Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Mini i mechanical keyboard switches, the decision ultimately boils down to your specific needs and preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, a linear switch, is perfect for gamers seeking lightning-fast responsiveness and competitive advantage with its shorter travel distance and vibrant RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Mini i, a tactile switch, offers a more subtle and muted typing experience, making it suitable for office environments where quiet professionalism is essential. Each switch has its own unique qualities that cater to different preferences and usage scenarios. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Mini i, it is clear that they both use different materials for their top housing. The G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes polycarbonate, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. Conversely, the Mini i's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. The difference in material impacts the overall sound and feel of the switches, with the polycarbonate housing providing a more resonant sound and the nylon housing offering a more absorbing sound experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Mini i use nylon for this component. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. The nylon bottom housing helps to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings. Therefore, in terms of the bottom housing material, the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Mini i will provide a similar sound experience to the user.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, the Gateron Mini i's nylon top housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Similarly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, resulting in a more absorbing sound experience. Whether one prefers a sharper sound profile with the G Pro 3.0 Silver or a fuller sound with the Mini i, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in the overall typing experience.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, we see that both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams. However, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Mini i's 40 grams. The G Pro 3.0 Silver would be considered the heavier of the two switches in terms of actuation force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Mini i may be the better choice, as it requires less force to initiate a keystroke. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver may appeal to those who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback when typing. Both switches provide similar results in terms of bottom out force, so users can expect a consistent typing experience in that regard. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch or the Mini i tactile switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels from top to bottom. In terms of travel distance, there is no difference between the two switches.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch is known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, delivering a deeper and richer tone during key presses compared to higher-pitched switches. This adds a satisfying auditory element to your gaming sessions, complemented by the vibrant RGB lighting and frosted light diffuser. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch is described as having a neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement and sound suitable for most purposes, whether at home or in an office setting. While the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a more pronounced and immersive sound experience compared to the Mini i's more understated sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is lauded for its buttery and creamy typing experience, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that is seamless and effortless. This typing experience enhances the overall gaming performance, allowing for quick and precise key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped typing feel. This means that the keys have a spring-like feedback, are gentle and low-impact to press, provide a more gentle typing experience, are super responsive, offer a light resistance suitable for shared spaces, and may feature two stages of tactility for a more nuanced typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in typing feel, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver focusing on smoothness and uniformity, while the Mini i offers a variety of tactile sensations to choose from.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a bassy and thocky sound profile, coupled with a buttery and creamy typing experience that enhances gaming performance. On the other hand, the Mini i offers a more neutral sound profile and a range of typing feels from bouncy to subtle, catering to varying preferences for a typing experience that suits different environments and typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and intended usage, but both options guarantee a quality typing experience with Gateron's renowned craftsmanship and performance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider your usage and preference. If you are looking for a switch that offers lightning-fast responsiveness, vibrant RGB lighting, and a medium-high pitch sound profile for gaming, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you value a gentle tactility in each keystroke, a fairly muted sound profile, and lightweight, easy-to-press keys for office or quiet environments, the Mini i would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to whether you prioritize gaming performance or a comfortable typing experience in your daily use. Choose wisely based on your needs and enjoy the benefits that each switch can offer.
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