Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Kailh BCP
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Kailh BCP switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Kailh BCP both present appealing options for gamers and typists alike, each with their unique strengths. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is designed with gamers in mind, featuring a shorter 3.4mm travel distance that contributes to its lightning-fast responsiveness, an invaluable trait for competitive gaming sessions. Its frosted light diffuser creates a vibrant RGB lighting experience, enhancing your overall setup without straining your budget. In contrast, the Kailh BCP switch promises a distinct tactile experience, delivering a creamy, elastic feel that caters to those who appreciate a bouncy typing sensation. Known for its poppy and clacky sound profile, it offers a more engaging auditory feedback that many enthusiasts find delightful. While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver excels in performance and affordability, the Kailh BCP stands out with its signature typing experience. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Kailh BCP switches, it becomes evident that they exhibit contrasting characteristics based on their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile when typing. This material is known for its rigidity, allowing it to resonate more clearly compared to softer plastics. In contrast, the Kailh BCP features a nylon top housing, renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder audio experience. Thus, while both switches have specific appealing sound qualities, they diverge significantly in the tonal profiles they produce due to the materials used in their top housings.
In terms of bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, which leads to uniformity in their performance attributes regarding sound. The nylon bottom housing in both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Kailh BCP absorbs sound well, rendering a deeper, fuller sound profile that provides a satisfying and cushioned bottom-out feel. Given that the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, both switches will effectively deliver that softer, rounded auditory experience when fully actuated. As a result, despite the difference in materials for the top housing, the use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches share a similar performance trait, ultimately contributing to a balanced acoustic character.
Overall, the combined materials in each of the switches create a distinct yet complementary interplay of auditory experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, is geared towards users seeking a sharper sound when releasing keys, while the Kailh BCP, through its nylon top housing, offers a more rounded auditory signature. However, since both switches employ nylon for their bottom components, they will elicit similarly satisfying sounds upon key bottoming out. Thus, gamers and typists can anticipate a mix of sound and tactile feedback where each component—a sharper release from the G Pro 3.0 and a fuller bottom-out from both switches—contributes to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions without causing significant fatigue. In contrast, the Kailh BCP requires a heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which caters to those who prefer a more substantial and resistant feel while typing. This discernible difference means that users of the G Pro 3.0 Silver can expect a more effortless keystroke, while the BCP gives a firmer resistance that some may find satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for lighter or heavier key presses, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver being the lighter option and the Kailh BCP being the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Kailh BCP linear switch, there is a slight difference that may influence a user’s preference. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the BCP has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that for those who prefer a more responsive feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the better option due to its shorter travel distance, making it particularly appealing for gamers seeking quicker key presses. Conversely, the Kailh BCP, with its longer travel distance, may suit users who enjoy a deeper, more pronounced keystroke, providing a more tactile experience. Thus, while both switches are relatively close in terms of travel distance, the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a slight advantage in speed, whereas the BCP caters to those who lean towards a more traditional and substantial feel.
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 Kailh BCP has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.75.
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, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches create a rich and deep auditory profile characterized by their bassy, low-pitched, and thocky qualities. When you press a key, these switches produce a satisfying thock sound that resembles a soft knock, delivering a reassuring tactile feedback during your gaming sessions. This depth in sound typically enhances the overall gaming experience, making it feel more immersive. In contrast, the sound characteristics of the Kailh BCP switches are currently unknown, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, it's important to note that sound perception can also be influenced by the keyboard build, materials, and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are celebrated for their buttery and creamy keystroke experience. This smooth interaction allows for a fluid typing sensation, where the keystrokes effortlessly blend into one another, providing comfort during long gaming or typing sessions. The buttery quality ensures that users experience a seamless and enjoyable feel with each keystroke. The Kailh BCP switches, however, do not have their feel characteristics specified at this time. Without that information, we cannot make a direct comparison.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches excel in both sound and feel, delivering a bassy and thocky auditory experience along with a smooth and creamy typing sensation, making them an excellent choice for gamers seeking responsive switches. Meanwhile, the Kailh BCP switches remain somewhat of a mystery regarding their sound and feel properties, leaving potential users waiting for more detailed insights. If you prefer the qualities exhibited by the G Pro 3.0 Silver, you can expect a similarly satisfying performance, but the unique characteristics of the BCP switches could potentially cater to different preferences once more information is available.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Kailh BCP linear switches ultimately depends on your preferences and intended usage. If you prioritize a lighter touch and exceptional responsiveness, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is your best bet—ideal for gaming enthusiasts who need to execute commands with speed and precision. Its shorter travel distance and buttery feel make it perfect for fast-paced gaming sessions, while the bassy, thocky sound profile adds an engaging auditory element. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Kailh BCP switch may be more suitable. Its unique creamy and elastic feel, along with the poppy sound profile, can offer a satisfying tactile sensation during longer typing tasks. In essence, choose the G Pro 3.0 Silver for speed and efficiency in gaming, and opt for the Kailh BCP if you seek a richer and more textured typing experience.
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