Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is a linear switch ideal for gamers looking for lightning-fast responsiveness and a competitive edge. With a shorter travel distance and vibrant RGB lighting, this switch provides an exceptional gaming experience at an affordable price. On the other hand, the Smoothie stands out for its all-POM construction, delivering a thocky sound signature and remarkable smoothness. It's perfect for those seeking a quieter and more lightweight typing experience. 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
40g
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
3.60 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
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Smoothie both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Smoothie's POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Smoothie's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and more muted sound. These differences in housing materials result in varied typing experiences for users of each switch.
Despite their differences, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Smoothie provide users with a unique sound experience based on their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing, while the Smoothie opts for POM. The G Pro 3.0 Silver's top housing offers a clear and resonant sound due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, whereas the Smoothie's POM top housing produces a pleasing, deeper sound profile. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Silver creates a fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie contributes to a more muted sound.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Smoothie ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The G Pro 3.0 Silver's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Smoothie's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound experience. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a fuller sound, in contrast to the POM bottom housing of the Smoothie, which contributes to a deeper sound profile. Overall, both switches offer unique typing experiences based on their housing materials, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we see distinct differences in their weight requirements. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Smoothie's 40 grams, making the G Pro 3.0 Silver slightly heavier in this aspect. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver requiring 50 grams and the Smoothie force being unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Smoothie might be the preferred choice due to its lighter actuation force. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Silver with its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Gateron Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver. The difference may not be significant, but it can still impact the feel and response of the switch. For those who prefer a quicker response time, the G Pro 3.0 Silver with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a little extra depth and feedback in your key presses, the Gateron Smoothie's longer travel distance might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming needs of the user.
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 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 Smoothie for $2.60.
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, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch provide a thocky and low-pitched auditory experience. The G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a bassy sound profile, adding a deeper and richer tone during key presses, enhancing the overall gaming immersion. On the other hand, the Smoothie switch brings a more subdued sound, which dampens the overall noise level while still maintaining a satisfying thocky sound signature. The choice between them would ultimately come down to personal preference and the setup of your keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Smoothie switches offer a buttery and creamy typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that provides a seamless and effortless typing experience, making long gaming or typing sessions comfortable and enjoyable. Additionally, the Smoothie switch introduces a silky typing feel, ensuring minimal resistance when pressing and releasing keys, further enhancing the smoothness of the typing experience. Whether you prefer the slightly different feel between the switches would depend on your personal preference for typing feedback.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch offer excellent qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a bassy sound and a buttery typing feel, the Smoothie switch offers a subdued sound and a silky typing experience. Ultimately, both switches deliver a high-quality performance that will satisfy both gaming enthusiasts and typists. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a premium experience that enhances your overall keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and intended use. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a light bottom out force and a shorter travel distance specifically tailored for gaming, then the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the way to go. The G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a more bassy and low-pitched sound profile, along with a buttery and creamy typing experience, making it ideal for gamers seeking fast responsiveness and audible feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize a thocky sound signature, smoothness, and a lightweight touch, the Gateron Smoothie is a great choice. The Smoothie provides a subdued sound profile and a thocky typing experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy a softer sound and a silky typing feel. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths, so consider your preferences and needs to make the best decision for your keyboard setup.
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