enough for a variety of settings, whether you're typing at home or in an office environment. Its moderate actuation force supports a well-balanced auditory experience that is neither too loud nor too soft. In contrast, while the specific sound qualities of the Silent Sakura - 53g remain unknown, they are designed for a whisper-quiet experience, likening the sound to gentle raindrops tapping on a window. This suggests that the Silent Sakura is deliberately engineered for environments where silence is paramount, potentially making it more suitable for office use than the G Pro 3.0 Red.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red is characterized by a combination of creamy, mild, polished, and silky sensations. This array of descriptors suggests a smooth and pleasant typing experience, effectively allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys without excessive friction or resistance. The combination of these qualities results in a typing experience that is welcoming to both new and seasoned typists. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch, while lacking detailed descriptors, is engineered with a perfectly balanced 53g bottom-out force, suggesting that it may offer a satisfying feel for those who prioritize a lighter keystroke. However, the absence of additional characteristics prevents a direct comparison of the tactile experience between the two.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches excel in different areas and cater to varying preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Red offers a balanced auditory experience coupled with a smooth, polished feel, making it a solid pick for a broad range of users. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 53g is tailored for those who desire a quiet typing experience, albeit without detailed insights into its tactile qualities. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether the typist prioritizes a neutral sound and creamy feel or a whisper-quiet environment with an unknown tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and typing context. If you're seeking a smooth, creamy typing experience where every keystroke feels effortless and you enjoy vibrant RGB lighting, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an excellent budget-friendly option. Its light 50g actuation force makes it suitable for extensive typing sessions and fast-paced gaming, appealing to both gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, if your priority is a quieter environment for work or study, the Silent Sakura - 53g switch becomes the go-to choice. With its slightly heavier 53g actuation force, it provides a satisfying keystroke while ensuring a whisper-quiet experience that minimizes distractions, making it perfect for shared spaces or late-night use. In essence, choose the G Pro 3.0 Red for a lively and responsive touch or the Silent Sakura - 53g for a tranquil typing experience.
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