Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Embark on a gaming odyssey with the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver, a linear switch that offers unmatched value and delivers an exceptional gaming experience. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness, giving you a competitive advantage. The vibrant RGB lighting, enhanced by the frosted light diffuser, illuminates your gaming setup, while the medium-high pitch adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switches provide a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. They offer a more subtle and polished sound profile, adding a modest touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. Now that we have a general idea of these two switches, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the TTC Gold Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, providing them with similar qualities and benefits. The use of polycarbonate in housing materials creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, which leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it especially useful for RGB lighting effects. Therefore, both switches offer a visually pleasing and acoustically enhanced experience when it comes to sound profile and lighting customization.
Both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gold Red also utilize nylon bottom housings, which differ from the top housings. Typing on these switches will evoke a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the qualities of nylon. Nylon is a relatively softer plastic, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. The use of nylon allows for a more satisfying and immersive typing experience, providing a deeper auditory sensation.
In terms of the overall impact on sound, the top housing of a switch, regardless of whether it is polycarbonate or nylon, will have more influence when you release a key. It will determine the sound that is produced when you let go of the key, giving it a distinctive auditory signature. Conversely, the bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on the switch. Despite the differences in materials for the top and bottom housings, both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gold Red offer a well-balanced and responsive typing experience, with each housing material contributing its unique characteristics to the overall feel and sound of the switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, it is evident that both switches have a similar bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that when fully pressed, both switches require the same amount of force to reach the bottom. However, when it comes to actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is slightly heavier with a force of 45 grams, while the Gold Red is lighter with a force of 43 grams.
The difference in actuation force may result in a slight variation in typing experience. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Gold Red switch, as it allows for easier and quicker keystrokes, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver's slightly heavier actuation force may provide a more pronounced "push" feeling, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile response.
Ultimately, the decision of which switch to choose depends on individual preferences. Those who prioritize a lighter typing experience and quick responsiveness may opt for the Gold Red switch, whereas users seeking a more robust and tactile feel may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Silver. Both switches, however, offer a similar bottom out force, ensuring a consistent outcome when fully pressed.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, both switches have a travel distance of 4 mm. Therefore, pressing down on a key for either switch would result in a similar feeling as they both cover the same distance from top to bottom. Hence, the travel distance of these two switches is equal.
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 TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and TTC Gold Red switches offer similar qualities. Both switches are described as having a thocky sound profile, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Additionally, both switches are also described as low-pitched, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. This means that if you're looking for a switch with a deep and rich sound, both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and Gold Red switches will provide similar results.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are described as buttery and creamy. This implies that they offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Similarly, the TTC Gold Red switches are described as mild, silky, subtle, and polished. This indicates that they offer a gentle typing experience with minimal resistance, enhancing overall smoothness and minimizing friction. Both switches offer a level of smoothness and comfort, making them suitable for most users.
Based on the available information, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and TTC Gold Red switches provide a pleasant typing experience with their respective sound profiles and smoothness. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are best known for their value and lightning-fast responsiveness in gaming, the Gold Red switches offer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and specific requirements. However, if you're looking for a similar sound and feel, both switches will deliver satisfactory results.
Conclusion
In summary, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch have a bottom out force of 50 grams, making them both light switches. However, they differ in various aspects.
The G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is best suited for gamers who are looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on performance. These switches offer a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, providing lightning-fast responsiveness that can give you a competitive advantage in gaming. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches feature vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch that adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red switch is known for its buttery smooth typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance. These switches offer a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard without being too ostentatious. They are suitable for most purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and can be used at home or in a work environment.
In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is characterized by a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile. On the other hand, the Gold Red switch has a thocky, low-pitched, and neutral sound profile. Both switches offer a deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed, but the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch leans towards a bass-heavy sound, while the Gold Red switch has a more mellow tone.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, providing a seamless and effortless sensation when typing. In contrast, the Gold Red switch has a mild, silky, subtle, and polished feel, offering a gentle and smooth typing experience with reduced friction and minimal resistance.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch depends on your specific preferences and needs. If you prioritize gaming performance, budget-friendliness, and vibrant RGB lighting, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a versatile sound and feel, the Gold Red switch would be a great fit. Consider your priorities and select the switch that aligns best with your requirements.
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