Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Embark on a gaming odyssey with the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver, a linear switch that offers unmatched value and delivers an exceptional gaming experience. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness, giving you a competitive advantage. The vibrant RGB lighting, enhanced by the frosted light diffuser, illuminates your gaming setup and adds a visually striking element. In addition, the medium-high pitch of the G Pro 3.0 Silver adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola is a linear switch that stands out for its unique feature of glowing in the dark. These eye-catching switches offer a smooth and bouncy typing feel, accompanied by a hollow "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile. With a medium heft, the Luciola switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver is best for its lightning-fast responsiveness and vibrant lighting, the Luciola switch brings a unique typing experience with its glowing feature and satisfying sound profile. 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
55g
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
3.60 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
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Luciola differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic that produces a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting enthusiasts. In contrast, the Luciola utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which creates a slightly higher-pitched sound that is not overly sharp. This thin and clacky sound profile is often described as satisfying.
In terms of the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Silver incorporates a nylon material. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer composition. The nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. In contrast, the Luciola features Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which shares similarities with its top housing. It offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, contributing to the overall clacky sound experience.
Despite their differences, both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a sharper and clearer sound with its polycarbonate top housing and deeper resonance with the nylon bottom housing, the Luciola offers a slightly higher-pitched and clacky sound through its INK blend top housing and bottom housing. In terms of the impact on sound and feel, the bottom housing plays a more significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Overall, the housing materials contribute to distinct sound profiles for each switch while providing a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there are noticeable differences between the two. In terms of weight, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the lighter option. With an actuation force of 45 grams, it requires a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke. Additionally, it has a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a slightly more substantial typing experience.
On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola linear switch is slightly heavier. It has an actuation force of 55 grams, which means a slightly firmer push is required to initiate a keystroke. When it comes to bottoming out, the Luciola switch has a force of 60 grams, providing a medium level of resistance for typists.
For enthusiasts who prefer a lighter switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver would be a suitable choice. This switch allows for longer typing sessions due to its lighter actuation force. However, those who prioritize a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may find the Gateron Luciola switch to be more suitable.
It is worth mentioning that even though the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has a lighter actuation and bottom out force compared to the Luciola, both switches still offer a responsive typing experience. So, while the results may differ slightly, typists using either switch can expect similar levels of performance and key activation.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Silver's 4.0 mm travel distance is more traditional, providing a deeper feeling when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Luciola's 3.6 mm travel distance is shallower, allowing for a faster response time, which is preferred by gamers. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Luciola with its shorter travel distance would be the better option. However, for those who prefer a more substantial sensation when typing or gaming, the G Pro 3.0 Silver with its longer travel distance would be a suitable choice. Both switches offer different experiences, catering to the preferences of individuals seeking either depth or quick response times.
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 Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 are best described as bassy, low-pitched, and thocky. These switches offer a deep and rich sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Luciola switches, on the other hand, have a clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound profile. They produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with some unique acoustic signatures like a little squeak or resonant, high-pitched, and clean tone. However, it's important to note that the actual sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer a buttery or creamy typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke, giving users a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The Luciola switches, on the other hand, are snappy, buttery, or polished in feel. They are super responsive, thanks to longer or dual-staged springs, and provide a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. This smooth and polished feel adds to the overall typing comfort and enjoyment.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer a bassy and buttery typing experience with a medium-high pitch sound profile. These switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness and exceptional gaming performance at an affordable price. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switches are known for their eye-catching glow in the dark feature and offer a variety of sound profiles such as clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched. They provide a smooth and snappy typing experience. While they have their distinguishing characteristics, both switches offer subjective qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of overall performance and enjoyment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences. If you are looking for a switch that offers unmatched value for gaming, with lightning-fast responsiveness and vibrant RGB lighting, then the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the way to go. Its light bottom out force and low-pitched, thocky sound profile provide an exceptional gaming experience without breaking the bank. On the other hand, if you prefer switches with a medium heft, smooth and bouncy typing feel, and an eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature, then the Luciola is the switch for you. With a slightly higher bottom out force and options for clacky, chirpy, marbly, or high-pitched sound profiles, the Luciola offers a unique typing experience that stands out. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on your personal preferences and priorities, whether it be gaming performance or typing feel.
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