Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Durock White Lotus are two popular options when it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, each offering its own unique benefits. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, a linear switch, is well-known for its exceptional gaming capabilities. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, these switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness, giving gamers a competitive edge. The added benefit of vibrant RGB lighting, enhanced by the frosted light diffuser, creates a visually stunning gaming setup. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus, a tactile switch, is designed with the discerning typist in mind. These switches offer a delicate tactility that strikes the perfect balance, making them ideal for work and extended typing sessions without overwhelming the user. The removable light column allows for captivating RGB lighting effects, adding a mesmerizing glow to your keyboard. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision for your own unique preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
56g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Durock White Lotus differ in terms of their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features a polycarbonate top housing, while the White Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing. Despite their differences, both materials offer unique advantages. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Silver creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, thanks to its relatively stiffer plastic composition. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for stunning RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the modified PC & UPE Blend top housing of the White Lotus provides a premium feel, contributing to an enhanced typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches share the use of nylon. However, it's essential to note that the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a switch. The nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Silver elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This creates a duller and rounder sound, which some users may prefer. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the White Lotus offers a similar effect, providing a satisfying typing experience with its deep and resonant sound.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Durock White Lotus differ in their top housing materials, with the former utilizing polycarbonate and the latter featuring a modified PC & UPE Blend. Both materials bring their unique qualities, with polycarbonate offering a sharper sound profile and a translucent design for RGB lighting, while the modified PC & UPE Blend provides a premium feel. However, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound, although the specific qualities may vary slightly. Overall, both switches offer excellent sound profiles and satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is clear that they both offer a relatively light typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, which is slightly lighter than the White Lotus's 46 grams. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the White Lotus requires a slightly heavier force of 56 grams to fully bottom out. While these differences may seem minor, they can still be noticeable during use.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, both switches meet this requirement. They allow for comfortable and effortless typing, making them suitable for tasks that require prolonged keyboard usage, such as work or long gaming sessions. However, if a user desires a more substantial and pronounced keystroke, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the lighter option, as it has a slightly lower actuation force and bottom out force compared to the White Lotus. Nonetheless, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, ensuring smooth and accurate keystrokes.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Durock White Lotus switches offer similar results in terms of actuation force, but the White Lotus is slightly heavier when it comes to bottom out force. Whether a user prefers a lighter or heavier typing experience, both switches cater to their respective preferences, ensuring comfortable and enjoyable typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch both have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, you will feel the same distance of travel for both switches. Therefore, you can expect similar results in terms of the tactile experience when using either of these switches.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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 switch is characterized as bassy, low-pitched, and thocky. These switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. The sound produced during key presses is mellow and satisfying, with a deep "thud" or a soft "knock" when the key is pressed and released. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is described as low-pitched and neutral. It offers a more bass-heavy and mellow tone, similar to the G Pro 3.0 Silver. However, the neutral sound profile means it has a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound profile suitable for various purposes. It is worth noting that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is described as buttery and creamy. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. The sensation of typing on these switches is comparable to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. On the other hand, the Durock White Lotus switch is described as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. It offers a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It offers a low-impact typing feel, which is approachable and comfortable for most users. It provides a gentle typing experience without being too pronounced or feather-light.
Taking all the available information into account, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Durock White Lotus switches offer their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. They share some similarities, such as being described as low-pitched, making them a suitable choice for users who enjoy a deeper and more mellow sound profile. Additionally, both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver being described as buttery and creamy, and the White Lotus being described as easy-to-press, mild, and subtle. However, it's important to consider individual preferences when choosing between these switches, as personal preferences for sound profiles and typing experiences may vary. Ultimately, both switches provide exceptional value and can enhance the gaming or typing experience, depending on the user's needs and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are primarily a gamer looking for a budget-friendly option with lightning-fast responsiveness, a competitive advantage, and vibrant RGB lighting, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is the ideal choice for you. These switches offer unmatched value and provide an exceptional gaming experience. With its bottom-out force of 50 grams and a shorter travel distance, you'll have a satisfying and fast-paced gaming session with a deep and thocky sound.
On the other hand, if you are a typist who values a delicate tactility and a tranquil typing experience, the Durock White Lotus tactile switch is perfect for you. These switches strike the perfect balance between being medium-light with a bottom-out force of 56 grams and offering an exquisite light tactile feel. The removable light column allows for captivating RGB lighting effects, adding a touch of radiance to your keyboard setup. With its neutral sound profile and subtle feel, these switches are suitable for both work and extended typing sessions.
Ultimately, whether you choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver or the Durock White Lotus switch depends on your specific needs and preferences as a gamer or typist. Consider factors such as bottom out force, travel distance, sound profile, and typing feel to make the best decision for your keyboard setup. Happy typing and gaming!
Mentioned in this article
