Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Huano Grape Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Huano Grape Orange present unique advantages tailored to different user preferences. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver, with its impressive 3.4mm travel distance, excels in gaming situations, offering rapid responsiveness that enhances performance during competitive play. This switch is designed for gamers seeking an immersive experience, accentuated by vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch that adds a thrilling auditory layer to gameplay. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange focuses on providing an ultra-light and effortless typing experience, featuring a gentle 40g actuation force that makes it an excellent choice for those who engage in long typing sessions, minimizing finger fatigue while maintaining comfort. Both switches cater to distinct needs, demonstrating the diverse choices available in the mechanical keyboard market. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver Linear

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.40

$3.27 per 10

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Huano Grape Orange both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic profiles. This shared material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing, as polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that enhances resonance. Both switches also feature translucency, maximizing their aesthetic appeal, particularly when RGB lighting is utilized. Users looking to showcase vibrant lighting effects will find that this commonality lends both switches an advantage in terms of illumination and visual impact.

On the other hand, the bottom housings of the G Pro 3.0 Silver and Grape Orange differ substantially, with both employing nylon. While this may seem similar at first glance, it affects the sound profile distinctly. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound characteristic of both switches, offering a rounder auditory experience compared to the top's sharper notes. Since the bottom housing plays a pivotal role in how a switch feels during the bottom-out phase, users will notice a cohesive blend of audio and tactile feedback across both switch types.

Overall, despite the similarities in the top housing that yield comparable acoustics in terms of sharpness and brightness, the nylon bottom housing adjustments lend each switch its unique characteristics. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver’s dynamic range and the Huano Grape Orange’s deep resonance illustrate how these materials work in tandem to create a nuanced typing experience. This interplay between the distinct qualities of polycarbonate and nylon allows for an interesting variability in sound and feel while still achieving notable similarities due to the shared materials in crucial aspects.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch with the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, notable differences in actuation force emerge. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Grape Orange requires a lighter 40 grams for actuation. This means that the Grape Orange is the more suitable choice for users looking for a lighter touch, which can be beneficial for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. However, both switches exhibit the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that regardless of their actuation forces, both switches will provide a similar tactile feedback experience once bottomed out. For those who prefer a lighter switch, the Grape Orange would be ideal, while those who appreciate a slightly stronger push for a more substantial feel might lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Silver.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, which has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm may seem minimal, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of each switch. Gamers, who often favor quicker key presses for faster response times, might prefer the G Pro 3.0 Silver due to its shorter travel distance. In contrast, those who appreciate a more pronounced actuation with a deeper feel might opt for the Grape Orange. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, the notable distinction in their travel distances sets them apart for varying typing experiences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch produces a deeper and richer auditory profile characterized as bassy and low-pitched. Users frequently describe the sound as thocky, offering a satisfying thud when keys are pressed, which many find enjoyable during gaming sessions. This deep and mellow tone creates a more immersive experience, particularly for gamers who appreciate the auditory feedback of their actions. In contrast, the Huano Grape Orange switch does not have a specified sound profile, making its auditory qualities somewhat unknown in comparison. Thus, if you prioritize sound in your typing or gaming experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver clearly stands out.

In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a buttery and creamy typing experience. This smooth and fluid keystroke sensation means that fingers glide effortlessly across the keys, allowing for prolonged typing without fatigue. This experience is further enhanced by potentially lubricated internals, contributing to its silky performance. Conversely, the Huano Grape Orange switch, while providing an exceptionally light and effortless typing experience due to its ultra-low actuation force of 40g, lacks a detailed description of its tactile experience. Therefore, while both switches prioritize smoothness in their own ways, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is designed for a more luxurious glide.

Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is tailored for gamers who seek an engaging auditory experience and a delightfully smooth feel, making it an excellent option for competitive gameplay. The Huano Grape Orange, while heralded for its light actuation, lacks specific nuances in sound and feel, making it less defined in comparison. If you prefer a vivid auditory and tactile experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver will likely suit you better, while the Grape Orange may appeal to those who prioritize light actuation in a more subdued manner.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Huano Grape Orange linear switches, consider your primary use case. If you’re primarily focused on gaming and want a rapid response time, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the clear winner. With its shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, it offers quick actuation ideal for competitive play, while its thocky sound profile adds an enjoyable auditory experience. On the other hand, if your main use is for extended typing sessions or productivity tasks, the Grape Orange switch excels with its ultra-light actuation force of 40g, making typing feel almost effortless. While the Grape Orange may lack the robust auditory feedback of the G Pro 3.0 Silver, it compensates with an exceedingly smooth feel, perfect for long hours at the keyboard without fatigue. Therefore, your choice should depend on whether you prioritize gaming performance or a comfortable typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver Linear

$3.40

$3.27 per 10

Learn more

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more