Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) mechanical keyboard switches, both belonging to the linear switch category, one may find themselves torn between two distinct options. The G Pro 3.0 Silver offers lightning-fast responsiveness with its shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, making it ideal for gamers seeking a competitive edge. Additionally, the vibrant RGB lighting and medium-high pitch add an exciting sensory experience to gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches boast a factory lube job that results in silky smooth keystrokes, accompanied by resonant and clacky notes for a unique typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver emphasizes gaming performance without breaking the bank, the Strawberry Wine (V2) focuses on smoothness and tactile feedback. 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
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
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
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), we can see that they both utilize different materials for their top housing. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile, the Strawberry Wine (V2) opts for POM, creating a deeper and more muted sound. Despite these differences, both materials offer unique benefits such as the translucency of polycarbonate for RGB lighting and the pleasing sound profile of POM.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon for this component. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. In this aspect, the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Strawberry Wine (V2) offer a similar typing experience, with the nylon bottom housing contributing to the overall sound and feel of the switches.
Lastly, it is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting both the typing and bottom-out sound and feel. While the bottom housing has more of an impact on the sound when pressing down on a key, the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. This distinction in how the housing materials affect the typing experience further showcases the differences and similarities between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) in terms of housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch are quite similar in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making them light switches. This means that users can expect a smooth and relatively easy typing experience with both switches. The difference between the two lies in their branding and design, as the G Pro 3.0 Silver is from Gateron while the Strawberry Wine (V2) is from Sarokeys. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience will find both switches to be suitable options for long typing sessions or intense gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is what you feel when you press down on a key. Therefore, both switches will provide a similar experience when it comes to keypress depth and feedback. This means that users can expect consistent results in terms of travel distance regardless of which switch they choose, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a relatively short travel distance in their mechanical keyboards.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 linear switch is known for its bassy, low-pitched, and thocky characteristics, providing a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offers a clacky, resonant, and high-pitched sound profile, contributing to a sharp and crisp typing sound. Which sound profile you prefer would depend on personal preference, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver offering a more bass-heavy sound while the Strawberry Wine (V2) providing a brighter and more percussive sound.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless and uniform. Conversely, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch provides a silky typing experience, minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys and enhancing overall smoothness. Both switches promise a comfortable typing feel, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver emphasizing smoothness and uniformity, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) focuses on minimizing resistance for a silky sensation.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a bassy and buttery typing experience with low-pitched and thocky sound, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch offers a clacky and silky typing feel with a high-pitched and resonant sound. If you prefer a deeper and richer sound with a buttery and creamy typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the ideal choice. However, if you enjoy a sharper and more percussive sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance, and the decision between the two would boil down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch or the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that offers lightning-fast responsiveness and vibrant RGB lighting for gaming, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the way to go. On the other hand, if you value a smooth and silky typing experience with resonant and clacky notes, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch may be the perfect choice for you. Both switches have a light bottom out force of 50 grams, so it's all about the sound and feel that resonates with you the most. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make based on what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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