Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Cherry MX Silent Red are both linear switches, but they offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is perfect for gamers looking for lightning-fast responsiveness and an enhanced gaming experience with its shorter travel distance and vibrant RGB lighting. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red provides a quieter typing experience without compromising the satisfying feel of the MX Red switch. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers exceptional value for gaming enthusiasts, the MX Silent Red is ideal for those in noise-sensitive environments. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound. The polycarbonate housing of the G Pro 3.0 Silver is stiffer, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound profile, making it ideal for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique sound profile that caters to different preferences.
On the other hand, both switches share a nylon bottom housing material, which elicits a similar deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounder sound. This similarity in bottom housing material suggests that the typing experience on both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the MX Silent Red will feel relatively similar in terms of sound profile and feedback. While the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Cherry MX Silent Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the nylon top housing of the MX Silent Red provides a deeper and fuller sound. Both switches feature a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar typing experience in terms of sound profile. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with the G Pro 3.0 Silver or a mellower sound with the MX Silent Red, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we can see that they both have an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the MX Silent Red is unknown. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Silver slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force.
In terms of weight, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of 45 grams, as it allows for longer typing sessions and is ideal for work or gaming. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for a switch with a heavier bottom out force to provide a stronger push feel.
Overall, while both switches have the same actuation force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver is slightly heavier in terms of bottom out force compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. Users looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Silver, while those seeking a more robust feel may lean towards the MX Silent Red if its bottom out force meets their preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver. The difference may not be significant, but it could impact the typing experience for some users. Those who prefer a slightly deeper keypress may lean towards the Cherry MX Silent Red, while those looking for a slightly faster response time may prefer the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver. Overall, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of travel distance, so the choice between them may come down to personal preference and typing style.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 offer a bassy and low-pitched tone that provides a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. The medium-high pitch adds excitement to gaming sessions, enhancing the overall gaming atmosphere. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red switches provide a muted sound profile that minimizes noise, making them ideal for quieter environments. Both switches are described as thocky, which means they produce a satisfying "thud" or "knock" sound when pressed and released. Depending on personal preference and the setup of your keyboard, the sound experience with these switches can be optimized to suit your needs.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are often described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels seamless and effortless. This provides a satisfying typing sensation that allows your fingers to glide across the keys with ease. In comparison, the Cherry MX Silent Red switches are described as textured, meaning they have noticeable friction when pressed. Some users may prefer this slight texture for a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the feel of a switch is a highly subjective aspect that can greatly impact your overall typing comfort and performance.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Cherry MX Silent Red switches have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile with a buttery and creamy typing feel, while the MX Silent Red switches provide a quieter sound profile and a textured typing experience. Choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your typing or gaming setup. Keep in mind that the sound and feel of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard build and keycap choice. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance that can enhance your overall typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize lightning-fast responsiveness and a budget-friendly option for gaming, the G Pro 3.0 Silver with its shorter travel distance and vibrant RGB lighting may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are in need of a quieter typing experience for noise-sensitive environments while still enjoying a satisfying typing feel, the MX Silent Red may be more suitable with its silent operation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value gaming performance and budget or a quieter typing experience. Choose the switch that best aligns with your priorities and preferences for an optimal keyboarding experience.
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