Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Ink Black V2 are two mechanical keyboard switches that both fall under the linear switch category. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is best known for its lightning-fast responsiveness and exceptional gaming experience. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide a competitive advantage for gamers. Additionally, the vibrant RGB lighting and medium-high pitch add an exciting visual and auditory element to your gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is a classic linear switch that offers a smooth downstroke and a rich clack sound, making it a long-time community favorite. With its low-pitched and bassy qualities, this switch provides a satisfying and polished typing experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and purposes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Ink Black V2 differ in their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, described as clacky. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, they differ in terms of sharpness and pitch.
In terms of bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Silver employs a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon housings elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. As nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which contributes to its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound. This generates a satisfying thin and higher-pitched clacky sound. Again, while the overall sound profiles of both switches are similar, the difference in materials leads to variations in sharpness and tone.
When considering the overall sound and feel of the switches, the split between the top and bottom housings becomes noticeable. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. For the G Pro 3.0 Silver, the nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound upon keystrokes, while the INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 produces its characteristic clacky sound. Conversely, the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Silver creates a sharper and crisper sound, whereas the INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 retains its clacky tone. In this regard, the switches differ in terms of the sound produced 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 Ink Black V2 linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly and with minimal effort. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 requires a stronger actuation force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial and deliberate typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Silver requires 50 grams of force to fully press the keys down, resulting in a relatively light and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, offering a more solid and satisfying tactile feedback when fully pressing down the keys.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a smoother and lighter typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is heavier in both aspects, appealing to users who enjoy a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing feedback. While they have different weight preferences, both switches offer unique advantages for various typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel. So, whether you go for the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the Ink Black V2, you can expect similar results in terms of the 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 Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 Silver and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches have similar characteristics. They are both described as low-pitched and bassy, offering a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switch also adds a medium-high pitch, which adds an exhilarating auditory element to gaming sessions. However, the Ink Black V2 switch has a unique acoustic signature, described as chirpy, which sets it apart from the rest. Overall, if you are looking for a switch with a deeper and richer sound profile, both options will provide similar results.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as buttery and creamy, implying a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. These switches provide a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 switch is described as mild and polished, offering a more gentle typing experience with smooth and refined key travel. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver focusing on a silky sensation and the Ink Black V2 aiming for reduced friction. If you prefer a more pronounced smoothness, the G Pro 3.0 Silver may be the better choice, while the Ink Black V2 offers a safer middle-ground typing experience.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Gateron Ink Black V2 switches have comparable subjective qualities. They both provide low-pitched and bassy sound profiles, offering a deep and rich auditory experience. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch emphasizes a buttery and creamy typing sensation, while the Ink Black V2 switch aims for a mild and polished experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for.
Conclusion
In closing, if you're looking for a budget-friendly switch that delivers lightning-fast responsiveness and a competitive advantage in gaming, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is the way to go. With a shorter travel distance and vibrant RGB lighting, this switch offers unmatched value for gamers. It is best known for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory element to your gaming sessions. Furthermore, it offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, ensuring a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a classic linear feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch is the perfect choice. Known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, this switch has been a community favorite for a long time. It offers a low-pitched and bass-heavy sound profile, adding a mellow tone to your typing experience. In terms of feel, it provides a mild and polished typing experience, striking a balance between comfort and performance.
Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to your specific preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize gaming performance or a classic typing experience, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Ink Black V2 offer their unique advantages. Consider the bottom out force, sound profile, and feel characteristics described above to make an informed decision that suits your requirements.
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