Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g both offer unique advantages tailored to different user preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, renowned for its exceptional value and performance, features a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, making it highly responsive and ideal for gamers seeking a competitive edge. With its medium-high pitch and satisfying auditory feedback, this switch enhances the gaming experience while also supporting vibrant RGB lighting with its frosted light diffuser. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g caters to users who prioritize a serene and quiet typing experience. Engineered for ultra-light engagement with a bottom-out force of just 43g, these switches replicate the soothing sound of raindrops, making them perfect for office environments or peaceful settings. While both switches are linear, their distinct characteristics draw different users to their respective strengths. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches are noteworthy as they utilize different types of plastics for their top and bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer construction. This translucency not only contributes to a more resonant audio experience but also makes the switch particularly appealing for enthusiasts aiming to showcase RGB lighting. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g uses a nylon top housing, providing a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The softer nylon construction absorbs more sound, leading to a less pronounced and rounder tone during keystrokes.
Looking at the bottom housings, there is a reversal in materials used. The G Pro 3.0 Silver's bottom housing is made of nylon, which continues to contribute to a fuller sound profile by absorbing sound vibrations. This means that when keys are bottomed out, the impact is softened, creating a more muted and pleasant auditory response. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, thus injecting more clarity and vibrancy into the bottoming-out sound. This juxtaposition results in a distinct auditory character for both switches, characterized by how the materials interplay with each other during typing.
When combining the characteristics of both switches, it becomes clear that the overall sound and feel will be a blend of the unique properties of their respective housing materials. For the G Pro 3.0 Silver, the sharper top housing balanced with the fuller bottom can create a nuanced sound experience, while in the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, the combination of deeper top and crisper bottom achieves a similar auditory richness. Ultimately, while the switches use different materials that yield contrasting sound profiles, the split contributions of top and bottom housings lead to similar results—both switches can provide engaging and satisfying tactile feedback, albeit through distinctly different acoustic experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, it's clear that there's a noticeable difference in their characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the HMX Silent Sakura requires a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and has a bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the Silent Sakura switch is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer typing for extended periods or engaging in long gaming sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver, being slightly heavier, may appeal to those who favor a more substantial push feel for a satisfying typing experience. Overall, while both switches are classified as light, the HMX Silent Sakura offers a gentler touch, which could cater better to users seeking ease of use, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a slightly firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a distinct difference emerges. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Silent Sakura boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference indicates that the G Pro 3.0 Silver may provide a faster response time, catering to gamers who favor a more immediate activation. In contrast, the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper and more satisfying keystroke experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your preference for either responsiveness or hearty depth in typing 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g 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 considering sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches provide a deep and rich audio experience characterized by their bassy and low-pitched qualities. This translates to an auditory profile that delivers a satisfying thocky sound on each keystroke, reminiscent of a soft knock or muted thud. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura switches are designed for an exceptionally quiet typing experience, likened to gentle raindrops, although specific sound characteristics of the HMX Silent Sakura, such as pitch or tonal quality, remain unspecified. Consequently, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver creates a more pronounced sound, the Silent Sakura focuses on delivering silence, appealing to those who require discretion in their typing environment.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver excels with descriptors such as buttery and creamy, highlighting its smooth, effortless keystroke experience. Users can expect a seamless transition as their fingers glide over the keys, allowing for a fluid typing motion that reduces fatigue during extended sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura's tactile feedback has not been elaborated upon, leaving the feel aspect unknown. This means that while the G Pro 3.0 offers a specific tactile sensation, the experience of the Silent Sakura in this regard cannot yet be assessed.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and HMX Silent Sakura switches cater to distinct user preferences in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a vivacious auditory experience combined with a smooth tactile sensation ideal for gamers and typists seeking responsive feedback. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura is tailored for those who prioritize a quiet typing environment but lacks clear descriptors regarding its sound and feel characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether the user values pronounced sound and responsiveness or seeks a serene, noise-free atmosphere for their typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and usage scenarios. If you are primarily a gamer seeking speed and quick responsiveness, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the ideal choice with its shorter travel distance of 3.4mm and a satisfying thocky sound profile, enhancing your overall gaming experience. Its light 50g bottom out force allows for rapid key presses, which can be critical in competitive settings, while the bassy, low-pitched sound adds an engaging auditory element to your gameplay. On the other hand, if you value a quiet and serene typing environment or you engage in prolonged typing sessions, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g becomes more appealing. Its ultra-light 43g bottom out force is perfect for those who prefer a gentler typing pressure, all while providing a whisper-quiet experience that helps maintain peace in shared spaces. The smooth and buttery feel of the Silent Sakura ensures that your fingers glide effortlessly, making it an excellent option for light typists or those who work in noise-sensitive environments. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize gaming performance and auditory feedback or a quiet and comfortable typing experience.
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