Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your gaming and typing experience. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches, celebrated for their lightning-fast responsiveness and shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, are an ideal pick for gamers seeking a competitive edge. These linear switches provide a smooth, unobtrusive keystroke complemented by a vibrant RGB lighting setup, delivering both visual flair and a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches employ a unique hall effect mechanism that combines a pleasingly smooth operation with a deeper sound profile. Ideal for typists and keyboard enthusiasts looking for a balanced and precise experience, these switches also offer versatility by being fully compatible with Wooting's innovative keyboards, enhancing their overall appeal. While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver excels in speed and affordability, the Rice Pudding stands out for its smoothness and compatibility. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Everglide Rice Pudding both utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which contributes to a similar sound profile for both switches. The polycarbonate material gives them a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, largely due to its stiffer nature that promotes clarity and resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced lighting effects, especially noticeable when RGB lighting is implemented. As both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, users can expect comparable visual aesthetics and audio characteristics when using either switch.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the G Pro 3.0 Silver and Rice Pudding present a divergence in their acoustic profiles. Both switches incorporate nylon in their bottom housing, which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs some sound waves, resulting in a rounder and more muted acoustic experience compared to the stiffer top housing. This interplay between the hard polycarbonate top and the softer nylon bottom means that while the switches share certain sound traits, the overall auditory experience will be influenced by how these two materials interact during typing.
Thus, while both switches share similarities in their acoustic profiles due to the use of the same materials for their top and bottom housings, the nuanced differences in sound can manifest during use. Users pressing the switches will feel the responsive clarity from the polycarbonate top and the muffled warmth from the nylon bottom. Ultimately, even with the same materials leading to similar sound outcomes, the specific combination of materials in the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Everglide Rice Pudding fosters a unique typing experience and auditory signature for each, distinctively felt at the point of actuation and bottom-out.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Rice Pudding features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Rice Pudding is lighter overall, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, as less force is required to actuate each keystroke. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver, while still categorized as light, offers a slightly heavier feel, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Thus, if you prioritize a lighter touch for comfort, the Rice Pudding switch would be the better choice; however, if you appreciate a stronger push, the G Pro 3.0 Silver serves well.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Silver the shorter option, appealing to gamers and users who prefer faster response times due to its more compact actuation. Conversely, the Rice Pudding switch, with its 3.5 mm travel distance, may provide a more pronounced and satisfying tactile experience for those who appreciate a deeper key press. This slight difference signifies that while both switches offer relatively short travel distances, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is better suited for those prioritizing quickness, whereas the Rice Pudding may cater to users seeking a fuller depth in their keystrokes.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 switch features a bassy and low-pitched profile, producing a deep and rich auditory experience that many gamers find satisfying. The thocky characteristic of these switches creates a "thud" or soft "knock" sound on each key press, adding an exhilarating element to gaming sessions. In comparison, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch is not specifically described in terms of sound, leaving its auditory qualities somewhat ambiguous. However, lightly experimenting with different audio outputs and keycap materials can still yield a tailored sound profile regardless.
Regarding feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is celebrated for its buttery and creamy typing experience, which provides users with a seamlessly smooth and uniform keystroke sensation. The effortless transition between key presses makes it ideal for gamers who require rapid input. The Everglide Rice Pudding switch’s feel is not explicitly detailed, so it's unclear how it compares in this arena. Nonetheless, users may find both switches provide a pleasant typing experience, though the G Pro Silver has a distinct edge in terms of its described smoothness.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer a combination of deep sound qualities and a buttery feel that can enhance both gaming and typing experiences, making them a solid choice for enthusiasts. While the Everglide Rice Pudding switch possesses potential, its attributes remain largely unknown. Therefore, if sound and tactile feedback are your primary concerns, the G Pro 3.0 Silver stands out as a reliable option while the Rice Pudding switch may require further exploration to fully understand its performance characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switches and Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switches ultimately hinges on your specific typing or gaming needs. If you are primarily a gamer seeking rapid response and competitive performance, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are an excellent option due to their lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, and innovative design that enhances RGB lighting, delivering a visually striking experience. Their buttery and creamy feel, coupled with a low-pitched, thocky sound profile, adds to the excitement of fast-paced gaming. On the other hand, if you value a nuanced typing experience and seek versatility, particularly if you're considering a setup with Wooting’s keyboards, the Everglide Rice Pudding switches would suit you better. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force of 48 grams, these switches are designed to provide a smooth and satisfying feel, making them an appealing choice for typists and enthusiasts alike. They blend performance with aesthetic appeal, offering a more balanced sound and feel that caters to both casual typing and extensive typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize gaming responsiveness or a more well-rounded typing experience.
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