Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver, two linear switches that offer unique features for discerning keyboard enthusiasts. The G Pro 3.0 Red, hailing from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro line-up, presents a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, striking a perfect balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Its frosted light diffuser allows for brilliant and vibrant RGB lighting effects, while the medium-high pitch delivers a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver by Outemu, known for consistently producing exceptional switches, boasts a light actuation force and a neutral sound profile, making it ideal for both gamers and typists seeking speed and responsiveness. Both switches offer appealing characteristics; however, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can make an informed decision on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches both utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material. This shared characteristic means that both switches will offer a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. The polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for those seeking a satisfying auditory experience. Additionally, both switches' clear housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the keyboard.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the G Pro 3.0 Red employs nylon, whereas the Yellow Silver also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. While both switches feature the same material, the nylon in the bottom housing of each switch contributes to a different sound quality. As a relatively softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on both switches, offering a distinct auditory experience.
Due to the different housing materials used for the top and bottom, the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Yellow Silver will provide differing sound profiles depending on whether the keys are being pressed or released. The bottom housing material has a more noticeable impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the typing experience will be influenced by the qualities of the nylon in the bottom housing. On the other hand, the sound when letting go of a key will be influenced by the characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing material. Therefore, while the switches share similar housing materials, the combination of top and bottom housing materials creates unique sound profiles for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, one can observe some similarities as well as differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. This ensures that users will experience a similar responsiveness when typing or gaming. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a distinction between the two switches. The G Pro 3.0 Red switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Yellow Silver switch has a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Red switch provides a lighter typing experience overall, allowing users to type for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch offers a slightly heavier and more substantial push feel, which some individuals may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preferences regarding weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on the keys of both switches will result in a similar experience as the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom is equal in both switches.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that they both produce a moderate sound that is suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user and whether you are using them at home or work. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red offers a range of descriptors including creamy, mild, polished, and silky. The creamy feel refers to a smooth and buttery typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The mild characteristic indicates a more gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users. The polished attribute signifies a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Lastly, the silky trait highlights an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses and releases. Unfortunately, no specific information is available regarding the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and Outemu Yellow Silver switches have a neutral sound profile. However, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a variety of feel characteristics such as creamy, mild, polished, and silky, while no specific information is available regarding the feel of the Outemu Yellow Silver switch. This means that while the sound experience may be similar with both switches, the typing feel of the G Pro 3.0 Red is likely to be smoother and more varied.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers a smooth typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch could be a great choice for you. With its medium-light actuation force and medium-high pitch, it strikes a good balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding a visually pleasing element to your keyboard. The G Pro 3.0 Red switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red is described as creamy, mild, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it ideal for gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and responsiveness. However, there is limited information available about the feel of the Yellow Silver switch. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your specific preferences and requirements.