Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Durock Sea Glass 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 that offers unmatched value and delivers an exceptional gaming experience. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness, giving you a competitive advantage. The vibrant RGB lighting, enhanced by the frosted light diffuser, illuminates your gaming setup, while the medium-high pitch adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions. On the other hand, we have the Durock Sea Glass, another linear switch that stands out with its captivating selection of five pastel colors. These switches emanate a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness due to their proprietary material blend. Despite their 62g bottom-out force, they possess a weightlessness that defies expectations and offer a uniquely hollow sound signature. Both switches have their own unique qualities, but with the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver offering unmatched value and the Durock Sea Glass providing a distinct typing experience, it's important to dive in deeper beyond generalities to determine the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Durock Sea Glass differ in their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Sea Glass boasts a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE. In terms of sound profile, the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Silver creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. On the other hand, the Sea Glass's polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend offers a more pleasant sound profile that is slightly on the brighter side. While both switches provide distinct sound characteristics, they cater to different preferences with the G Pro 3.0 Silver leaning towards a sharper sound and the Sea Glass offering a brighter tone.
Turning to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes nylon, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. In contrast, the Sea Glass employs a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its bottom housing. This unique blend also offers a pleasing sound profile that is not particularly sharp but still possesses a touch of brightness. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, allowing users to experience a different tactile sensation with each switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Durock Sea Glass showcase different materials, they both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become noticeable, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel. In contrast, the top housing is more impactful when releasing a key and influences the sound produced in this instance. While both switches offer distinct experiences due to their housing materials, users can still expect similar results in terms of overall sound quality and responsiveness.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both. This ensures that users can expect a consistent and responsive typing experience regardless of the switch they choose.
However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a notable distinction. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is lighter compared to the Durock Sea Glass linear switch with a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch offers a slightly softer and smoother typing experience when fully pressing down the keys, while the Sea Glass switch provides a more substantial and tactile feel due to the heavier force required.
Weight considerations play a crucial role in deciding which switch is more suitable for individual preferences. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience might lean towards the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch, as it allows for extended typing periods without causing fatigue. This is particularly beneficial for those who frequently use their keyboards for work or long gaming sessions.
On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more pronounced and forceful keystroke sensation may gravitate towards the Durock Sea Glass switch. Its heavier bottom out force provides a satisfying push feel, enhancing the overall typing experience for those who appreciate a bit more resistance.
In conclusion, while both switches share the same actuation force, the difference in bottom out force sets them apart. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a lighter typing experience with a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Durock Sea Glass provides a medium-level resistance with a bottom out force of 62 grams. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preferences and the desired typing sensation.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8mm. The G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper press when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Sea Glass offers a slightly shallower travel distance, which can be favored by gamers seeking faster response times. Both options offer a respectable travel distance, ensuring a satisfying keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and whether you prioritize a deeper or shallower key press.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 known for their bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profiles. When pressed, these switches emit a deeper and richer tone with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Sea Glass switches, on the other hand, do not have a specific sound characterization mentioned. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. Therefore, it is likely that the Sea Glass switches will have their own distinct sound signature, but without specific information available, it is difficult to compare them directly to the G Pro 3.0 Silver in terms of sound.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are described as buttery and creamy. These descriptors indicate that these switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. The typing sensation is seamless, effortless, and uniform. The Sea Glass switches, on the other hand, are characterized as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press. This suggests that the Sea Glass switches provide a typing experience that is extremely smooth and effortless, with minimal resistance or friction. They offer a gentle typing experience that stands in a safe middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users. The light actuation force of the Sea Glass switches also reduces finger fatigue, making them comfortable for extended typing sessions. Overall, both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Sea Glass switches aim to provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience, albeit with different qualities and characteristics.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches and the Durock Sea Glass switches offer subjective qualities in sound and feel that have distinct differences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are known for their bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profiles, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. In terms of feel, these switches are described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches have not been specifically characterized in terms of sound, but are described as frictionless, mild, feathery, and easy-to-press in terms of feel. They provide an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. While the specific sound and feel of the Sea Glass switches may vary, it is likely that they will provide similar results of smooth and enjoyable typing experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Sea Glass switches will depend on personal preference and the desired sound and feel characteristics for the user.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers lightning-fast responsiveness and exceptional gaming performance, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is the way to go. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams and shorter travel distance, these switches provide a competitive advantage and a satisfying auditory element to your gaming sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct dryness, wispiness, and airiness in your typing experience, the Durock Sea Glass switch series is a captivating choice. Despite its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, these switches possess a weightlessness and frictionless nature that defies expectations. With a uniquely hollow sound signature, typing on the Sea Glass switches is a truly exciting experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on your priorities and preferences in terms of gaming performance, auditory feedback, and typing feel. Consider your needs and personal preferences to make the decision that best suits you.
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