Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options worth considering are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Durock Lupine. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro line-up, is highly regarded for its exceptional gaming experience. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, these linear switches offer lightning-fast responsiveness, providing gamers with a competitive advantage. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Silver boasts vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch that adds an exhilarating auditory element to gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine stands out for its enjoyable typing experience, thanks to its two-stage long springs. Typists will appreciate the consistent weight distribution when pressing down, as well as the powerful upward movement on the rebound. Furthermore, the Lupine offers a classic clacky sound profile. While these general pointers provide a glimpse into the qualities of each switch, diving deeper into their specific characteristics will allow you to make the best decision based on your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Durock Lupine have similar housing materials for their top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will provide similar results in terms of sound and visual aesthetics when it comes to their top housings.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Lupine differ in terms of material. The G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which brings a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Lupine also employs a nylon bottom housing, which means it shares this characteristic with the G Pro 3.0 Silver. Therefore, both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of the sound produced from their bottom housings.
It is worth noting that the qualities brought by each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have more influence on the sound when releasing a key. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Lupine may differ in their overall feel and sound based on their respective top and bottom housing materials, their similarities can still be observed when it comes to their individual contributions to the switch's performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, some notable differences arise. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams, making it easy to trigger keystrokes swiftly. Additionally, it has a bottom out force of 50 grams, allowing for a satisfying typing experience without requiring excessive force. On the other hand, the Lupine's actuation force is currently unavailable, so a direct comparison cannot be made. However, its bottom out force is 62 grams, indicating a moderate amount of force needed for keystrokes.
Considering the weight aspect, the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the G Pro 3.0 Silver can be advantageous for individuals seeking prolonged typing or gaming sessions. This lightweight nature makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a keyboard that won't strain their fingers during long periods of use. Conversely, the Lupine offers a potentially more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel while typing.
While the actuation forces cannot be directly compared due to the unavailability of the Lupine's data, it can be inferred that the G Pro 3.0 Silver likely has a lighter actuation force. However, should the actuation force of the Lupine be similar, users can expect comparable results in terms of required force to trigger keystrokes. In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver leans towards the lighter side, while the Durock Lupine provides a medium force experience for typing enthusiasts.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, it is evident that there is a slight difference between the two. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Lupine offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of what is considered a standard travel distance, but it is worth noting that the Lupine provides a slightly shallower experience. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the Lupine switch due to its shorter travel distance, as it allows for faster response times. On the other hand, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to be too abrupt, and may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for its 4.0 mm travel distance, which offers a more substantial depth. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired level of responsiveness.
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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 linear switch offers a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound during key presses, with a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness of bass tones. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a more neutral sound with a moderate profile. It does not have the same bass-heavy or mellow tone as the G Pro 3.0 Silver, but instead produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, making it suitable for users who prefer a higher-pitched sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke, resulting in a seamless and effortless typing sensation. It's like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. In contrast, the Durock Lupine linear switch provides a mild and polished typing experience. It offers a gentle typing experience without any pronounced characteristics, suitable for those who prefer a more approachable and middle-ground feel. The polished finish of the Lupine switch also contributes to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Durock Lupine linear switches offer contrasting qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound with a buttery and creamy feel, delivering an exceptional gaming experience. On the other hand, the Lupine switch offers a neutral sound profile with a mild and polished typing experience, suitable for various purposes. Both switches have their unique characteristics, and depending on personal preference, users can choose the one that suits their needs. However, it's important to note that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. While the Lupine switch may not provide the exact same sound and feel as the G Pro 3.0 Silver, it can still offer similar results with its neutral sound and polished feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a gamer looking for a budget-friendly option that offers lightning-fast responsiveness, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is the way to go. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches provide a light and effortless typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switches also offer vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch sound profile, adding an exhilarating element to your gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prioritize a consistent weight distribution and a more powerful upward movement when typing, the Durock Lupine linear switch is the better choice. With a bottom out force of 62 grams, the Lupine switches offer a medium typing experience. They also provide a classic clacky sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your specific preferences and needs.
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