Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
If you're in the market for a mechanical keyboard switch that enhances your gaming experience, look no further than the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, a linear switch, offers lightning-fast responsiveness with its shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, giving gamers a competitive advantage. The vibrant RGB lighting, enhanced by the frosted light diffuser, adds visual flair to your gaming setup, while the medium-high pitch adds an exhilarating auditory element. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue, also a linear switch, provides a deep and thocky sound profile, immersing you in a satisfying typing experience. With its lengthened single-stage spring, it offers a bouncy feel with each keystroke, making it enjoyable for a wide range of users. Ultimately, these switches cater to different preferences, so let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
59g
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
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, users can expect similar sound profiles and visual effects when using these switches.
However, the material used in the bottom housing differs between the two switches. The G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which complements the characteristics of the top housing. This provides a consistent sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile throughout the key press.
When pressing down on either switch, users will feel the qualities of the bottom housing. The G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon bottom housing ensures a deeper and fuller sound, contributing to a more satisfying typing experience. Conversely, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing complements the top housing, enhancing the overall clarity and resonance of the keys. The top housings of both switches have a more significant impact on the sound when releasing a key, further emphasizing the sharp and crisp sound signature.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we can see a clear difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a relatively lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes it a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, as it allows for longer periods of comfortable typing. The Tourmaline Blue, on the other hand, has a slightly heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. This puts it in the medium-heavy category, appealing to individuals who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. It is important to note that both switches provide distinct typing experiences due to their varying forces. If one is looking for a similar result, they could consider the G Pro 3.0 Silver with its lighter forces as a comparable option.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent distance of 4 mm as the switch travels from top to bottom. As a result, the typing experience and tactile feedback provided by these switches will be similar in terms of the travel distance. Both switches offer a comfortable and responsive typing experience with a consistent keystroke depth. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the Tourmaline Blue, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with a consistent travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 offer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile. These switches produce a deeper and richer sound during key presses, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches have a thocky sound, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are described as having a neutral sound profile. While the specific sound qualities of the Tourmaline Blue switches are unknown, they are suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or if you are using them at home or work. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches are described as having a buttery keystroke experience. This implies a smooth and fluid typing sensation, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform feel. The G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are also described as creamy, offering a silky sensation when typing. It is likely that the smooth and buttery experience of the Tourmaline Blue switches can be attributed to lubrication or specific materials used in the switch construction. In addition to being buttery, the Tourmaline Blue switches are described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, the Tourmaline Blue switches provide a low-impact and responsive typing feel. While the specific feel of the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches is unknown, it can be expected to offer a similar buttery experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are best known for their exceptional gaming performance, lightning-fast responsiveness, and vibrant RGB lighting. With a bassy and thocky sound, as well as a buttery and creamy feel, these switches provide an immersive gaming experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their deep and thocky sound profile and buttery, easy-to-press feel. While the specific sound and feel qualities may differ between the two switches, both options provide enjoyable and accessible experiences for users. Ultimately, the choice between the G Pro 3.0 Silver and Tourmaline Blue switches will depend on individual preferences for gaming or typing and the desired sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that provides lightning-fast responsiveness for gaming, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is a great choice. These switches offer exceptional value and a competitive advantage with their shorter 3.4mm travel distance. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches feature vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for an exhilarating auditory element during gaming sessions. The sound profile of these switches is described as bassy, low-pitched, and thocky, providing a deep and rich sound. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are described as buttery and creamy, delivering a smooth and fluid typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a moderate actuation force requirement and a balanced sound profile, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is an excellent option. These switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their deep and thocky sound profile. With a lengthened single-stage spring, they provide a bouncy feel with every keystroke. The Tourmaline Blue switches strike a balance with their standard spring weight, making them enjoyable for a wide range of users. In terms of feel, the Tourmaline Blue switches are also described as buttery, along with being easy-to-press and mild, offering a low-impact and comfortable typing feel.
Ultimately, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is well-suited for gamers seeking a budget-friendly option with fast responsiveness and an exhilarating auditory experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is a versatile choice that provides a satisfying typing experience and a balanced sound profile for a variety of users. Whether you prioritize gaming performance or typing comfort, both switches offer unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
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