Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Ink Red, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct features to enhance your typing and gaming experience. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro line-up, is renowned for delivering exceptional value and providing an unmatched gaming experience. With its shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these linear switches offer lightning-fast responsiveness, giving you a competitive advantage. 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 Gateron Ink Red is perfect for those with a lighter typing style. This linear switch stands out with its lower actuation force, ensuring effortless and satisfyingly smooth typing. The Ink Reds also produce a crispy and clacky sound profile, adding an enjoyable auditory experience to your every keystroke. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide which switch would suit you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Ink Red have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it perfect for RGB lighting enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Ink Red utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a slightly higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. Although different in composition, both housing materials enhance the sound experience of the respective switches.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, the G Pro 3.0 Silver incorporates a nylon bottom housing, while the Ink Red uses Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housing. Similarly, Gateron's INK blend bottom housing in the Ink Red switch creates a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is also considered clacky. The differing qualities of the bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of each switch.
It's important to note that the top and bottom housings play distinct roles in the overall sound and feel of a switch. While the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when you release a key. Therefore, even though the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Ink Red may have different housing materials for the top and bottom, the qualities of each material will still be present in their respective areas, providing a unique typing experience for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, there are a few notable differences. In terms of actuation force, both switches require 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, meaning they provide a similar light touch and responsiveness. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Silver requires 50 grams, while the Ink Red requires a slightly heavier 60 grams. This means that the Ink Red switch offers a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a stronger push to fully press the key.
For individuals who prefer a lighter switch, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the more suitable choice, as its actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 50 grams provide a consistent light touch. This can be particularly advantageous for extended typing sessions or for gamers looking for swift and effortless keystrokes.
On the other hand, those who prefer a slightly heavier and more tactile typing experience may find the Ink Red switch more appealing. With an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, this switch offers a bit more resistance, allowing for a more satisfying and noticeable keystroke. This can be desirable for those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feedback while typing or gaming.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Ink Red comes down to personal preference. Both switches provide a light actuation force, but the Ink Red offers a slightly heavier bottom out force for a more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch are the same at 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches provide a consistent travel distance, ensuring accurate and reliable keystrokes. Whether you opt for the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the Ink Red, you can expect a satisfying level of responsiveness and feedback.
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 Red 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 Red for $7.35.
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, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is best described as bassy, low-pitched, and thocky. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The low-pitched nature of these switches adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone to the auditory experience. Additionally, the thocky nature of the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch produces a deep and satisfying sound, akin to a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red switch is described as having a neutral sound profile that is suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it also has a chirpy characteristic that sets it apart from other switches, providing a unique acoustic signature with a slight squeak. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps chosen.
Moving on to the feel of these switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is often described as buttery and creamy. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The buttery and creamy descriptors indicate a level of smoothness and glide in each keystroke, giving a silky sensation as you press down the keys. The Gateron Ink Red switch, on the other hand, is described as silky, mild, and polished. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys, resulting in an overall enhanced smoothness. The mild characteristic of the Ink Red switch signifies a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users, as its qualities fall within a safe and middle-ground zone. The polished aspect refers to the smooth and refined finish of the switch, reducing friction and enabling a sleek typing experience. In both cases, a smooth and effortless typing experience is assured.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch and the Gateron Ink Red switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switch provides a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, accompanied by a buttery and creamy typing experience. Meanwhile, the Ink Red switch offers a neutral sound profile with a chirpy characteristic, along with a silky, mild, and polished feel while typing. It's important to note that personal preferences play a significant role in determining one's satisfaction with a particular switch. If you are seeking a deeper and richer sound profile with a smooth keystroke, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch would be a suitable choice. Conversely, if you prefer a more neutral sound profile with a slightly squeaky typing feel, the Ink Red switch may appeal to you. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique qualities, allowing you to achieve desirable results based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are an avid gamer looking for a budget-friendly option that offers exceptional gaming performance, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is a great choice. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams and shorter travel distance, these switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness, giving you a competitive advantage in gaming. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are known for their bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, adding an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions. The buttery and creamy typing experience of these switches further enhances their appeal.
On the other hand, if you have a lighter typing style and prefer a smoother and effortless typing experience, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is the way to go. With a medium bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches are suitable for most purposes and offer a neutral sound profile. The Ink Reds have a crispy and clacky sound, with a unique chirpy characteristic that sets them apart. The silky, mild, and polished feel of these switches ensures minimal resistance and smooth key travel, allowing for a comfortable typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Ink Red depends on your preferences and typing style. If you prioritize gaming performance and want a budget-friendly option, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the better choice. However, if you prefer a smoother typing experience and a lighter actuation force, the Ink Red is the ideal option for you. Consider your needs and preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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