Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Durock Mamba 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, and the Durock Mamba, also a linear switch. Both switches offer unique features that enhance your gaming or typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Silver from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro lineup provides unmatched value with its exceptional gaming experience. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches deliver lightning-fast responsiveness, giving you a competitive advantage. Additionally, the vibrant RGB lighting, enhanced by the frosted light diffuser, illuminates your gaming setup while the medium-high pitch adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant, providing a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience. These switches are perfect for those who prefer a more neutral and mild 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
N/A
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Durock Mamba utilize different housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This stiffer plastic also leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Mamba's top housing is a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE, offering a pleasant and bright sound profile. While it may lack the sharpness of polycarbonate, the Mamba's blend provides its own unique charm.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Silver employs a nylon material. Typing on switches with nylon housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Mamba utilizes a POM bottom housing, resulting in a pleasing and unique sound profile. This material tends to create deeper and more muted sounds compared to nylon.
As the top and bottom housings differ in both switches, they contribute differently to the overall sound and feel. When pressing down a key, the qualities of the bottom housing become noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Mamba, both switches deliver distinctive and enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, some notable differences can be identified. The G Pro 3.0 Silver boasts a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, information regarding the Mamba's actuation force is currently unavailable, but it has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it slightly heavier.
Considering the importance of weight, individuals with a preference for lighter switches may gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Silver. This lightweight attribute grants users the ability to type for extended periods, which proves advantageous for those using keyboards at work or during long gaming sessions. The 45 grams actuation force of the G Pro 3.0 Silver ensures ease of triggering keystrokes without exerting too much pressure.
On the other hand, individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may find satisfaction in the Durock Mamba. With its heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, users can enjoy a stronger push feel during their typing sessions. This effectively enhances the tactile feedback and gives a more pronounced sensation with each keystroke.
Although the actuation force of the Mamba remains unknown in this comparison, it is worth noting that its higher bottom out force suggests an overall heavier switch compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch offers a lighter typing experience with its lower actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for those seeking prolonged typing sessions. Meanwhile, the Durock Mamba linear switch provides a heavier and more substantial push, ideal for individuals who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback during their typing endeavors.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Durock Mamba linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In terms of travel distance, the Mamba has a slightly shorter distance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver. The G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a more traditional travel distance of 4.0 mm, which may provide a more satisfying and deeper key press for some individuals. On the other hand, the Mamba's shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm is favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether one prioritizes a shallower or deeper key press experience.
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 Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile. These switches have a deeper and richer sound during key presses, with a lower frequency range resembling bass tones. The sound they produce is characterized by a satisfying "thud" or "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch is described as having a neutral and thocky sound profile. It has a moderate sound profile suitable for different purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and can be used at home or work. Both switches offer a thocky sound, providing a deep and rich auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as buttery and creamy. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Typing on these switches feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba switch is described as mild and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics, making it approachable for most users. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, while offering a buttery and creamy typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba has a neutral and thocky sound profile, with a mild and polished typing experience. Both switches deliver an immersive auditory experience and smooth keystrokes, catering to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that provides exceptional gaming performance, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is the way to go. With a light bottom out force of 50 grams and a shorter travel distance, these switches deliver lightning-fast responsiveness, giving you a competitive advantage in gaming. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switches also offer vibrant RGB lighting and have a medium-high pitch that adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions. The sound profile can be described as deep, bassy, and thocky, providing a satisfying auditory experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral switch with a moderate actuation force and sound profile, the Durock Mamba linear switch is a great choice. With a bottom out force of 60 grams, these switches offer a medium feel that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use them at home or work. The Mamba switches provide a gliding typing sensation and a rich and creamy auditory experience, thanks to its thocky sound profile. They also offer a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Durock Mamba linear switches depends on your specific preferences and requirements. If you prioritize gaming performance, a light and responsive switch with a bassy and thocky sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a neutral switch with a moderate feel, suitable for various use cases, and a thocky and polished sound and feel, the Mamba switch is the way to go. Consider your typing style, sound preference, and desired feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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