Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Huano Strawberry Latte stand out as two compelling linear options, each catering to different preferences and priorities. The G Pro 3.0 Silver excels in delivering an exceptional gaming experience, characterized by its shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, which offers rapid responsiveness crucial for competitive play. Additionally, its visually striking RGB capabilities and lively auditory profile make it a popular choice for gamers looking to enhance both performance and aesthetics. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte shines with its smooth operation, appealing to users who appreciate a balanced sound profile that avoids harshness while still providing satisfying feedback. This switch caters to users who might prioritize a quiet typing experience without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, while both switches present unique advantages, they cater to different types of users and gaming styles. 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
45g
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
POK
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Huano Strawberry Latte switches showcase distinct differences in their top housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a more resonant and clear acoustic quality, allowing for better sound projection, particularly vital for those who prioritize audible feedback in their typing experience. Additionally, polycarbonate’s translucency enhances RGB lighting effects, making it a suitable choice for users who enjoy visual aesthetics alongside auditory enjoyment. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which possesses a smoother feel due to its low friction coefficient. While it may create a less piercing sound than polycarbonate, the enhanced durability and luxurious typing experience afforded by POK material balance this difference, giving users a combination of smoothness and clackiness.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to similarities in the sound profile and tactile experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, resulting in a deeper and fuller bottom-out sound. This shared characteristic between the G Pro 3.0 Silver and Strawberry Latte helps deliver a consistent and rich auditory feedback when key presses bottom out. As both switches employ nylon for this integral part of their designs, users will experience a depth of sound that aligns closely, regardless of the varying top housing materials. Thus, while the top housings of the switches may impart unique qualities to the typing experience, the nylon bottoms provide a common foundation that influences the overall acoustic profile.
Furthermore, the contrast in top housing materials of the G Pro 3.0 Silver and Strawberry Latte suggests potential trade-offs in the typing experience but does not diminish the quality users can find in either switch. The polycarbonate top housing offers an advantage in terms of clarity and responsiveness, making it potentially preferable for gamers or typists seeking distinct keystrokes. Conversely, the POK material's smoothness and durability combine to create a comfortable typing experience, likely appealing to those who prioritize ease of use over sharp sound differentiation. Ultimately, while the materials vary substantially, the synergy created by the nylon bottom housing helps to unify the sound profile, providing consistent results across both switches, making them desirable for different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Silver requires an actuation force of 45 grams and bottoms out at 50 grams, while the Strawberry Latte offers a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Strawberry Latte a lighter switch overall, which may appeal to typists and gamers looking for a more comfortable experience during extended use. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Silver's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a more substantial typing feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback. Thus, those seeking a lighter switch for longer typing sessions might gravitate towards the Strawberry Latte, while those who appreciate a stronger key press might opt for the G Pro 3.0 Silver.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, the G Pro 3.0 Silver features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Strawberry Latte has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile feel, which some users prefer for an overall deeper keypress experience. If you're looking for responsiveness, the G Pro 3.0 Silver could be the optimal choice, but if you enjoy a more pronounced depth, the Strawberry Latte might be the better fit.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 switches are characterized by a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky profile. They produce a deep and rich auditory experience with a comforting thud upon key press, which many users find satisfying, especially during gaming sessions. This sound is ideal for those who appreciate a more profound auditory feedback when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches maintain a balanced sound profile; they aren't overly quiet or excessively resonant, offering a more moderated auditory experience. Together, these switches cater to different preferences, with the G Pro Silver leaning towards a fuller, more pronounced sound, whereas the Strawberry Latte strikes a middle ground.
Regarding feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches provide a buttery and creamy keystroke experience. This smoothness allows for effortless typing, making them suitable for fast-paced gaming where quick response times are crucial. The sensations of gliding and fluidity make each keystroke enjoyable and can reduce finger fatigue during longer typing sessions. On the other hand, the specifics of the feel for the Strawberry Latte switches remain unknown; thus, it's challenging to provide a direct comparison based on tactile feedback. The known characteristics of the G Pro Silver suggest that they might appeal to those who prioritize a smooth and luxurious touch.
In summary, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are defined by their bassy, deep sound and exceptionally smooth feel, the Huano Strawberry Latte switches offer a more balanced auditory experience, though their tactile characteristics are less clear. If you prefer a more immersive sound with a sumptuous feel, the G Pro Silver may be your go-to option. However, if a moderate sound profile is more appealing to you, and you're open to exploration regarding feel, the Strawberry Latte could be worth considering. Each switch provides a unique experience, and ultimately, your choice will depend on your specific preferences and typing habits.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're primarily a gamer looking for rapid response times and a competitive edge, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the way to go. Its shorter travel distance of 3.4mm and light actuation force of 50 grams enable swift keystrokes, enhancing your gaming experience. Additionally, its bassy and thocky sound profile adds a satisfying auditory dimension to your gameplay. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and enjoyable typing experience for long hours of use, consider the Huano Strawberry Latte. With an even lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams and a balanced sound profile that is neither too quiet nor too loud, this switch is designed for comfort and pleasant feedback during extended typing sessions. In summary, choose the G Pro 3.0 Silver for gaming superiority and excitement, while opting for the Strawberry Latte will reward you with a delightful and effortless typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
