Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, some key differences become apparent. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is best suited for gaming enthusiasts looking for lightning-fast responsiveness and a competitive edge, thanks to its shorter 3.4mm travel distance and vibrant RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf offers a tactile typing experience without any specific standout features. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver is described as having a bassy, buttery, creamy, low-pitched, and thocky sound, the Maple Leaf lacks any specific categorization. Each switch caters to different preferences and needs, ultimately offering users varying experiences. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can decide which switch is best for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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 Maple Leaf, it is evident that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on switches from these two keyboards will elicit a similar deep and full sound profile. The softer nature of nylon in the bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound upon key press. Therefore, whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the Maple Leaf, you can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of sound profile and feel.
However, the top housing materials of these two keyboards differ, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizing polycarbonate while the Maple Leaf uses nylon. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Silver creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Maple Leaf's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This contrast in sound characteristics between the two keyboards can result in a noticeable difference in typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver offering a more clear and resonant sound compared to the Maple Leaf.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Outemu Maple Leaf will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile. If you prefer a sharper and crisper sound, the G Pro 3.0 Silver with its polycarbonate top housing would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and fuller sound when typing, the Outemu Maple Leaf with its nylon top housing would be more suitable. Despite these differences in top housing materials, both keyboards offer a consistent typing experience in terms of the bottom housing's impact on sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, there is a clear difference in the weight of the two. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Maple Leaf switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Those who enjoy a stronger push when typing may prefer the Maple Leaf switch, while those who prefer a lighter touch would gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Silver. Both switches offer unique typing experiences due to their different actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of different individuals.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, slightly longer than the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch which has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Despite the small difference of 0.1 mm, this could affect the feel and responsiveness of the switches to some users. In general, a shorter travel distance is favored by gamers for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for a switch with a longer travel distance. Both switches provide a tactile typing experience but with a slightly different feel due to their minute variance in travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on 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 Outemu Maple Leaf 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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. This can enhance the immersive feeling of gaming sessions with a satisfying sound feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
As for the feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience that is seamless and effortless. This can contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable typing or gaming session, allowing your fingers to glide across the keys with ease. However, the tactile feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch is unknown, making it challenging to gauge how it compares to the G Pro 3.0 Silver in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch excels in providing a unique sound profile characterized by deep and rich tones, along with a smooth and buttery typing experience. These qualities make it a popular choice among gamers looking for an enhanced gaming performance without sacrificing comfort. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch remain unknown, opting for the G Pro 3.0 Silver may provide a similar level of satisfaction in both aspects due to its reputation for delivering exceptional value and performance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, consider the factors of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force for a smoother typing experience and faster gaming response, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the choice for you. The G Pro 3.0 Silver also offers a bass-heavy and low-pitched sound profile, along with a buttery and creamy typing feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and prioritize tactile feedback for increased accuracy in typing tasks, the Maple Leaf switch may better suit your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and intended usage of the keyboard.
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