Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. TKC Tangerine
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the TKC Tangerine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the TKC Tangerine are two linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features and benefits to enhance your typing and gaming experience. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, known for its exceptional gaming performance, provides a competitive advantage with its lightning-fast responsiveness thanks to a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm. Coupled with vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for an exhilarating auditory element, these switches offer unmatched value from their budget-friendly G Pro lineup. On the other hand, the Tangerine switches are designed to elevate your typing experience with their incredibly smooth feel, achieved through the use of UHWMPE housings, a rarity among mechanical switches. Typing on these switches provides a pleasure-inducing sensation, and while they produce a fairly high-pitched clack, it adds a distinctive auditory feedback to your keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the TKC Tangerine both have unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Tangerine utilizes a UHWMPE top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. It also allows for better RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the UHWMPE material used in the Tangerine provides a very bright sound signature and resonant clacks during typing. While they differ in terms of sound, both materials offer unique benefits to the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Silver uses a nylon material, while the Tangerine incorporates UHWMPE. Nylon is considered a classic switch housing material known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the UHWMPE material used in the Tangerine's bottom housing offers a bright sound signature, contributing to resonant clacks. Although they create different sound profiles, both materials have their own advantages in terms of sound depth and resonance.
When it comes to using these switches, the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are split between the two. Pressing down on the switch will primarily showcase the characteristics of the bottom housing, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the sound when releasing a key is influenced more by the top housing. So, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Tangerine have different top and bottom housing materials, their overall sound experience is still influenced by both components. Therefore, regardless of the specific housing materials, users can expect similar results in terms of sound quality and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch, we can see some notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams, meaning it requires a gentle touch to trigger a keystroke. Its bottom out force is slightly heavier at 50 grams, providing a satisfying feedback when fully pressed down. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switch has an unknown actuation force but a noticeably heavier bottom out force of 62 grams in comparison. This makes the Tangerine switch more suitable for individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience, as they prefer a stronger push feel. Those who prefer a lighter switch for extended periods of typing or gaming may find the G Pro 3.0 Silver more suitable. Despite these differences, it's worth noting that both switches provide reliable and consistent results, ensuring a pleasant typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the TKC Tangerine linear switch have the same travel distance, measuring at 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent 4 mm travel distance. Both switches provide a similar tactile feel and response, making them suitable options for those who prefer a shorter travel distance for their typing or gaming needs. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the Tangerine switch, you can expect a comparable level of precision and comfort in your typing experience.
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 TKC Tangerine comes in at $6.30 per 10 switches.
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 switches are known for their bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile. This means that when pressed, these switches produce a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The Tangerine switches, on the other hand, are described as high-pitched, producing a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a more rich and bassy sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches would be a better choice. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are described as buttery and creamy. These switches provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The Tangerine switches, on the other hand, are described as frictionless, buttery, and polished. They offer an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience, minimizing any sense of resistance or friction when pressing the keys. These switches have a sleek and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Tangerine switches may provide a slightly different feel due to their frictionless nature.
Based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches have a bassy sound profile and a buttery and creamy feel. On the other hand, the TKC Tangerine switches have a high-pitched sound profile and a frictionless, buttery, and polished feel. While they offer different qualities, both switches provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. If you prefer a deeper, bass-heavy sound and a creamy feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a sharper and crisper sound with a frictionless and polished feel, the Tangerine switches would be a better fit. Overall, both switches offer their unique qualities, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are primarily a gamer looking for an exceptional gaming experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch would be a great choice for you. These switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness with a shorter travel distance, giving you a competitive advantage in gaming. Additionally, the vibrant RGB lighting and medium-high pitch add to the immersive gaming atmosphere. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is also described as having a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound, which could enhance your gaming experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and pleasurable typing experience, the TKC Tangerine linear switch would be a perfect fit. The UHWMPE housings contribute to an incredibly smooth feel with each keystroke, making typing a pleasure. The Tangerine switch is also described as having a high-pitched sound, which could be appealing if you prefer a sharp and crisp sound during typing.
Ultimately, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and TKC Tangerine linear switches. Whether you prioritize gaming performance or typing comfort, both switches have their unique strengths to offer.
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