Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Silver stands out for its linear switch design, providing a smooth keystroke with a shorter travel distance for rapid response times, making it a top choice for gamers looking for speed and precision. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro boasts a tactile switch profile, offering a gentle bump and a light touch that strikes a balance between typing comfort and feedback, making it a great option for versatile use. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver excels in gaming performance and affordability, the Violet Gold Pro shines in its tactile typing experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who enjoy a distinct typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. While both switches share this characteristic, the difference lies in their nylon bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a rounder tone. Conversely, the Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing also offers these qualities, making both switches suitable for those looking for a more muffled typing experience.
Despite the similarities in their polycarbonate top housings, the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Violet Gold Pro differ in their nylon bottom housings. While nylon is known for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile, the slight variations in the composition of each switch's nylon bottom housing may result in a slightly different typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Silver's softer nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound, while the Violet Gold Pro's nylon bottom housing provides a similar effect. However, the impact of the bottom housing on the bottom-out sound and feel may vary between the two switches, giving users a unique typing sensation with each press of a key.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro offer polycarbonate top housings that create a sharp, crisp sound profile and allow for RGB lighting customization. The nylon bottom housings of each switch deliver a deeper and fuller sound, albeit with small differences in sound absorption and tone. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver providing a slightly softer and rounder sound profile compared to the Violet Gold Pro. Regardless of these nuances, users can expect a high-quality typing experience from both switches.
Weight
Comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the bottom out force of the Violet Gold Pro is unknown. In terms of weight, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is lighter with its 50-gram bottom out force, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro's heavier bottom out force (exact weight unknown) may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro has a longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers seeking fast reactions. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro provides a more substantial key press with its longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for either a shorter, more responsive keystroke or a longer, more deliberate key press.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offers a neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. Depending on your preference for a deeper bass tone or a more moderate sound profile, you can choose between the two switches to enhance your typing or gaming experience.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as buttery and creamy, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that feels seamless and effortless. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switch is categorized as stepped, providing a more gradual tactile feedback compared to switches with a single large bump. Whether you prefer a uniform and silky typing sensation or a mild tactility with distinct pre-travel and post-travel stages, your choice between these switches will impact the feel of every keystroke.
Considering all the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a bassy and low-pitched sound with a buttery and creamy feel, the Violet Gold Pro offers a neutral sound and stepped tactile feedback. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing or gaming experience. Nonetheless, both switches are designed to enhance your overall keyboard performance and can provide similar results depending on your specific needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, consider your priorities. If you prioritize a light and responsive gaming experience with vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced typing experience with medium tactility and a neutral sound signature, the Violet Gold Pro is the ideal choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your preferences and how you plan to use your keyboard. Choose wisely based on what matters most to you in your mechanical keyboard switch selection.
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