Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Embark on a gaming odyssey with the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch, a linear switch that offers unmatched value and an exceptional gaming experience. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, compared to the standard 4mm, these switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness, giving you a competitive advantage. Additionally, the vibrant RGB lighting, enhanced by the frosted light diffuser, illuminates your gaming setup, while the medium-high pitch adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions. With its affordable price tag, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is the perfect choice for gamers looking for ultimate gaming performance without breaking the bank.
On the other hand, let's not overlook the unique features of the Jwick Taro switch, a tactile switch that offers its users a cozy and comfortable typing experience. With a snappy, medium-level of tactility, typing with these switches provides a satisfying and tactile feedback sensation. Moreover, the acute and crisp clacks that can be heard while using these switches add an additional level of enjoyment to the typing experience. The Taro switches have a neutral color scheme, offering a visually subdued aesthetic.
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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Jwick Taro are quite similar. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, both switches have a translucent top housing, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for similar sound and visual effects, both switches would provide similar results.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing, there is a slight difference. The G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Taro also features a nylon bottom housing. Typing on switches with a nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both switches will provide a satisfying typing experience in terms of sound, but their bottom-out sound and feel may slightly differ due to the qualities of their respective bottom housings.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Jwick Taro have a lot in common when it comes to their housing materials. Both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing, providing a sharp and clear sound profile, especially when combined with RGB lighting. Additionally, they both feature a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. While the overall typing experience and sound may be quite similar, the slight variation in their bottom housings may create a small difference in the bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, one can immediately see differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams, meaning that it requires a gentle push to trigger a keystroke. Its bottom out force of 50 grams indicates that it offers a slight resistance when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the Taro tactile switch does not provide specific information about its actuation force, but its bottom out force is 67 grams, making it medium-heavy.
Considering the weight of the switches, some individuals prefer lighter switches like the G Pro 3.0 Silver for longer typing sessions or extended gaming sessions. The lighter actuation force allows for smoother and quicker keystrokes, reducing finger fatigue over time. On the other hand, those who desire a more substantial typing experience may prefer the heavier bottom out force offered by the Taro tactile switch. The increased force required to fully depress the key can provide a satisfying click or tactile feedback, giving the user a sense of certainty with each keystroke.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a lighter actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which has a medium-heavy bottom out force. Depending on personal preference and typing requirements, users can choose between lighter switches for extended usage or heavier switches for a more pronounced typing experience.
Travel distance
In terms of travel distance, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a longer distance of 4.0 mm compared to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a more traditional travel distance, providing a slightly deeper feel when pressing down on the keys. On the other hand, the Taro offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. Both switches cater to different preferences and requirements, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver offering a more hearty depth and the Taro providing a more responsive feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming 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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 best described as bassy, low-pitched, and thocky. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The low-pitched nature of these switches gives them a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Additionally, the thocky sound they produce is deep, rich, and satisfying. In comparison, the Jwick Taro switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. They offer a moderate sound with no particular emphasis on bass or high-pitched tones. This makes them suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use them at home or work. 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, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Jwick Taro switches are described as offering a buttery typing experience. This implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are further described as creamy, indicating a smooth and buttery typing experience similar to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. This could be due to lubricant applied in the switch at the factory or specific materials used. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro switches also have a stepped feel. This means they have a tactile feedback that feels like it has two stages. Unlike hypertactile switches with a big bump, stepped switches have a milder sensation with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, the Jwick Taro switches have a more neutral sound. When it comes to feel, both switches provide a buttery typing experience, but the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are also described as creamy, while the Jwick Taro switches have a stepped feel. Overall, if you are looking for a more bass-heavy and rich sound with a smoother typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches would be a great choice. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound with a mild tactile feedback, the Jwick Taro switches can provide a cozy typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are a competitive gamer looking for exceptional gaming performance at an affordable price, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch would be an excellent choice. With its light bottom out force and shorter travel distance, these switches offer lightning-fast responsiveness, giving you a competitive advantage in gaming. Additionally, the bassy and low-pitched sound profile adds an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions. The buttery feel of these switches provides a seamless and effortless typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a cozy typing experience and moderate tactility, the Jwick Taro tactile switch would be more suitable. With its medium-heavy bottom out force, these switches offer a snappy and satisfying tactile feedback while typing, accompanied by acute and crisp clacks. The neutral sound profile of the Taro switches makes them suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you use them at home or work. The stepped feel of these switches adds a mild tactile sensation, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch depends on your specific preferences and needs. Consider the gaming advantages and budget-friendly nature of the G Pro 3.0 Silver for competitive gaming, while the cozy typing experience and moderate tactility of the Taro switch may be more appealing for general typing purposes.