Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Outemu Crystal Brown are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct experiences for users. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is a linear switch known for its exceptional gaming performance, thanks to its shorter travel distance and lightning-fast responsiveness. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch that provides a satisfying tactile bump upon actuation. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver is ideal for gamers looking for speed and precision, the Crystal Brown offers a more tactile typing experience for those who enjoy a satisfying feedback. 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
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Outemu Crystal Brown, it is clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting effects. The similarities in top housing material suggest that users can expect a similar auditory experience when using either the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the Crystal Brown.
However, the key point of differentiation lies in the bottom housing materials of the two switches. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver employs a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, the Crystal Brown also features a nylon bottom housing that offers the same acoustic benefits. Both switches benefit from the sound-absorbing properties of nylon, creating a more subdued and rounded typing experience compared to switches with harder plastic bottom housings.
Overall, the use of polycarbonate in the top housing of both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Crystal Brown contributes to a consistent sharp and clear sound profile, especially when coupled with RGB lighting effects. The distinction in the bottom housing between the two switches results in a difference in the overall typing experience, with nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound compared to harder plastics. Despite the housing material variances, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from both switches, each offering unique acoustic characteristics that cater to different preferences.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch have similar actuation forces of 45 grams, making them both light switches in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Silver requires 50 grams, while the Crystal Brown requires 55 grams, making the Crystal Brown slightly heavier in terms of the force needed to press all the way down. Some may find the lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the G Pro 3.0 Silver more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the slightly heavier feel of the Crystal Brown for a more substantial typing experience. In terms of weight, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be considered lighter, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a more effortless typing experience, while the Crystal Brown falls into the medium-light category, offering a balance between light and heavy key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The G Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the Crystal Brown's longer travel distance may be preferred by those seeking a more substantial key press feel. Overall, the G Pro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, providing a faster and more responsive typing experience, while the Crystal Brown offers a slightly longer travel distance for those wanting a more deliberate key press. Despite the difference in travel distance, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, so choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Outemu Crystal Brown comes in at $3.10 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, offering a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is unknown. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a smooth and fluid typing experience with seamless keystrokes. This results in a uniform typing sensation that feels effortless and enjoyable. Unfortunately, details about the tactile feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch are not available.
In conclusion, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch excels in providing a satisfying auditory experience with its bassy sound profile and a smooth typing sensation with its buttery and creamy feel. While the specific sound and feel characteristics of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch remain unknown, it is important to consider individual preferences and requirements when choosing between these two switches for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, selecting either of these switches will likely result in a similar level of high performance and quality, depending on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you prioritize gaming performance with lightning-fast responsiveness and competitive advantage, then the G Pro 3.0 Silver with its 50g bottom out force and shorter travel distance would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light tactile typing experience with a 55g bottom out force, then the Crystal Brown switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific preferences and needs in terms of both sound and feel when typing or gaming.
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