Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, the comparison between Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Neo Lavender HE highlights distinct features catering to different user preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is a linear switch celebrated for its short travel distance of 3.4mm, making it an ideal choice for gamers seeking rapid responsiveness and a competitive edge. Additionally, its vibrant RGB lighting and medium-high pitch create an immersive auditory experience that enhances gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE employs a hall effect mechanism, which offers a clean and low sound, and is designed specifically for compatibility with Wooting keyboards, showcasing its unique functionality. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver shines in providing a satisfying tactile experience and is budget-friendly, the Neo Lavender HE appeals to those who prioritize a quiet operation and innovative technology. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Neo Lavender HE switches differ significantly in their top housing materials, which greatly influences their sound profiles and overall typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This makes it particularly effective for RGB lighting applications, as the clear polycarbonate allows the light to pass through vividly. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE utilizes a nylon top housing, characterized by its softness and ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Therefore, while both switches use nylon for their bottom housing—yielding similar sound qualities in terms of depth and fullness—the differing materials of their top housings lead to distinctive auditory experiences when typing.
Both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Neo Lavender HE share the nylon bottom housing, which contributes significant acoustic properties to their sound profiles. Nylon’s ability to absorb sound means that both switches can produce a smooth and rounded bottom-out sound. The shared use of nylon minimizes the disparities in feel when pressing down on the keys, providing a consistency in tactile response. This means that, despite their differing top housings, users can expect a familiar sensation when activating the switches, as the bottom housing maintains a critical role in shaping the experience of key presses in both models.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials lead to contrasting auditory signatures, even though their bottom housings establish common ground. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, with its polycarbonate top, will appeal to users seeking a crisp and vibrant sound, ideal for RGB setups. Conversely, the Neo Lavender HE's nylon top housing is better suited for those preferring a warm and subdued typing experience. While the nylon bottom housing ensures a cohesive feel between the two switches, the choice between them primarily hinges upon the user’s preference for sound quality and type—where one favors clarity and brightness, the other offers richness and depth.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, both switches exhibit relatively light weights, making them suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lavender HE offers an actuation force of 40 grams and the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Lavender HE switch is the lighter of the two, requiring less force to trigger a keystroke. However, both switches share the same bottom out force, leading to similar experiences when the key is pressed down fully. If a user prefers a lighter actuation, the Lavender HE may provide an edge, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a slightly firmer actuation, making it slightly heavier overall.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the G Pro 3.0 Silver features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Lavender HE has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference in distance can significantly affect the typing experience; the shorter travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Silver caters to gamers seeking quicker response times, providing a more rapid actuation. In contrast, the Lavender HE's slightly longer distance may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback during key presses, offering a deeper feel that might be perceived as more robust. For those looking for faster performance, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the preferable choice, whereas those who appreciate a heartier depth in their keystrokes might lean towards the Lavender HE. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences regarding response time and tactile satisfaction.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 per 10 switches.
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 lower frequency and rich audio profile characterized by their thocky nature. This depth in sound can be likened to a deep “thud” with each key press, which many typists and gamers find satisfying and engaging during extended use. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE switches are noted for their clean and low sound, suggesting a more subdued acoustic experience. While the G Pro Silver offers a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Lavender HE switches likely provide a smoother, less intrusive auditory presence, making them suitable for quiet environments.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are often described as buttery and creamy, delivering a smoothly gliding typing experience that feels effortless and fluid. This tactile pleasure is attributed to the seamless design of the switch, allowing for a satisfying interaction with each keystroke. In contrast, the specifics about the feel of the Lavender HE switches remain unknown, leaving an ambiguous gap in this comparison. Without clear descriptions for the Neo Lavender’s tactile feedback, we can't directly assess how it compares, leaving users interested in the feel to explore further.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Neo Lavender HE switches offer unique attributes, they cater to different preferences. The G Pro Silvers excel in delivering an engaging and satisfying auditory experience alongside a smooth and creamy feel, making them an enticing option for gamers. Conversely, the Lavender HE switches may appeal to those desiring a quieter, clean sound, but lack clarity on tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on whether one prioritizes auditory feedback and feel over a quieter operation.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switches, your specific needs and preferences are crucial. If you are primarily a gamer seeking rapid response times and an engaging auditory experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the way to go. Its lighter actuation force, shorter travel distance, and engaging thocky sound profile provide the tactile satisfaction that enhances gameplay. You'll appreciate the buttery and creamy feel, which contributes to prolonged gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you desire a cleaner sound with smoother performance for typing or a more versatile experience with gradual actuation, the Neo Lavender HE switches may be your best option. These switches excel in environments where low sound is a priority, making them great for both gaming and typing without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a gaming-centric performance or a more balanced keyboard experience tailored for varied use cases.
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