Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Embark on a gaming odyssey with the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver, a linear switch, and the Kailh Plum, a tactile switch. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is best known for its exceptional value and gaming experience, offering a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm for lightning-fast responsiveness. With vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch that adds an exhilarating auditory element, this switch is perfect for gamers on a budget. On the other hand, the Plum stands out with its unique combination of weightiness and minimal tactile bump. Its neutral and enjoyable sound profile adds to the typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 the Kailh Plum share a similar housing material for their top housings - polycarbonate. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize a clear and resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switches. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and lighting when comparing these two switches.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Plum differ slightly, with the former utilizing a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its relatively softer nature, nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This can be advantageous for those seeking a quieter typing experience. However, it's worth noting that the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Kailh Plum provide a similar sound experience with their polycarbonate top housings, producing a sharp and crisp sound profile. The G Pro 3.0 Silver stands out with its nylon bottom housing, offering a deeper and fuller sound when typing, thanks to its sound-absorbing properties. Meanwhile, the Plum's nylon bottom housing emphasizes a quieter typing experience. Nonetheless, for those primarily concerned with the sound and lighting during key presses, both switches are likely to deliver comparable results due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that it requires a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke, making it well-suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Plum switch's actuation force is unavailable, but its bottom out force is 70 grams, which falls into the medium-heavy category. This indicates that it requires a bit more force to trigger a keystroke and has a more substantial typing experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver.
For those who value a lighter switch, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the preferred choice. Its lower actuation force allows for comfortable and potentially longer typing sessions, making it suitable for both work and gaming purposes. However, if a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience are desired, the Kailh Plum tactile switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force would be the better option.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force compared to the Kailh Plum tactile switch. While the specific actuation force of the Plum switch is unavailable, its heavier bottom out force suggests a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, each option caters to different preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver offering a lighter touch and the Plum providing a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is the longer of the two switches, providing a more traditional and deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Plum offers a shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers seeking faster response times. This shorter distance allows for quicker keystrokes and potential advantages in competitive gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the desired level of 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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 switch is known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The low-pitched nature of the switch adds a mellow and bass-heavy tone to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Plum switch has a neutral sound profile, providing a moderate sound that is suitable for various purposes. The sound of both switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation, allowing for seamless and effortless typing. The creamy sensation is akin to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, the Plum switch provides a more mild typing experience, offering a gentle feel that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Stepped switches, a category the Plum falls into, provide a mild tactile sensation with pre-travel and/or post-travel elements.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch stands out for its bassy and low-pitched sound profile, as well as its buttery and creamy feel. These switches are particularly well-suited for gamers looking to enhance their gaming experience with fast responsiveness and vibrant RGB lighting. The Plum switch, on the other hand, offers a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience, making it suitable for a wide range of users. While the subjective qualities of the switches differ, both can provide satisfying results depending on individual preferences and usage scenarios.
Conclusion
In closing, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is an excellent choice for gamers looking for a budget-friendly option that provides lightning-fast responsiveness. With a shorter travel distance and a light bottom out force of 50 grams, these switches offer unmatched value and can give you a competitive advantage in gaming. The G Pro 3.0 Silver also features a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, providing an enhanced auditory element to your gaming sessions. The feel of these switches is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience.
On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch is ideal for those who prefer a more weighted typing experience. With a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, these switches offer a unique tactile sensation without a huge tactile bump. The Plum switches have a neutral sound profile, making them suitable for various purposes and environments. The feel of the Plum switches is described as mild and stepped, providing a gentle typing experience with a mild tactile feedback.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch depends on your preferences and priorities. If you prioritize lightning-fast responsiveness, budget-friendliness, and a buttery, creamy typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the way to go. However, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a unique tactile sensation and a neutral sound profile, the Plum switches are a great option. Consider your gaming or typing style, your desired sound profile, and the level of tactile feedback you prefer when making your decision.
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