Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Cherry MX Brown 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 Cherry MX Brown, a tactile switch. The G Pro 3.0 Silver from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro line-up offers unmatched value, delivering an exceptional gaming experience. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness, giving you a competitive advantage. Illuminate your gaming setup with vibrant RGB lighting, enhanced by the frosted light diffuser, while the medium-high pitch adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions. On the other hand, Cherry MX Browns are best known for their subtlety. These switches offer a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a more refined and understated feel. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch is best for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Cherry MX Brown switches offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of typing. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that provides a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. In contrast, the MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. However, both housing materials offer their own unique benefits, allowing users to choose based on their preferred sound profile.
Regarding the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the MX Brown employ nylon as the material. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption properties. Whether it is the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the MX Brown, typing on switches with nylon bottom housing will result in a similar sound experience. The softer plastic of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a dulled and rounded sound compared to harder plastics. This contributes to a satisfying and comfortable typing experience that enthusiasts of both switches can appreciate.
When it comes to the impact on sound and feel, the qualities brought by the top and bottom housings are split between the two for both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the MX Brown switches. The bottom housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. With nylon being the material used for the bottom housing in both switches, users can expect a similar deep and full sound profile upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the top housing has more influence on the sound when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Silver will provide a sharper and crisper sound upon key release, while the nylon top housing of the MX Brown will produce a deeper and fuller sound. These differences in top housing result in distinct auditory feedback that users can consider when selecting their preferred switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, there are noticeable similarities and differences. In terms of actuation force, both switches require 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, resulting in a light and responsive typing experience for users. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Silver requires 50 grams, while the MX Brown requires 55 grams, making it slightly heavier.
For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch would be a suitable choice. Its lower bottom out force allows for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or intense gaming sessions where finger fatigue can be a concern. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. This can be appealing to individuals who enjoy a firmer push and prefer a tangible feedback when typing.
Regardless of the differences in bottom out force, both switches offer reliable actuation forces of 45 grams, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of triggering keystrokes. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience – whether one favors a lighter touch or a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch are equal, both measuring 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the MX Brown switch, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback and overall 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 Cherry MX Brown comes in at $4.00 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
In terms of sound, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Cherry MX Brown switches share similar qualities. They are both described as having a bassy sound profile, characterized by a lower frequency range that creates depth and richness during key presses. Additionally, they are both low-pitched switches, which means they tend to produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. It's important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is described as having a buttery and creamy typing experience. These descriptions suggest that the keystroke is smooth, fluid, and effortless, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation. On the other hand, the MX Brown is described as having a textured or scratchy feel. This means that there is noticeable friction when pressing the keys, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, when comparing the subjective qualities of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, they share similar sound characteristics, being bassy and low-pitched. However, their feel differs greatly, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver offering a buttery and creamy typing experience, while the MX Brown has a more textured or scratchy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are an avid gamer looking for a budget-friendly option that provides lightning-fast responsiveness, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its shorter travel distance and vibrant RGB lighting, it offers an exceptional gaming experience without breaking the bank. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch has a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, which adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions. In terms of feel, this switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle typing experience with gentle tactility and subdued audio feedback, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch would be the better option for you. It has a slightly higher bottom out force compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver, providing a medium-light typing experience. The MX Brown switch also has a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, similar to the G Pro 3.0 Silver. However, it is described as textured, which means it has noticeable friction when pressed. If you enjoy a slightly textured typing experience, the MX Brown switch might be the right choice for you.
Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Cherry MX Brown switches depends on your specific preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize gaming performance and responsiveness or prefer a more subtle and textured typing experience, both switches have their merits. Consider what aspects are most important to you and choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing and gaming experience.
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