Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 White
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Gateron G Pro 3.0 White are both exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, each offering its own unique advantages. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, a linear switch, is best known for its lightning-fast responsiveness. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm compared to the standard 4mm, these switches deliver unmatched value and provide a competitive advantage in gaming. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances the vibrant RGB lighting, while the medium-high pitch adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White, also a linear switch, is designed for delicate typists. With an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, these switches ensure effortless and sensitive keystrokes, making them ideal for long typing sessions. The frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, and the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory feedback. Both switches offer a budget-friendly option without compromising on performance. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Gateron G Pro 3.0 White both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects. Therefore, users can expect similar sound and aesthetic experiences from both the Silver and White versions.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes a nylon material, while the G Pro 3.0 White also features a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is renowned as a classic switch housing material that promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile. Compared to harder plastics, nylon is relatively softer and absorbs more sound, contributing to a duller and rounder sound experience. As such, the Silver and White versions will provide users with a comparable typing sound, characterized by depth and fullness.
Although the housings differ between the top and bottom of the switches, the qualities of each material are split effectively. When pressing down on either the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the G Pro 3.0 White, the user will feel the impact of the nylon bottom housing, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing, which is made of polycarbonate in both switches, will have a more noticeable effect on the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, the overall typing experience will be quite similar for both the Silver and White versions, with slight variations in sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, it becomes evident that both switches offer a relatively light typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Silver requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 White necessitates an actuation force of 38 grams and has a bottom out force of 45 grams. The difference in actuation force between the two switches is noticeable, with the G Pro 3.0 White requiring less force for keystrokes. However, both switches can be considered light in comparison to other options. This lightness allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making them ideal for work or extended gaming sessions. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for switches with heavier forces. In either case, the actuation and bottom out forces of both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and G Pro 3.0 White provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is the same, with both switches having a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will experience the same distance traveled regardless of whether you are using the Silver or White version. Overall, both switches offer a consistent and equal tactile experience in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 White for $3.27.
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 comparing the subjective qualities of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch, we can see significant differences in sound and feel.
In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is best described as bassy, low-pitched, and thocky. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, characterized by a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The low-pitched nature adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone to the sound, while the thocky quality creates a satisfying and deep "thud" or soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 White is described as clacky, neutral, and subdued. These switches produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, creating a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. The neutral characteristic offers a moderate sound profile suitable for most intents and purposes, while the subdued quality provides a dampened and subtle sound signature. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to feel, both switches have a creamy descriptor, which implies a smooth and buttery typing experience. This can be attributed to factors like lubricant applied at the factory or specific materials used in the switches. The creamy characteristic of both switches enhances the typing experience by providing a silky sensation, where typing feels effortless and keys effortlessly melt under your fingers. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White is also described as easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle. These qualities mean that the switch has gentle resistance, requires minimal force to activate, and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The light actuation force provides a comfortable typing experience suitable for gaming, school, or work, and the smoothness of the switch minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch have distinct differences in sound and specific feel descriptors, they both offer a creamy typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, while the G Pro 3.0 White offers a clacky, neutral, and subdued sound. In terms of feel, both switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 White having additional qualities such as being easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle. Choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for sound, actuation force, and overall typing feel desired.
Conclusion
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch would be an ideal choice if you prioritize gaming performance and value. With its lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, these switches offer lightning-fast responsiveness, giving you a competitive edge in gaming. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, creating a vibrant gaming setup. The medium-high pitch of the switches adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you are a delicate typist and prioritize a smooth and effortless typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would suit you better. With a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and various descriptors such as "creamy," "feathery," and "silky" for its feel, these switches offer a low-impact and comfortable typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice between the G Pro 3.0 Silver and G Pro 3.0 White switches depends on your specific preferences and needs, whether that be gaming performance or typing comfort.