Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Gateron Mars offer distinct characteristics that can significantly influence your typing experience, especially for gaming. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is designed with gamers in mind, boasting a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, which allows for quicker actuation and a competitive edge during intense gaming sessions. Its auditory feedback, characterized by a medium-high pitch, complements the vibrant RGB lighting provided by the frosted light diffuser, enhancing the overall gaming aesthetic. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switches are crafted with an innovative design that utilizes a POK stem and a unique housing blend of Nylon and POM, possibly offering smoother key presses and a specific tactile feel that deviates from the traditional linear switch experience. While both switches cater to gamers with their linear characteristics, the G Pro 3.0 Silver excels in speed and visual appeal, while the Mars may provide a distinct typing sensation that some users might prefer. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Mars switches showcase distinct housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall performance. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a top housing made of polycarbonate, which is stiffer and allows the sound to resonate sharply. This results in a higher-pitched and crisper audio experience, especially salient when utilizing RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate. In contrast, the Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, a classic material in the switch industry known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. The inherent softness of nylon absorbs more sound than polycarbonate, leading to a duller, rounder auditory result. Thus, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver emphasizes clarity and brightness, the Mars opts for a mellower sound, illustrating how differing top housing materials can create varied auditory experiences.
On the bottom housing front, both switches diverge further in their materials. The G Pro 3.0 Silver’s bottom housing is also made of nylon, mirroring the characteristics of its top housing and contributing to a uniform sound profile that is notably deeper and more rounded. This continuity allows for a cohesive sound experience while typing. In contrast, the Mars switch employs POM for its bottom housing, a material praised for its unique acoustic properties. POM contributes to a deeper sound as well but is noted to be relatively muted, which can create a distinctly different typing sensation compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver. The difference in bottom housing materials creates a nuanced sonic profile for each switch, highlighting how the choice of plastics can influence the bottom-out sound and feel.
When evaluating the overall auditory traits of these two switches, the combined effects of their respective materials yield significant contrasts in the typing experience. For the G Pro 3.0 Silver, the fusion of polycarbonate and nylon results in a sharper sound on keystroke release, while the nylon contributes to a fuller bottom-out sensation. The Mars, with its nylon top and POM bottom, embodies a more muted sound throughout, demonstrating how different materials govern sound absorption and reflection in tangent. In practical terms, while both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver leans towards a brighter and crisper auditory feedback, while the Mars provides a more subdued and rounded sound, showcasing the diverse acoustic landscapes created by variations in housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch both feature an actuation force of 45 grams, making them identical in that aspect. This similar actuation force allows users to experience a light typing feel, which is beneficial for those who may spend extended periods typing or gaming, as it reduces fatigue. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a definitive bottom out force of 50 grams, adding a bit more resistance at full key press. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Mars switch is unknown, which leaves its overall feel somewhat ambiguous. Therefore, while both switches are equally light in actuation, the G Pro 3.0 Silver likely offers a slightly firmer experience when fully bottoming out, making it a better choice for users who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. As it stands, the Mars switch's unknown bottom out force leaves potential users without a clear indication of its tactile feedback at full depression.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Mars linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Silver the shorter option between the two. The difference in travel distance may cater to varying user preferences; those who favor quicker response times, such as gamers, might prefer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for its shorter travel distance, which facilitates rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial keystroke experience that some users find more satisfying. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics suited to different styles of typing or gaming, allowing users to choose based on their preference for either a more responsive or a deeper feel.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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 produce a distinct auditory profile characterized by a deep, bassy, and low-pitched tone. The keys offer a thocky sound, reminiscent of a satisfying ‘thud’ upon pressing, which contributes to a richer overall experience. This makes them particularly appealing for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during their typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound qualities of the Gateron Mars switches. Consequently, without defined acoustic characteristics, it's difficult to make a direct comparison in terms of sound.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches stand out with their buttery and creamy typing experience. The smooth and fluid keystrokes encourage effortless typing, providing a sensation of gliding over the keys which many users find addictive and enjoyable. This can be attributed to the switch's construction and possibly the lubrication applied during manufacturing, which enhances the tactile experience. The feel of the Gateron Mars switches remains unknown, which leaves a gap when directly comparing the tactile sensations between these two options.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver excels in both sound and feel with its rich, thocky emissions and creamy typing experience, information on the Gateron Mars switches is limited, particularly regarding their sound and tactile characteristics. For newcomers seeking a well-rounded and satisfying mechanical switch experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a compelling choice, especially for gaming, thanks to its quick actuation and satisfying auditory feedback. If you prefer the Gateron Mars, exploring reviews or firsthand trials will be crucial to understanding their unique qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and use cases. If you are an avid gamer seeking a lightweight switch that offers rapid responsiveness and a satisfying auditory feedback, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be your best bet. Its low 50-gram bottom-out force and shorter travel distance of 3.4mm are tailored for high-speed gaming, ensuring you experience that competitive edge. The rich, bassy sound profile and buttery feel further enhance your gaming experience, making these switches a fantastic choice for anyone focused on performance. Conversely, if you're intrigued by innovative switch design and are interested in exploring a more experimental typing experience, the Gateron Mars switch could be worth considering—especially if you appreciate unique materials like Nylon and POM. Although the specifics of the Mars switch's bottom-out force remain unknown, its design may align well with users seeking a distinct tactile sensation. Therefore, assess whether you prioritize gaming performance or are eager to try something new, as this will guide you in selecting the switch that best fits your mechanical keyboard journey.
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