Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) present two distinct options catering to different preferences and use cases. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is engineered specifically for gamers, featuring a shorter 3.4mm travel distance that allows for rapid key presses and quick response times—an invaluable trait in competitive gaming environments. Its vibrant RGB lighting, enhanced by a frosted diffuser, adds an extra layer of aesthetic appeal, while the medium-high pitch sound provides an exhilarating auditory interaction during gameplay. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a more balanced experience suited for both gamers and typists who value a smooth keystroke and neutral sound signature. Its dustproof stem reduces wobble and delivers a refined tactile sensation, making it an attractive option for those who appreciate a more sophisticated feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver excels in quick responsiveness and visual flair, the Sticky Rice (V2) emphasizes a pleasurable 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material results in a distinctive sound profile characterized by higher pitch and increased clarity, enhancing the auditory experience when typing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a more resonant sound, making it popular among users who appreciate a crisper auditory feedback. Additionally, both switches benefit aesthetically from the translucency of polycarbonate, allowing RGB lighting to shine through and create a visually striking effect. Because both switches feature the same top housing material, users can expect a similar auditory profile when typing, regardless of the specific model.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Sticky Rice (V2) are made of nylon, which carries unique acoustic properties that differ from the polycarbonate used in the top housings. Nylon's softer composition results in a fuller and deeper sound profile. When typing on these switches, the nylon bottom housing absorbs sound more effectively than the harder polycarbonate, imparting a rounder and somewhat muffled feel. This contrasting sound absorption creates a hybrid dynamic between the two materials, where the top housing sharpens the upper sound frequencies while the bottom housing enriches the low frequencies. Consequently, this combination offers a balanced auditory performance that highlights the strengths of each housing material.
Overall, the differing characteristics of the top and bottom housings in both switches result in a well-rounded typing experience. While the crisper, higher-pitched sound from the polycarbonate top housing is notable when the keys are released, the deeper sounds from the nylon bottom housing come into play when bottoming out. This division of acoustic qualities ensures that users enjoying either switch will experience a pleasant blend of tones, maximizing both auditory clarity and sonic fullness. Thus, despite the different manufacturing materials, both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Sticky Rice (V2) achieve complementary acoustics that enrich the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, both have light forces that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sticky Rice (V2) has a slightly lighter actuation force at 40 grams, with the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that users of the Sticky Rice switch may experience a lighter typing experience, making it potentially more comfortable for extended usage, such as long work hours or marathon gaming sessions. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver, with its heavier actuation force, offers a tad more resistance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial push feel when typing. Overall, while both switches have the same bottom out force, the Sticky Rice switch is the lighter option, making it the better choice for those seeking a more effortless typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the G Pro 3.0 Silver the shorter option among the two, providing a more responsive experience that many gamers favor for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its longer travel distance, may offer a sensation of greater depth, which some users might prefer for a more tactile feedback. Although both switches offer relatively short distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, if you seek quicker response times, the G Pro 3.0 Silver may better suit your needs, while the Sticky Rice (V2) allows for a more pronounced keypress 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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 comparing the sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the differences are quite distinct. The G Pro 3.0 Silver produces a notably bassey, low-pitched sound that brings a richness to every keystroke, characterized by a "thocky" auditory signature that many gaming enthusiasts find satisfying. This sound is accentuated by a softer and deeper frequency range that can enhance the gaming experience by delivering an audible response that feels impactful. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Sticky Rice (V2) are less defined in the current insights, which leaves their acoustic qualities somewhat unknown. In essence, users seeking a deep, thocky tone will find the G Pro 3.0 Silver preferable, whereas the auditory feedback of the Sticky Rice (V2) remains an open question.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a uniquely smooth and luxurious typing experience, being described with qualities such as "buttery" and "creamy." This suggests an effortless keystroke where each press feels seamless, allowing for rapid input without hindrance. This smoothness is likely a result of high-quality materials and possibly factory-applied lubrication, making it an excellent choice for both gaming and typing. On the other hand, the feel of the Sticky Rice (V2) remains unspecified in the available information, leaving an intriguing gap for those who might prioritize tactile feedback or other feel-related qualities. Thus, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a pronounced tactile experience, the tactile sensation of the Sticky Rice (V2) remains a mystery.
In conclusion, if sound and feel are crucial criteria for your choice of mechanical switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver clearly stands out for its rich, bassey sound and incredibly smooth keystroke experience, ideal for gaming purposes. The Sticky Rice (V2), while likely appealing for some users, has less specified qualities, leading to uncertainty in performance expectations. If you prefer a switch that offers depth and auditory satisfaction, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the more defined option, whereas the prospects of the Sticky Rice (V2) hold potential but require further exploration to uncover its qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch largely depends on your specific needs and preferences in both gaming and typing experiences. If you are primarily seeking a responsive and fast gaming switch that allows for quick actuation and features a satisfying auditory experience with a richer, low-pitched sound, then the G Pro 3.0 Silver is an excellent option. Its light bottom-out force paired with a shorter travel distance makes it ideal for gamers looking to enhance their performance in competitive situations. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) is the way to go. Its delightful balance of feel and sound, offering that coveted “thock” and a buttery keystroke, will appeal to those who spend extensive time typing and appreciate an overall tactile sensation. In summary, if speed and performance in gaming are your primary focus, choose the G Pro 3.0 Silver; however, if you value a smooth and enjoyable typing experience above all else, then the Sticky Rice (V2) will serve you well.
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