Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Outemu Red mechanical keyboard switches, both are linear switches, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke experience. The G Pro 3.0 Silver stands out for its gaming-centric design, boasting a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm that enhances responsiveness for competitive gameplay. With vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for an exhilarating auditory element, it brings a unique sensory experience to gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch lacks specific standout features but still provides a reliable linear typing experience. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option with gaming performance as a priority, the G Pro 3.0 Silver may be the preferred choice. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.10 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Outemu Red both feature polycarbonate top housings, which provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, resulting in a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Red's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon's softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the same polycarbonate top housing, the difference lies in their bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon bottom housing provides a unique typing experience with a deeper sound profile, while the Outemu Red's polycarbonate bottom housing offers a slightly sharper sound. The split between the bottom and top housings allows each material to contribute its own qualities to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key.
In terms of housing materials, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Outemu Red offer slightly different sound profiles due to their bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 Silver with its nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the Red's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper sound. Both switches, however, benefit from the stiffer polycarbonate top housing, which enhances the overall sound quality with its clear and resonant properties. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Silver is lighter in both aspects. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Outemu Red has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Silver more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Red offers a slightly heavier push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Outemu Red linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Silver will offer a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu Red. Gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for this reason. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more tactile and deliberate key press may opt for the Outemu Red with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer unique benefits based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for keyboard typing or gaming 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 Outemu Red 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch offers a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, providing a deeper and richer auditory experience during key presses. This creates a satisfying sound that can enhance the overall gaming atmosphere. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Red linear switch is unknown, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience. This results in a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation, enhancing the overall tactile feedback for the user. The Outemu Red switch's feel is unknown, so it is hard to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, if the Gateron switch provides a buttery and creamy feel, users can expect a similar smooth typing experience with the Outemu Red switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch stands out for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, along with its buttery and creamy feel, providing users with a premium gaming experience at an affordable price point. While the sound and feel qualities of the Outemu Red linear switch are unknown, based on the features of the Gateron switch, users can anticipate a similar level of sound richness and typing smoothness. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so users should consider their personal preferences and requirements when choosing between the two.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch or the Outemu Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a lighter switch with a faster response time and competitive advantage in gaming, the G Pro 3.0 Silver with its 50g bottom out force and shorter travel distance may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch with a medium bottom out force and are less concerned about specific sound and feel characteristics, the Outemu Red switch could be a suitable option. Consider your gaming or typing needs, as well as any desired sound or feel preferences, when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, the choice between the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Outemu Red switch will depend on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.