Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the SP-Star RedBlue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the SP-Star RedBlue are two popular mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features for different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro lineup, is a linear switch that is specifically designed for gamers. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness, giving gamers a competitive advantage. Additionally, the vibrant RGB lighting and frosted light diffuser enhance the overall gaming setup, while the medium-high pitch adds an exhilarating auditory element to gaming sessions. On the other hand, the RedBlue linear switches are perfect for those who prefer a medium-light typing experience. While they also offer a relatively low-pitched sound profile, they are categorized as more neutral and polished. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
Comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the SP-Star RedBlue, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches incorporating RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound characteristics and visual appeal from these switches.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Silver employs nylon while the RedBlue uses polycarbonate. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. It absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing aligns with the characteristics of the top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile.
These differences highlight how the bottom and top housings influence the overall sound experience of a switch. The G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, creating a deeper and fuller typing experience. In contrast, the RedBlue's polycarbonate top housing affects the sound when releasing a key, enhancing the clarity and resonance. Both switches, however, benefit from using polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a consistent aesthetic appeal and sound profile with RGB lighting.
In summary, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the RedBlue share similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the choice of bottom housing materials sets them apart. The G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound, while the RedBlue's polycarbonate bottom housing aligns with its sharper and crisper sound profile. However, when it comes to aesthetic and sound effects related to key release, both switches offer similar results due to their polycarbonate top housings.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch differ in terms of weight. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a relatively lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In comparison, the RedBlue switch does not disclose its actuation force, but it has a higher bottom out force of 57 grams, making it slightly heavier than the G Pro 3.0 Silver.
For those who prefer a lighter feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch would be a suitable choice as its lower actuation and bottom out forces allow for longer typing sessions without causing strain. However, for individuals who desire a stronger push and more substantial typing experience, the RedBlue switch offers a medium-light actuation force that provides a satisfying resistance when pressing down the keys.
Although the exact actuation force of the RedBlue switch is unknown, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is lighter in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces. Therefore, for those seeking a similar lightweight experience as the G Pro 3.0 Silver, the RedBlue switch may yield comparable results. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is 4 mm, while the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch also has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches have the same travel distance of 4 mm, meaning users can expect similar results when pressing down on the keys of both switches. Therefore, there is no significant difference in terms of travel distance between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switches.
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 SP-Star RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 switches are characterized as bassy, low-pitched, and thocky. This means that they offer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, with a lower frequency range resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound is more mellow and bass-heavy compared to higher-pitched switches, and it produces a deep, satisfying thud or knock when the keys are pressed and released. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue switches are also low-pitched, neutral, and thocky. They have a moderate sound profile, suitable for most purposes and users, whether beginners or advanced, and provide a similar deep, rich, and satisfying sound when pressed. Overall, both switches offer a similar sound experience with a low-pitched and thocky profile, providing a pleasant auditory element to your typing or gaming sessions.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are described as buttery and creamy. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The keys glide with ease, offering a silky feeling and effortlessly melting into each keystroke. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue switches are mild and polished. They offer a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The switches feel refined and polished, resulting in a sleek typing experience. Both switches provide a smooth and comfortable typing feel, with the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches emphasizing a buttery and creamy experience, while the SP-Star RedBlue switches focus on a mild and polished feeling.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switches and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switches offer similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. They both produce a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, giving a deep, rich, and satisfying sound during key presses. Additionally, they provide a smooth typing experience, with the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches described as buttery and creamy, while the SP-Star RedBlue switches are mild and polished. Both switches offer a great value and a pleasant typing or gaming experience, allowing you to enjoy the qualities of a high-performance mechanical keyboard without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly switch that offers exceptional gaming performance, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is the choice for you. With its light bottom out force and shorter travel distance, this switch delivers lightning-fast responsiveness, giving you a competitive advantage. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting, creating a visually striking gaming setup. The G Pro 3.0 Silver also provides a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, adding an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience and a switch that is suitable for various purposes, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch is a great option. With a slightly higher bottom out force, this switch offers a gentle typing experience without being too pronounced. It also features a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, providing a mellow and satisfying sound when pressed. Additionally, the RedBlue switch has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch depends on your specific preferences and needs. Both switches excel in their respective areas, providing unique features and characteristics. Whether you prioritize gaming performance or versatility, you can't go wrong with either switch.
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