Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie represent two compelling options within the linear switch category, each catering to distinct user preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is celebrated for its superior gaming performance, featuring a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm that enhances its responsiveness and provides gamers with a distinct competitive edge. With vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch sound profile that adds an exhilarating auditory element, it’s an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for both performance and aesthetics. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers an exceptional smoothness thanks to its all-POM construction, delivering a satisfying thocky sound profile that appeals to those who prioritize typing pleasure alongside value. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver may be favored by gamers for its speed, the Sea Salt Smoothie stands out for its luxurious feel and sound design. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, the differences in their housing materials significantly affect their sound profiles and overall user experience. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffness offers a more resonant quality, making it ideal for users seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which produces a deeper, more muted sound. The inherent material properties of POM generate a warmer and softer auditory experience. Aesthetically, while the G Pro’s translucent polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through brilliantly, the Sea Salt’s POM top results in a more subdued light effect, impacting visual aesthetics depending on user preferences.
The bottom housings of these switches also present interesting contrasts. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, which is well-known in the world of mechanical switches for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a duller, rounder auditory experience when bottoming out the keys. In comparison, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM bottom housing claims a similar effect, boasting a unique sound profile that leans toward the muted side. However, the qualities of nylon and POM differ; while both contribute to a deeper sound experience, nylon's classic presence positions it as a staple in traditional switch design, whereas POM is regarded for its modern, refined characteristics.
When pressed, each switch's sound and feel are heavily influenced by the combination of top and bottom housings. For the G Pro 3.0 Silver, the polycarbonate upper lends itself to a bright sound upon releasing the key, while the nylon bottom enriches the feel and sound when bottoming out. Conversely, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s harmonious pairing of POM in both housing components creates a seamless auditory profile that is more subdued throughout. If a user desires similar results in auditory feedback, they may gravitate towards the Sea Salt Smoothie for a consistent muted experience, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver will suit those who prefer a crisper sound when releasing the key, showcasing how even subtle differences in materials can yield distinctly different user experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, notable differences can be observed in their actuation forces. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option, while the Sea Salt Smoothie requires a slightly stronger actuation force of 48 grams. This difference suggests that the G Pro 3.0 Silver could be more suitable for users who prefer longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue, while those who favor a more substantial feel might lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 has a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a clear definition of when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, leaving users to speculate about its overall resistance. In summary, if you prefer a lighter switch that allows for extended use, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is a better option, while the Sea Salt Smoothie, though heavier in actuation force, may give a different tactile experience due to its unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference in travel distance highlights that the G Pro 3.0 Silver may provide a more responsive typing experience, which is often favored by gamers who seek quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie’s longer travel distance could be appreciated by those who prefer a more substantial and deeper typing feedback. Thus, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is ideal for users looking to enhance their gaming performance with faster response times, while the Sea Salt Smoothie might appeal to those who enjoy a more deliberate and pronounced keystroke feel.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 delivers a rich auditory experience with its low-pitched and thocky profile. The bassy nature of this switch results in deeper tones that create a satisfying sound during key presses, often described as a soft "thud." This can enhance the immersive quality of gaming or typing by providing a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch lacks a complete description of its sound profile, leaving room for exploration. The auditory experience may vary based on keyboard configuration and choice of keycaps, making it difficult to directly compare the two without additional details.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver shines with its buttery and creamy tactile experience. Users can expect a smooth and fluid keystroke that offers a seamless typing sensation—almost gliding over the keys effortlessly. The construction and materials used in the switch contribute to a typing experience that feels luxurious and refined. Meanwhile, the feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie switch is not provided, preventing a direct comparison in how they might function during use.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch excels in both sound and feel, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking responsive and satisfying performance. Its bass-heavy, thocky sound, combined with a buttery tactile experience, offers an enjoyable typing environment. However, without concrete information on the Sea Salt Smoothie, one can only speculate about its qualities. As the auditory and tactile experiences significantly shape the performance of mechanical switches, the G Pro 3.0 Silver stands out, while the Sea Salt Smoothie remains an unknown variable.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, consider the specific experience you desire. If you're primarily a gamer seeking quick reflexes and vibrant RGB lighting, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the clear choice, thanks to its lighter 50-gram actuation force and shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, allowing for rapid key presses that can give you an edge in competitive scenarios. Its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, coupled with a buttery feel, makes gaming both immersive and satisfying. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a more traditional typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie could be more appealing. Although its bottom-out force remains unspecified, it is designed to provide a thocky sound and exceptional smoothness—the perfect combination for those who enjoy a pleasant auditory feedback and a tactile, creamy typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value competitive gaming performance or the pleasure of a soothing, fluid typing experience.
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