Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves debating between various options, each with its own unique characteristics. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches shine particularly in gaming scenarios, designed for speed and responsiveness with a travel distance of just 3.4mm. This shorter travel paired with a medium-high pitch sound profile creates an exhilarating typing experience that enhances gameplay without straining the budget. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switches cater to typists seeking comfort and a soothing auditory experience, characterized by a deep, rounded sound and a remarkably light actuation force. This makes the Yunhai an excellent choice for those who type extensively and prefer a gentle keystroke. While the G Pro 3.0 Silver excels in providing a competitive edge for gamers, the Yunhai promises a relaxed 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
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver and the TTC Yunhai switches, a prominent distinction lies in their top housing materials: polycarbonate for the G Pro 3.0 Silver and nylon for the Yunhai. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, making the typing experience feel more precise and resonant. This material's translucency also enhances the RGB lighting, allowing for more vibrant illumination. In contrast, the Yunhai’s nylon top housing, being softer, absorbs sound and results in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Consequently, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver is designed to create a bright and clear sound, the Yunhai aims to provide a warmer and more rounded acoustic profile.
Both switches feature nylon as the bottom housing material, which is interesting as it creates a commonality in their auditory characteristics. The nylon bottom housing in the G Pro 3.0 Silver plays a crucial role in dampening sound and yielding a duller, more muffled bottom-out sound. This aligns perfectly with the characteristics of the Yunhai, which also utilizes nylon; the softness of the material enhances the overall experience, creating a cohesive deeper sound profile when pressing down on either switch. Thus, despite differing top materials, both switches ensure a comforting and similar acoustic experience during the actuation phase.
Ultimately, the differing top housing materials present an intriguing juxtaposition that impacts the overall typing experience. Gateron’s polycarbonate top provides a bright, lively feedback while still maintaining a soft, muted response from the nylon bottom. On the contrary, the TTC Yunhai embraces a homogenous nylon configuration that yields a smooth, rich sound throughout the entire keystroke. This means that while the typing feel and auditory characteristics of the two switches differ, users may still enjoy a visually attractive and deeply resonant typing experience, especially at bottom-out.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, we see some similarities and differences in their actuation forces while noting the same bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Yunhai is slightly lighter at 42 grams. This means that the Yunhai requires less force to register a keystroke, making it a preferable option for users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they will provide a similar resistance when pressed all the way down, which can offer a consistent and substantial feel at the end of the keystroke. In summary, if you're looking for a lighter switch for easier typing, the TTC Yunhai is the better choice, while both switches provide a comparable bottoming out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, it becomes clear that the G Pro 3.0 Silver offers a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Yunhai features a longer travel distance at 3.6 mm. This discrepancy means that the G Pro 3.0 Silver may be better suited for gamers who value quick response times due to its reduced travel distance, allowing for faster actuation. On the other hand, the Yunhai's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile and substantial feel when pressing a key, providing a more pronounced depth during use. Consequently, choosing between these two switches largely depends on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in key travel.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 deliver a distinct auditory experience characterized by a deep and resonant quality. They produce a low-pitched, thocky sound that adds to the immersion of gaming and typing sessions, with a pronounced bass that can be likened to a soft thud when the keys are pressed. This rich auditory profile can enhance the overall experience, particularly in a gaming environment where key feedback is vital. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch's sound profile remains unspecified in the available information, but it’s important to consider that sound can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard build and keycap material you choose.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches shine with their buttery and creamy sensations, providing an incredibly smooth and effortless keystroke experience. Users can expect a seamless transition from key to key, making long typing sessions or intense gaming moments a pleasure rather than a chore. This tactile smoothness contributes to a refined typing experience where fingers glide effortlessly across the keyboard. The feel of the TTC Yunhai switch, however, is also left unspecified in the information provided, suggesting that while the G Pro Silver offers a well-defined tactile advantage, the Yunhai's characteristics in this area remain undetermined.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are tailored for gamers and typists looking for a responsive and engaging auditory and tactile experience, marked by their rich sound and smooth keystrokes. Meanwhile, the TTC Yunhai switches present an enigma in terms of sound and feel, as specific qualities were not detailed. If you prioritize fast, satisfying feedback and sound, the G Pro Silvers are a compelling choice. However, should you seek a different typing experience, the Yunhai's potential offers an exciting avenue to explore, albeit with less clarity on its distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately hinges on your primary use case and personal preferences. If you're a gamer seeking rapid response times and a competitive edge, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is an excellent option due to its shorter travel distance of 3.4mm and lightweight feel. Its thocky and low-pitched sound profile enhances the immersive experience during intense gaming sessions while providing a buttery smooth typing experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more relaxed typing experience for prolonged sessions, the TTC Yunhai switch may be the better choice. With its gentle actuation and unique sound profile, it offers a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, perfect for casual users or typists who appreciate a softer keystroke. Therefore, consider your primary activities—gaming or typing—and your auditory and tactile preferences to make the best decision for your keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
