Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Akko Rosewood both offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences, particularly in gaming and typing experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is designed for gamers, featuring a short travel distance of just 3.4mm that results in rapid actuation, allowing players to achieve peak performance in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Additionally, the vibrant RGB lighting and medium-high pitch sound add an exhilarating auditory dimension to the experience, making each keystroke feel both satisfying and responsive. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switches provide a more tactile experience, delivering a deep, thocky sound that many typists find pleasing, thanks to a beneficial layer of factory-applied lubricant. This makes the Rosewood switches ideal for those who prioritize a satisfying sound and feel while typing. While both switches offer unique benefits, 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Akko Rosewood switches, while both utilizing nylon for their bottom housings, present distinctive contrasts in their top housing materials that influence their overall sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing that is designed to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper acoustic feedback. This is due to polycarbonate's stiff nature, which contributes to a more resonant sound profile. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances compatibility with RGB lighting effects, allowing for visually appealing illumination through the switch's housing. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood boasts a top housing made out of nylon, which traditionally yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics absorb more sound, resulting in a quieter, more rounded acoustic experience when typing.
When focusing on the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Akko Rosewood utilize nylon, which is a classic material in mechanical switch construction. This choice results in a similar deep and full sound profile for both switches when the key is bottomed out. The nylon's inherent ability to dampen sound leads to a more muted and subdued auditory feedback, creating a consistent feel during typing. Therefore, while the top housings diverge significantly in terms of material and sound characteristics, the bottom housings align to provide a base that promotes a comforting, well-rounded acoustic output that typists will appreciate.
In terms of user experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver and Akko Rosewood offer a blend of contrasting auditory profiles influenced by their housing materials. The combination of the polycarbonate top housing in the G Pro 3.0 Silver, which injects brightness and clarity, with the deeper sound produced by its nylon bottom housing creates a unique interplay between the two materials. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood maintains a consistent acoustic quality with its all-nylon construction, delivering a smooth, heavy feel across the board. While the sound and feel characteristics may differ at the point of actuation and release due to the disparate top materials, both switches ultimately achieve gratifying typing experiences by balancing a firm bottom-out feel provided by the nylon housing. This distinctive interaction between the top and bottom materials influences how each switch responds, making them appealing choices for different preferences in sound and feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, we see both similarities and differences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Rosewood is notably lighter at 40 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that, despite the differences in actuation forces, both will feel equally substantial when pressed all the way down. This means that typists who prefer lighter switches for longer typing sessions may find the Rosewood to be more comfortable, while those who appreciate a bit more resistance might lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Silver. Ultimately, those selecting between the two will find that while both switches have their merits, the Rosewood offers a lighter actuation feel, catering to those who favor a softer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, notable differences emerge. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Akko Rosewood's 4 mm travel distance. This means that for gamers or users who prioritize rapid response times, the G Pro 3.0 Silver may offer an advantage in terms of quick key actuations. Conversely, the Akko Rosewood's longer travel distance provides a more traditional and hearty feel, which some users may prefer for its more substantial feedback. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in key presses.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 considering sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer a rich auditory experience characterized by a low-pitched and thocky tone. This deeper, bassy quality provides a satisfying thud with each keystroke, enhancing the overall gaming or typing experience. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches provide a distinctly deeper and thocky sound profile, which is particularly satisfying due to a factory-applied lubricant that contributes to a more refined acoustic signature. While both switches deliver a gratifying sound, the exact pitch and resonance can vary based on the keyboard and keycap choice, adding an additional layer of personalization to your setup.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches excel with their buttery and creamy tactile experience. They offer a smooth keystroke that feels fluid and effortless, allowing for rapid key presses without any hindrance. This characteristic makes them particularly appealing for competitive gaming, where speed is crucial. The Akko Rosewood switches, while not extensively described, are known to provide a satisfying feel that aligns well with their acoustic qualities. Both switches aim to ensure a pleasant typing experience, although specifics regarding the tactile feedback of the Rosewood switches are not available.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Akko Rosewood switches provide distinct auditory experiences characterized by low-pitched, thocky sounds that contribute to an engaging keyboard environment. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver is lauded for its smooth, buttery feel, the Rosewood’s tactile qualities remain less defined. Ultimately, your choice may come down to personal preference in sound and the desired typing experience, as both switches offer qualities that will satisfy gamers and typists alike.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Akko Rosewood linear switches largely depends on your primary use case and personal preferences. If you're a gamer looking for rapid response times, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the way to go, thanks to its shorter travel distance and light actuation force, allowing for swift keystrokes that can enhance your competitive edge. Additionally, the versatility of RGB compatibility adds a fun aesthetic to your gaming setup. On the other hand, if you're more focused on an enjoyable typing experience with a satisfying audio feedback, the Akko Rosewood is likely your best option. Its innate thocky sound profile and buttery keystroke, complemented by factory lubrication, make it ideal for typing, allowing for a pleasurable and rich auditory sensation. Ultimately, choose the G Pro 3.0 Silver for speed and gaming prowess, and the Akko Rosewood for a gratifying sound and typing experience.
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