Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Smoothie Silver 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 Smoothie Silver both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is a linear switch best known for its budget-friendly price point and exceptional gaming performance. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, these switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness, making them ideal for competitive gaming. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver is also a linear switch known for its smoothness and feather-light touch. These switches offer a thocky sound and short travel distance for quick actuation. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver is ideal for gamers looking for a budget-friendly option with a focus on speed and responsiveness, the Smoothie Silver is perfect for those who prioritize smoothness and lightness in their 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Smoothie Silver differ in terms of their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which creates a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver uses a POM top housing, resulting in a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and more muted. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing is better suited for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches also exhibit differences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the Smoothie Silver utilizes a POM bottom housing, which also creates a pleasing and unique sound that is deep and muted. Despite these differences, both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches when pressed down.
While the top and bottom housings of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Smoothie Silver differ in material composition, they both aim to provide an optimal typing experience. The qualities of the top and bottom housings work together to create a harmonious sound profile, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a role in the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in material, both switches ultimately offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, we see that both have an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Smoothie Silver's bottom out force is unknown. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is considered lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a more substantial typing feel, which may be preferred by some users. In terms of actuation force, both switches provide similar results with the same required force to trigger a keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch have a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, both switches will offer a similar tactile experience in terms of the distance the key travels from the top to the bottom. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 or the Smoothie Silver, you can expect consistent and reliable performance with a travel distance that provides a satisfying keypress. In terms of travel distance, these two switches are equal in their capabilities.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound characteristics. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile with a mellow and satisfying tone during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch does not have specific information available regarding its sound profile. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is described as providing a buttery and creamy typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke with a seamless and effortless typing sensation. In contrast, there is no specific information available for the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch regarding its feel.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver is known for its bassy and thocky sound profile, as well as its buttery and creamy feel, the Smoothie Silver is celebrated for its all-POM construction, thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and feather-light touch. Ultimately, depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, you should consider your preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a light bottom out force and a shorter travel distance for lightning-fast responsiveness in gaming, the G Pro 3.0 Silver may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a thocky sound, unparalleled smoothness, and a feather-light touch, the Smoothie Silver could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision boils down to personal preference and the specific experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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