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Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Haimu Orange Sea

An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Haimu Orange Sea switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Haimu Orange Sea stand out as compelling options for gamers and typists alike, both featuring a linear design that caters to swift key presses. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches excel in competitive gaming scenarios due to their shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, allowing for rapid and responsive keystrokes, which can give you the edge in fast-paced settings. Coupled with a medium-high pitch sound that adds excitement to every interaction and the vibrant RGB lighting that enhances your setup, these switches are a budget-friendly choice for those prioritizing performance and aesthetics. On the other hand, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are celebrated for their impeccably smooth typing experience and neutral sound signature, making them a prime choice for users who value a seamless and quiet typing environment. This makes them ideal for both long writing sessions and concentrated gaming without the distraction of auditory feedback. Both switches cater to different user preferences—speed and performance versus smoothness and tranquility—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

37g

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

45g

Pre-travel

1.20 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.40 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

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 extended double-stage spring

Housing materials

Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Haimu Orange Sea switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This similarity allows both switches to produce a distinct high-pitched sound that is characteristic of polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and ability to resonate sound clearly. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the visual appeal of both switches, particularly for users who wish to incorporate RGB lighting into their setups. Thus, when it comes to the top housing, users of both switches can expect similar auditory experiences due to the shared material composition.

In terms of the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, another area where they align closely. Nylon is widely recognized for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio profile that contributes to a more rounded typing experience. The softer nature of nylon compared to other plastics ensures that the sound produced when bottoming out a switch is less sharp and more muted. Hence, both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Haimu Orange Sea generate similar outcomes in their deeper sound characteristics, benefiting users who prefer a more cushioned and tactile feedback from their switches.

While the materials of both the top and bottom housings are identical for the G Pro 3.0 Silver and Orange Sea, it’s important to note that the perception of sound and feel during typing is influenced by how these materials interact. The polycarbonate top housing will mainly determine the sound dynamics upon key release, while the nylon bottom housing significantly shapes the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, despite similarities, the overall experience can vary depending on personal typing preferences and the specific functions users prioritize, such as sound clarity versus a more muted auditory experience during keystrokes.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Orange Sea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Haimu Orange Sea switch the lighter choice overall, allowing for easier typing and extended use without fatigue—ideal for prolonged work or gaming sessions. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a slightly heavier feel, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Overall, those preferring lighter switches will find the Orange Sea suitable, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver caters to those who enjoy a firmer keystroke feedback.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Silver the shorter option, which may be more appealing to gamers seeking quicker response times due to its reduced travel. In contrast, the Orange Sea's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feel, which might be preferred by those who enjoy a more pronounced key press. As such, if you’re looking for a more rapid actuation, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the better choice, whereas the Orange Sea would cater to those who appreciate a deeper keystroke.

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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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 considering the sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches, they are characterized by their low-pitched, thocky tone, providing a rich, satisfying auditory experience with deeper bass notes during keystrokes. This bass-heavy quality contributes to a resonant and enjoyable sound signature that can be particularly appealing during gaming or typing sessions. The auditory experience is further enhanced by the unique design elements, such as the frosted light diffuser, which works well with RGB lighting. In comparison, the sound profile of the Haimu Orange Sea switches is unknown. Therefore, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a distinct auditory appeal, the Orange Sea's acoustics cannot be assessed at this time.

In terms of tactile feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are described as buttery and creamy, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and seamless keystroke experience. This fluid actuating action allows users to glide effortlessly across the keycaps, providing a delightful and satisfying typing sensation. The smooth operation is likely enhanced by the materials used in the switches and possibly lubricant application, contributing to a luxurious typing experience. As for the Haimu Orange Sea switches, their tactile feel remains unspecified, leaving an open question regarding whether they might rival the creamy experience of the G Pro 3.0 Silver.

In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches stand out for their engaging low-pitched, thocky sound and their exceptionally smooth, buttery feel, making them a solid choice for gamers and typists seeking performance and enjoyment. Meanwhile, the Haimu Orange Sea’s sound and feel characteristics remain unknown, which limits a direct comparison in those areas. For those interested in either switch, the G Pro 3.0 Silver presents a compelling option, offering both auditory satisfaction and tactile excellence that enhances the overall typing and gaming experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Haimu Orange Sea linear switches, your intended use and personal preferences will play significant roles. If you’re primarily a gamer seeking rapid responsiveness and competitive performance, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is your ideal choice. Its shorter travel distance and light actuation force will allow you to execute commands quickly, providing an edge in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Additionally, the rich, low-pitched, bassy sound profile and creamy feel will enhance your overall gaming experience, making it both efficient and enjoyable. On the other hand, if your main focus is on typing for extended periods—especially for tasks that require a smooth, refined keystroke—the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer a superbly pleasant typing experience. With their lighter bottom-out force and a focus on a neutral sound profile, they are perfect for those who prioritize comfort during long work sessions. Ultimately, your choice should align with your primary activities, ensuring you get the most out of your mechanical keyboard experience.

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