Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Embark on a gaming odyssey with the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver, a linear switch that is part of Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro lineup. These switches offer unmatched value and deliver an exceptional gaming experience. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, compared to the standard 4mm, the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides lightning-fast responsiveness, giving gamers a competitive advantage. 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. The G Pro 3.0 Silver is perfect for those looking for a linear switch that offers speed and value. On the other hand, we have the Gazzew U4, a tactile switch that is famous for its sharp and exhilarating tactile bump. Typing on the U4 provides a surprising plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, combining style with subtlety. Additionally, the U4's sound profile is whisper quiet, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a muted and low-pitched typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Gazzew U4 differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which gives it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is because polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it a perfect fit for RGB lighting. In contrast, the U4 employs a proprietary Gazzew blend top housing, known as "boba plastic," which offers a rich and deep sound due to its softness. While both options seek to enhance the sound experience, the G Pro 3.0 Silver focuses on clarity and resonance, whereas the U4 emphasizes a fuller, more immersive sound.
When it comes to the bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Silver incorporates a nylon material, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the U4 incorporates its proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, which also utilizes the soft "boba plastic." As a result, it delivers a rich and deep sound profile similar to its top housing counterpart. While both switches feature softer bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon housing may provide a slightly different texture and sound compared to the U4's Gazzew blend.
It is important to note that in switches where the top and bottom housing materials differ, the qualities brought by each housing material are split. When pressing down on a switch, the bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel becomes more apparent. Conversely, when releasing the key, the top housing's impact on the sound becomes more noticeable. In this case, both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the U4 will provide distinct sound experiences, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver offering a sharper and clearer release sound, while the U4 will provide a richer and fuller bottom-out sound due to their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it is clear that there are some key differences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, while the U4 has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This means that both switches require a relatively light touch to trigger a keystroke, allowing for quick and effortless typing. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a slightly heavier force of 50 grams, while the U4 has a significantly heavier force of 62 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a more consistent typing experience throughout the entire keystroke, as it requires a slightly higher force to fully depress the key. On the other hand, the U4 offers a more substantial typing experience, as it requires a higher force to bottom out, resulting in a more satisfying and tactile feedback. Overall, those who prefer a lighter typing experience will find the G Pro 3.0 Silver to be a suitable choice, while those looking for a more pronounced tactile feedback may opt for the Gazzew U4 with its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a slightly longer travel distance than the U4. A travel distance of 4 mm is considered more traditional, while the 3.6 mm travel distance of the U4 is on the shorter side. Generally, gamers prefer shorter travel distances for faster response times, making the U4 a popular choice among them. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when pressing down on keys, the longer travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Silver might be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches 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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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 have a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile. This means that the key presses produce a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, the sound is mellow and has a satisfying "thock" or "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches have a muted and low-pitched sound. They produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular mechanical keyboards, minimizing the noise typically associated with them. It is important to note that the sound of the switches can be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are described as buttery and creamy. This means that they provide a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, offering a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The keys feel like gliding across the keyboard with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches are characterized by a sharp tactile bump. They provide high feedback intensity, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress.
Considering all available information, it can be concluded that the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are known for their bassy and low-pitched sound profile, combined with a buttery and creamy typing experience. They offer a deep, rich, and satisfying sound, along with a smooth and fluid keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 switches provide a muted and low-pitched sound, coupled with a sharp tactile bump during typing. While these switches differ in sound and feel, both can provide excellent experiences depending on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that provides lightning-fast responsiveness and exceptional gaming experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches would be the ideal choice for you. With their shorter travel distance and vibrant RGB lighting, these switches offer a competitive advantage for gamers. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch provides a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, adding an exhilarating auditory element to your gaming sessions. In terms of feel, they offer a buttery and creamy typing experience, ensuring a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation.
On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch that offers a sharp and intense tactile bump while typing, the Gazzew U4 switches would be perfect for you. These switches provide a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation and have a whisper-quiet sound profile, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter typing experience. The U4 switches offer a muted and low-pitched sound, adding a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing sessions.
In closing, whether you prioritize gaming performance or a satisfying typing experience, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Gazzew U4 switches have their unique advantages. Consider your preferences for gaming responsiveness, sound profile, and typing feel when making your decision, and you'll be able to find the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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