Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Mountain Top are both linear switches, each offering unique characteristics tailored to different needs. The G Pro 3.0 Silver excels in gaming environments with its lightning-fast responsiveness, shorter travel distance, and vibrant RGB lighting that enhances the gaming experience. On the other hand, the Mountain Top switch is designed for office settings, providing a quiet and comfortable typing experience suitable for professional environments. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver is 'Bassy' and 'Thocky', the Mountain Top switch is 'Bouncy', 'Snappy', and 'Subtle'. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different users based on their preferences and requirements. 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
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Mountain Top switches feature nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound than stiffer plastics. This creates a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches with harder bottom housings. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of these switches allows for a more tactile typing experience, making each key press feel more substantial.
However, where these switches differ is in their top housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a more defined typing sound. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a more muted and rounded sound profile.
While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Mountain Top switches each have their unique top and bottom housing materials, they both offer a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the deeper, fuller sound of the nylon top housing in the Mountain Top, both switches provide a tactile and responsive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch reveals some differences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Mountain Top has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Mountain Top is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver. Both switches share the same bottom out force, providing a consistent typing experience in that aspect. Weight plays a significant role in how a switch feels to the user, with lighter switches being preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while heavier switches offer a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and the desired typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, meaning that both switches will provide a similar typing experience in terms of how far the key travels when pressed. As a result, users can expect consistent feedback and performance from either switch. With an identical travel distance, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer the same level of key press responsiveness and tactile feedback, making them equally suitable options for individuals seeking a specific typing 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 Gateron Mountain Top 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 switch offers a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky experience, delivering a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses with a medium-high pitch that adds excitement to gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a neutral sound profile, striking a balance between moderate actuation force requirement and sound, making it suitable for various environments. Both switches offer different sound characteristics, catering to different preferences and settings, but ensuring a pleasant auditory experience overall.
Moving on to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with a seamless and effortless sensation. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch provides a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, and subtle typing feel, giving users a variety of tactile sensations to choose from. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch focuses on a luxurious typing experience, the Mountain Top switch emphasizes comfort and responsiveness, catering to typists in office environments.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch provides a rich, bassy sound profile and a buttery, creamy typing experience suited for gaming enthusiasts, the Mountain Top switch offers a neutral sound profile and a variety of tactile sensations catering to office typists. Ultimately, both switches deliver different but equally satisfying typing experiences based on individual preferences and usage scenarios. For users seeking similar results in terms of sound and feel, either of these switches can provide a premium typing experience tailored to their specific needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch or the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your intended use. If you are looking for a high-performance gaming experience with lightning-fast responsiveness and vibrant RGB lighting, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you require a quiet and subtle typing experience for office environments, the Mountain Top linear switch would be more suitable. Both switches offer a light bottom out force of 50 grams, but the sound and feel characteristics differentiate them for their respective purposes. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize gaming performance or professional discretion in your typing experience.
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