Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the PH Studio Yoel both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences and needs. The G Pro 3.0 Silver stands out for its exceptional gaming performance, thanks to its shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, providing lightning-fast responsiveness ideal for competitive gaming. On the other hand, the Yoel by PH Studio offers a delectably chewy typing experience with a bright and clacky sound profile that is satisfying and pronounced. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver is more budget-friendly and features vibrant RGB lighting, the Yoel provides a unique tactile and auditory 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
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the PH Studio Yoel both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing touch to the overall design. While both switches share similar characteristics in their top housing material, they may differ in other aspects such as the bottom housing material.
When it comes to the bottom housing material, the G Pro 3.0 Silver features a nylon bottom housing while the Yoel opts for a POM bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, POM housings offer a unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. This contrast in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of the switches when typing or gaming.
Overall, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the PH Studio Yoel share similarities in their top housing material of polycarbonate, they diverge in their choice of bottom housing material with nylon and POM, respectively. This results in a difference in sound profiles, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver providing a deeper and fuller sound due to its nylon bottom housing, while the Yoel offers a more unique and muted sound with its POM bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, we see that the G Pro 3.0 Silver is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Yoel switch is the heavier choice with an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler touch for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Yoel switch offers a more substantial typing feel with a heavier force, catering to users who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Overall, both switches offer different levels of force that cater to individual preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Silver being lighter and the Yoel being heavier, providing users with options based on their personal typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Yoel switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are preferred by gamers for faster response times. Choosing between the two would depend on personal preference - if you prefer a slightly longer and more substantial keypress, the G Pro 3.0 Silver may be the better option. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly shorter and snappier keypress, the Yoel switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience due to their close proximity in 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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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 offers a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky profile, providing a deeper and richer sound during key presses. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel switch is characterized by a clacky, high-pitched, marbly, and resonant sound, offering a sharp, crisp, and clean auditory experience. Depending on your preference for sound, you can choose between the deeper tones of the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the brighter tones of the Yoel.
When it comes to feel, both the G Pro 3.0 Silver and the Yoel switches are described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This means that both switches provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation, akin to gliding your fingers across the keys with ease. Additionally, the Yoel switch is also described as polished and silky, indicating a smooth and refined finish for reduced friction and enhanced key travel. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the Yoel, you can expect a luxurious and comfortable typing feel.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the PH Studio Yoel switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Silver provides a bassy and thocky sound with a buttery typing experience, while the Yoel offers a clacky and marbly sound with a creamy and polished typing feel. Both switches cater to different preferences and can enhance your overall typing or gaming experience depending on your personal tastes. Ultimately, whether you opt for the G Pro 3.0 Silver or the Yoel, you can expect a high-quality switch that delivers in both sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a gaming-focused experience with fast responsiveness and RGB lighting, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a bright and clacky sound profile with a chewy typing experience, the PH Studio Yoel switch would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision should align with your individual typing and gaming needs to maximize your keyboard experience.
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