Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 are two standout options to consider. The G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch that caters to delicate typists, offering a light actuation force of 38g for effortless keystrokes. With its frosted light diffuser and medium-high pitch, this switch delivers a premium typing experience at an affordable price point. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 also boasts a linear design but stands out for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a silky and seamless typing feel. Both switches fall under the 'clacky' category, but the G Pro 3.0 White adds 'creamy' and 'easy-to-press' qualities to the mix, while the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes its 'silky' attribute. 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
38g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, the G Pro 3.0 White's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Lightning Silver V3 opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, maintaining a sharper and clearer sound profile overall.
While both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, the differences arise in their choice of bottom housing material. The G Pro 3.0 White's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound due to its softer nature, while the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper and more resonant sound profile. These contrasting characteristics play a significant role in the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, and the top housing impacting the sound when releasing a key. Thus, while both switches may offer similar results in terms of their top housing material, the choice of bottom housing material can greatly influence the overall feel and sound of the switch.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both showcase the benefits of using polycarbonate in their top housing. This results in a sharp, clear, and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting. However, the G Pro 3.0 White's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing maintains a sharper sound overall. These differences highlight how the choice of housing materials can influence the feel and sound of a switch, providing users with a unique typing experience based on their preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it becomes evident that the G Pro 3.0 White is lighter while the Lightning Silver V3 is heavier. The G Pro 3.0 White has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 has an actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium weight switch. The actuation force of a switch determines the force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force needed to press the key all the way down. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods may opt for the G Pro 3.0 White, while those who prefer a more substantial typing feel may choose the heavier Lightning Silver V3. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it is evident that the Lightning Silver V3 has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the 4 mm travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 White. The G Pro 3.0 White offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a deeper key press sensation. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a quicker and more responsive key press, making it a popular choice among gamers. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying travel distances, with the G Pro 3.0 White offering a deeper press and the Lightning Silver V3 providing a more rapid response time. Overall, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White 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 White for $3.27.
The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 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, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches are described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. While the G Pro White offers a medium-high pitch for a satisfying auditory feedback, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a high-pitched sound for a more vibrant typing experience. Depending on personal preference, users may choose between the medium-high pitch of the G Pro White or the high-pitched sound of the Lightning Silver V3 to suit their auditory preferences.
Moving on to feel, the G Pro 3.0 White offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience. With a light actuation force of 38g, users can expect effortless and sensitive keystrokes, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. Both switches provide a comfortable typing feel, with the G Pro White having additional characteristics such as creaminess and feathery lightness. Users looking for a smooth and buttery typing experience may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, while those seeking a more effortless and light keystroke may prefer the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches offer different yet desirable qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches provide a clacky sound profile, but the G Pro White provides a medium-high pitch compared to the high-pitched sound of the Lightning Silver V3. When it comes to typing feel, the G Pro White offers a range of sensations from creamy to subtle, while the Lightning Silver V3 emphasizes a silky smooth experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing feel, users can select either switch to enhance their typing experience on a budget-friendly basis. With similar sound profiles and smooth typing experiences, users can expect comparable results when choosing between these two switches, with the differences allowing for personal customization based on their preferred typing sensations.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch or the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of bottom out force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams and a smoother, creamy typing experience with a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting, then the G Pro 3.0 White switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and a clacky, high-pitched sound with a silky typing sensation and light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination, then the Lightning Silver V3 switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Both switches offer unique features and qualities, so it ultimately depends on what feels most comfortable and satisfying to you as a typist.
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