Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Huano Sakura
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Huano Sakura switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly influence your typing and gaming experience, especially when comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Huano Sakura, both of which are linear switches. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is designed to cater specifically to gamers, boasting a shorter travel distance of just 3.4mm which contributes to its exceptional responsiveness and can give users a competitive edge in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Additionally, the switch's medium-high pitch sound adds a thrilling auditory element, making your gaming sessions even more immersive while enhancing your setup with vibrant RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switches prioritize comfort and usability, featuring a feather-light touch that makes them ideal for protracted typing sessions, while maintaining medium acoustics for a balanced auditory experience. Both switches have their unique selling points—whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness for gaming or comfort for extended use, there's a reason to favor each option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Huano Sakura switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their acoustic characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. The polycarbonate material’s translucency also allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making it visually striking during use. In contrast, the Sakura employs a POK material (polyketone) for its top housing, which is recognized for providing a smooth typing experience thanks to its lower friction coefficient and high durability. While both materials aim to enhance sound and feel during use, the polycarbonate construction of the G Pro 3.0 Silver favors a more resonant and high-pitched sound, whereas the POK of the Sakura contributes to a smooth and clacky sound.
Both switches use nylon for their bottom housings, which allows for an interesting comparison. Nylon is characterized as a softer plastic, known to absorb sound effectively, thereby producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience. As both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and Sakura utilize nylon in their lower housings, typing on either switch delivers similar acoustic qualities at the bottom end, offering a rounded sound profile. This shared bottom housing creates an essential link between the two switches; regardless of the differences in their top housings, the nylon material ensures that when bottomed out, users will experience a satisfying, deeper sound that is consistent across both switch types.
When considering the overall switch performance, it’s important to recognize how the distinct materials used in the top and bottom housings interact to produce the final auditory result. The G Pro 3.0 Silver’s polycarbonate top contributes to its clear, resonant sound when the key is released, while the nylon bottom provides that rounded fullness on bottoming out. Meanwhile, the Sakura’s POK top offers a smooth experience while still benefiting from the nylon bottom’s deep acoustics. Ultimately, while the switches differ in their top housing materials and sound profiles, their shared nylon bottom characteristics ensure that they both deliver satisfying, rounded audio feedback during key presses, producing a harmonious blend of sound that highlights each switch's unique qualities.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Silver requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sakura switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Huano Sakura switch is generally easier to press and may be more suited for longer typing sessions or extended gaming, where less finger fatigue is desirable. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a slightly heavier feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience or for a more substantial push. Overall, those who favor a lighter switch should opt for the Huano Sakura, while those who appreciate a heavier feel might find the G Pro 3.0 Silver more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Sakura measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the shorter of the two switches, offering a more responsive feel that many gamers seek for quicker key presses. Conversely, the Sakura's longer travel distance caters to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke, which can result in a more satisfying typing experience for some users. While both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, the choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and key feedback.
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 Huano Sakura comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches exhibit a rich and robust profile. They are characterized as having a low-pitched, bassy quality that produces a satisfying thocky sound upon actuation, akin to a deep thud or gentle knock, which can create an immersive auditory experience, especially during gaming. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura switch lacks a specific sound profile provided in this context, making it difficult to draw any comparisons or determine how it might differ from the G Pro 3.0 Silver in that regard. The sound produced by any mechanical switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used, so those factors should be considered as well.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer a notably smooth and seamless experience. They're described as buttery and creamy, indicating an effortlessly fluid keystroke that provides an enjoyable typing or gaming sensation. This smoothness lends itself well to both rapid key presses and extended typing sessions, minimizing any potential fatigue. There is no provided information on how the Huano Sakura linear switches feel, leaving us without a direct comparison for this quality. The tactile feedback and overall sensation under the fingers may vary greatly depending on unknown characteristics of the Sakura switch.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches excel in sound with their deep and thocky auditory signature, alongside a smooth feel characterized as buttery and creamy, the Huano Sakura switches present an unknown in both sound and feel quality. If you're seeking a responsive and enjoyable typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are a strong choice, though the Huano Sakura may still be viable depending on undisclosed qualities that could cater to personal preferences. Ultimately, if you decide on the G Pro 3.0 Silver, you can anticipate a delightful combination of auditory and tactile feedback, while the performance of the Sakura switches remains to be explored.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Huano Sakura linear switches largely hinges on your specific use-case preferences. If you are primarily a gamer seeking rapid response times and a competitive edge, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the way to go. With its shorter travel distance of 3.4mm and a slightly higher bottom-out force, it delivers a buttery, smooth feel that enhances your gaming experience, while its bassy and thocky sound profile contributes to an immersive atmosphere. On the other hand, if you find yourself engaging in lengthy typing sessions and desire a switch that can ease finger fatigue, the Huano Sakura might be more suitable for you. With its lighter 45-gram bottom-out force and more subtle acoustics, the Sakura offers a delightful typing experience that promotes comfort without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you're prioritizing gaming prowess or extended typing comfort, each switch catering distinctly to those needs.
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