Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl both present compelling options for gamers and typists alike. The G Pro 3.0 Silver, a staple in Gateron's budget-friendly line-up, is tailored specifically for gamers, boasting a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm that ensures lightning-fast responsiveness and a competitive edge in fast-paced environments. Its medium-high pitch and distinctive 'thocky' sound profile add an exhilarating auditory experience to each keystroke, while vibrant RGB lighting enhances the overall aesthetic of any gaming setup. On the other hand, the WS Pearl stands out with its innovative use of ball-bearings, which significantly reduce friction, providing an incredibly smooth typing experience that is hard to match. This switch also features a medium-high pitch, delivering a satisfying auditory response without the weighty feel of some tactile switches. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and needs within the typing and gaming communities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches showcase distinctive differences in their top housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Silver utilizes a polycarbonate upper housing, noted for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This crisp sound quality is further enhanced by the transparent nature of polycarbonate, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups as it allows light to transmit beautifully through the housing. In contrast, the WS Pearl features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties. The differences in material composition significantly affect the auditory experience when typing; the G Pro 3.0 Silver lends itself to a more resonant sound, while the WS Pearl creates a more subdued and rounded auditory profile.
In terms of bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which creates a consistent sound experience across both models. This shared material leads to similar sound characteristics when bottoming out, as nylon absorbs sound effectively and produces a deeper tone compared to harder plastics. As a result, users can expect a rounded, full sound when they press down on either switch. This uniformity in bottom housing material means that, despite the top housing differences, both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and WS Pearl will exhibit similarities in the sensory experience generated when fully actuating a key.
Ultimately, the variance in the top housing materials of the G Pro 3.0 Silver and WS Pearl underscores the complex interplay between different materials and their respective sound profiles. While the G Pro's polycarbonate top offers brightness and clarity, the WS Pearl's nylon top provides warmth and depth. However, due to the nylon components common in both switches' bottom housings, users will enjoy a shared base sound experience that balances and complements the distinct characteristics of the top housings, culminating in a comprehensive typing experience that appeals to a range of preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Silver features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a light switch. In contrast, the WS Pearl has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams, allowing for quicker key presses, but a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that while the WS Pearl is easier to actuate, it requires more effort to bottom out compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver. Those who prefer a lighter feel for prolonged typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the WS Pearl, while users seeking a more substantial typing experience might find the G Pro 3.0 Silver more appealing due to its higher bottom out force, despite its heavier actuation requirement. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a balanced yet slightly heavier feel, while the WS Pearl leans towards a lighter actuation but a firmer bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, the G Pro 3.0 Silver features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the WS Pearl has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that users who prioritize a more responsive feel in their switches may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Silver due to its quicker actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a bit more depth and resistance in their keystrokes might find the WS Pearl's 3.5 mm travel distance more satisfying. Both switches offer advantages depending on individual preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver catering to gamers and those seeking speed, while the WS Pearl provides a more traditional typing experience with a longer travel distance.
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 Wuque Studio WS Pearl comes in at $6.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches stand out with their low-pitched, thocky presentation. This gives them a satisfying auditory feedback that appeals to many users, particularly for those who enjoy a deeper, bassy tone reminiscent of a soft thud with each keystroke. The richness in sound not only enhances the typing experience but can also elevate gaming sessions, as the auditory feedback provides an engaging element. On the other hand, the sound profile for the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches is not specifically detailed. However, since both models are described as having a medium-high pitch, it can be inferred that they might share a similar tonal quality, though the Pearls may have a unique sound due to their distinct mechanisms.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are characterized as buttery and creamy, offering a remarkably smooth typing experience. This quality is particularly appealing for extended typing sessions as it provides a seamless and enjoyable interaction with the keyboard. Their construction allows for a fluid motion that makes each keystroke feel effortless. In contrast, the WS Pearl switches utilize ball bearings to reduce friction, contributing to an exceptionally smooth keystroke. While the specific descriptions for the feel of the WS Pearls are not provided, the implementation of ball bearings suggests that they likely deliver a unique and very comfortable typing experience, potentially making them just as enjoyable for users who prioritize smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches cater to enthusiasts seeking quality in their mechanical keyboards. The G Pro 3.0 Silver excels in providing a low-pitched, thocky sound along with a buttery feel, enhancing gaming and typing experiences significantly. While the WS Pearl’s sound characteristics remain unspecified, its innovative ball-bearing mechanism promises an incredibly smooth keystroke, possibly comparable in overall satisfaction. Despite their differences, both switches offer compelling choices for users looking for responsive and enjoyable feedback, making either a worthy consideration for newcomers.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches largely depends on your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you're primarily a gamer seeking rapid responsiveness and a lighter pressing force, the G Pro 3.0 Silver, with its impressive 3.4mm travel distance and lower 50-gram bottom-out force, is the ideal choice. It delivers a satisfying thocky sound and an overall buttery feel, enhancing your gaming experience without a hefty price tag. On the other hand, if you value smoothness in key presses and appreciate a slightly heavier feel, you might prefer the WS Pearl. With its unique ball-bearing design, this switch offers an unbelievably smooth keystroke and a medium-high pitch sound profile that feels incredibly satisfying during both typing and gaming sessions. Therefore, if you prioritize a premium feel and are willing to handle a bit more resistance, go for the WS Pearl. In the end, your choice should reflect whether you lean more towards gaming responsiveness or a luxurious typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
