Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. SP-Star Meteor White
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the SP-Star Meteor White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the SP-Star Meteor White are both linear switches that are worth considering for your mechanical keyboard. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, known for its exceptional value, is part of Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro lineup. These switches provide an exceptional gaming experience with their lightning-fast responsiveness, thanks to a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm compared to the standard 4mm. Additionally, the vibrant RGB lighting enhanced by the frosted light diffuser and the medium-high pitch auditory element add to the immersive gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Meteor White switch offers a subdued experience. This gentle linear switch is easy to push and has a soft pitter-patter sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. Now that we have a general idea of what these switches offer, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the SP-Star Meteor White both have different housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which allows for more clarity and resonance in the sound. In contrast, the Meteor White utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound. While both switches have a translucent housing suitable for RGB lighting, the difference in materials impacts the overall sound experience.
Moving to the bottom housings, both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Meteor White employ nylon. The use of nylon in switch housings contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. The bottom housing of a switch has a significant influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, and with nylon as the material, users can expect a more resonant and immersive typing experience from both switches.
While the top and bottom housings of the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Meteor White differ, they still share the same qualities offered by their respective housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Silver's polycarbonate top housing delivers a sharp and clear sound when releasing a key, while the Nylon bottom housing enhances the bottom-out sound. Similarly, the Meteor White's nylon top and bottom housings provide a fuller and deeper sound throughout typing. Though the specific materials may differ, both switches aim to offer an enjoyable sound profile, with one emphasizing clarity and the other depth. Ultimately, users can expect satisfying auditory experiences from both switches, with slight variations depending on their individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch, some notable differences emerge. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams, meaning it requires a gentle push to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the actuation force of the Meteor White is currently unavailable, making it difficult to directly compare. However, the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Silver is 50 grams, which is slightly heavier than the actuation force. This suggests that there is a minimal additional force needed to press the key fully down. On the other hand, the Meteor White has a bottom out force of 57 grams, indicating a slightly heavier and more substantial typing experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver. It is worth noting that both switches offer a light to medium-light feel, making them suitable for individuals who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch have the same travel distance, both measuring at 4 mm. When pressing down on a key with either switch, users will experience the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches provide similar results and do not differ in this aspect. So, whether using the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the Meteor White, users can expect the same level of keypress travel.
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 SP-Star Meteor White has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor White for $5.00.
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 can be characterized as bassy, low-pitched, and thocky. These switches produce a deep and rich sound profile, with a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. They offer a mellow and bass-heavy tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound produced when pressing and releasing the keys can be described as a satisfying "thud" or a soft "knock". On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is described as having a more neutral sound profile, with a moderate and approachable tone. It also offers a thocky sound, which provides a deep and satisfying "thud" or "knock" when the keys are pressed and released. The ultimate sound experience of both switches will also depend on factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as having a buttery and creamy typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The keys feel like they effortlessly melt into each keystroke, allowing for a silky typing experience. Conversely, the SP-Star Meteor White switch offers a mild typing experience that is gentle and approachable. Its qualities fall within a safe middle-ground zone, providing a typing sensation that is not too pronounced or intense. Furthermore, this switch is described as polished, which means it has a smooth and refined finish. This results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, adding to the sleek and polished typing experience.
Based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, with a thocky feel that is smooth and buttery. It provides a gaming-centric experience with its shorter travel distance and vibrant RGB lighting. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile, also with a thocky feel that is mild and polished. It provides a gentle and subdued typing experience, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. While the two switches have different subjective qualities, they both offer appealing characteristics depending on personal preferences. It's important to note that the overall sound and feel experience can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, it is recommended to consider these factors alongside the switch qualities to achieve the desired outcome.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are embarking on a gaming odyssey and are 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 shorter travel distance and vibrant RGB lighting, this switch delivers an exceptional gaming experience without breaking the bank. It is best known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory element to your gaming sessions. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is also described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subdued and gentle typing experience, the SP-Star Meteor White linear switch is your best choice. With a moderate actuation force requirement and a thocky sound profile, this switch is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether at home or work. The Meteor White is described as mild and polished, offering a more approachable typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the decision between the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Meteor White comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize gaming performance and responsiveness, go for the G Pro 3.0 Silver. If you prefer a softer and more gentle typing experience, opt for the Meteor White. Both switches have their unique qualities and cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns with your needs and preferences.
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