Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Keygeek Keylin stand out as two premier options in the realm of linear switches. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver is designed with gamers in mind, boasting a shorter travel distance of just 3.4mm, which provides an instantaneous response that can enhance your gaming performance. Its medium-high pitch auditory feedback combined with a frosted light diffuser for vibrant RGB lighting creates a visually and acoustically stimulating experience. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin focuses on delivering a top-notch typing experience, characterized by exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics, thanks to new molds that prioritize user comfort and enjoyment. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver excels in responsiveness and visual flair, the Keylin offers a premium feel that may appeal to typists and casual users seeking a serene and satisfying keystroke. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Keygeek Keylin exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, which significantly shape the auditory and tactile experience of the switches. The G Pro 3.0 Silver employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which not only leads to a sharper and crisper sound profile but also makes it ideal for RGB lighting setups. This material enhances the clarity and resonance of key presses, allowing for a more vibrant sound when the keys are released. In contrast, the Keylin features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer material that absorbs sound waves. This results in a more muted and rounded auditory experience when typing, contrasting with the sharper tones of the G Pro 3.0 Silver.
However, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, creating a commonality that defines their performance to an extent. The nylon material in both switches contributes to a consistent and deeper bottom-out sound, which is crucial for the tactile feedback experienced during typing. This shared nylon bottom housing ensures that regardless of the differences in the top housing materials, both switches will deliver a fuller auditory experience when the keys are pressed down, showcasing the qualities of nylon as a time-tested switch housing material. Therefore, while the sound profile may differ during the release with the G Pro's sharper tones versus the Keylin's deeper sounds, the bottom-out noise feels similar due to the common material used.
In summary, the contrasting materials of the top housings between the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Keylin create differing sound profiles during key release, while their mutual use of nylon in the bottom housing results in a consistency in tactile feedback and bottom-out sound. The G Pro 3.0 Silver's crispness from polycarbonate highlights the key release, ideal for vibrant sounds, whereas the Keylin's use of nylon creates a more muted experience. The characteristics each housing material brings to the switches ultimately influence not just auditory outcomes but also the overall typing experience, providing enthusiasts with varying options to suit their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, we note some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it somewhat heavier compared to the Keylin, which has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means the Keylin switch requires less force to trigger a keystroke, offering a lighter typing experience, which can be beneficial for users who typemore intensively such as in long gaming sessions or during extended work hours. In contrast, the slightly heavier actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Silver might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel during typing. While both switches exhibit light characteristics overall, the Keylin is the lighter option, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver is relatively heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Keylin offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Silver, with its shorter travel, may provide a more responsive, faster keystroke that many gamers might prefer for quick actions. In contrast, the Keylin, with its longer travel distance, could appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced keypress and a sense of depth while typing. For those seeking greater responsiveness, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the better choice, whereas the Keylin may cater to those who favor a more tactile experience. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the shorter option, while the Keylin is the longer switch.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 switches produce a robust auditory profile characterized as deep and thocky. This results in a rich, satisfying thud when each key is actuated, making for a captivating auditory experience during typing and gaming. The bassy and low-pitched qualities of these switches can enhance the overall atmosphere, particularly when paired with the right board and keycaps. In contrast, the sound specification for the Keygeek Keylin linear switch is currently unknown, leaving an element of uncertainty for those who value auditory feedback in their typing experience.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches excel with their buttery and creamy attributes. These qualities ensure a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, with effortless movement across the keys that feels almost luxurious. This silkiness is likely a result of either factory lubrication or the switch's material construction, leading to a typing experience that is not only enjoyable but allows for rapid action during gaming. The feel characteristics of the Keylin switch are currently unspecified, which again leaves potential users without insight into what could be a critical aspect of their typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are well-regarded for their deep sound profile and silky feel, the Keylin linear switch lacks available information on both sound and feel, making it difficult to directly compare their performance. If sound and tactile feedback are crucial to your typing experience, the G Pro switches offer a compelling choice for fast-paced gaming and comfortable typing. For the Keylin switch, further details would be needed to determine how it stands in relation to these important qualities. Overall, if you're looking for certainty and performance, the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides an excellent option based on its established reputation.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are primarily a gamer seeking lightning-fast responsiveness and a competitive edge, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the ideal choice for you. Its shorter 3.4mm travel distance allows for quick actuation, making it perfect for fast-paced gaming. Additionally, its thocky and low-pitched sound profile adds an engaging auditory experience that many gamers appreciate, while still being budget-friendly. On the other hand, if you are someone who values a premium typing experience for productivity or extended writing sessions, the Keylin switch may be more suited to your needs. With its exceptional smoothness and rich acoustics, you’ll enjoy a satisfying, creamy typing feel that can enhance your productivity. Ultimately, both switches offer lightweight actuation forces, but your choice should hinge on whether you prioritize gaming performance or a high-quality typing experience.
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