Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is ideal for gamers looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on performance. Its shorter travel distance and responsive feel give players a competitive edge, while the vibrant RGB lighting and medium-high pitch add an immersive element to gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is perfect for typists seeking a smooth and seamless typing experience. The clacky and high-pitched sound signature of these switches, paired with the light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination, create a visually appealing and tactile 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is evident that both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, enhancing the overall clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that will be used with RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the typing experience. However, the G Pro 3.0 Silver stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing.
Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 provide a unique typing experience due to their choice of top housing material. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a distinct sound profile that is both sharp and resonant, giving typists a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches allows for a balance in sound qualities, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when letting go of a key.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 may come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housing for a crisp and clear sound, the G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. Typists looking for a more rounded sound experience may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Silver, while those preferring a sharper sound profile may find the Lightning Silver V3 more to their liking.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Silver is lighter in terms of both forces. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Silver more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, such as for work or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a medium-weight keypress, giving a more substantial typing feel. Choosing between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of desired force feedback.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience a similar amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience with their equal travel distances. This makes them great options for those looking for a smooth and precise key press. Since both switches have the same travel distance, you can expect to get similar results in terms of typing feel and performance with either one.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is known for its medium-high pitch sound profile, offering a satisfying auditory element during key presses, characterized by a bassy and low-pitched tone, resulting in a thocky sound that enhances the overall gaming experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound that adds a bright and percussive dimension to typing. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver focusing on a deeper and richer tone, while the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes a sharper and more vibrant sound.
Moving on to the feel aspect, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is praised for its buttery and creamy typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that is seamless and effortless. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches prioritize a comfortable typing feel, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver emphasizing a buttery and creamy texture, while the Lightning Silver V3 focuses on enhancing overall smoothness during typing.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch offers a unique combination of a medium-high pitch sound profile with a buttery and creamy typing feel, catering to gamers looking for a deep and rich auditory experience paired with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switch provides a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a silky typing feel, appealing to users seeking a sharp and crisp sound during typing with an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinctive qualities that will enhance your typing and gaming experience, providing a satisfying array of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider the bottom out force and sound profile that best suit your preferences. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a bassy or low-pitched sound, the G Pro 3.0 Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force and enjoy a clacky or high-pitched sound, the Lightning Silver V3 could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing and gaming preferences to ensure the most satisfying experience.
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