Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch that stands out for its budget-friendly price and delicate typing experience. With an incredibly light actuation force of only 38g, this switch allows for effortless and sensitive keystrokes. It also offers a frosted light diffuser, allowing for brighter RGB lighting, and a medium-high pitch that provides satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear is a linear switch that brings innovation to the table. It features a semi-silent nature with a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and a clacky bottom-out sound, providing a unique auditory experience. Its type feel is silky smooth, striking a balance between a polished and natural sensation. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucent polycarbonate is particularly useful for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal thanks to their polycarbonate top housings.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches utilize a nylon material. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, both the G Pro 3.0 White and the Semi-Silent Linear provide a similar typing experience with their nylon bottom housings.
Considering the split between the top and bottom housings, the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. While both switches have distinct top and bottom housing materials, they still offer similar experiences in terms of sound and feel during typing. So, despite their individual material differences, users can expect comparable results in terms of sound quality and typing experience from both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, there are notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 White has a relatively lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This lighter force makes it suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience and allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue.
In contrast, the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a medium actuation force, which is unfortunately unavailable in the given information. However, it features a significantly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This heavier force can provide a more substantial typing feel, appealing to individuals who appreciate a stronger push and desire a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing.
Considering the weight aspect, the G Pro 3.0 White is lighter in terms of actuation force, allowing for extended typing sessions and less finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, with its heavier bottom out force, delivers a more solid and satisfying typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits based on personal preferences, catering to individuals seeking different levels of force in their typing or gaming activities.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The G Pro 3.0 White has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Semi-Silent Linear switch. A 4.0 mm travel distance is considered more traditional, while the 3.7 mm travel distance is shallower. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances as it allows for faster response times. If you prioritize quick responsiveness, the Semi-Silent Linear with its shorter travel distance would be the better choice. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt. If you prefer a more substantial depth when pressing down on a key, the G Pro 3.0 White with its longer travel distance would be more suitable.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 White switch is described as having a medium-high pitch, providing a satisfying auditory feedback. It is considered clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as having a subdued sound. While not completely silent, it offers a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. Both switches fall under the category of neutral switches, which have a moderate sound profile and actuation force requirement. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle. It offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, gliding fingers effortlessly across the keys with ease. It has a gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The light actuation force makes it comfortable for gaming, school, or work. The Semi-Silent Linear switch, on the other hand, is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. It offers a gentle typing experience, approachable to most users, with a smooth and fluid keystroke. It provides a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch is known for its clacky sound, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a more subdued sound. Both switches offer a neutral sound profile and actuation force requirement. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a mild, snappy, buttery, and polished feel. Both switches provide smooth and effortless typing sensations. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is a budget-friendly option for delicate typists, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound and maintains a clacky bottom-out sound.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are a delicate typist who prefers an effortless and sensitive keystroke, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch would be a great choice for you. With its light actuation force of 45 grams and creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, and silky typing feel, it offers a premium typing experience without breaking the bank. The G Pro 3.0 White also provides a clacky sound, which can be described as sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive, giving you a satisfying auditory feedback.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium actuation force of 62 grams and a more subdued sound and feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch would be a suitable option. It offers a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. The Semi-Silent Linear provides a mild and subtle typing experience, making it approachable to most typists. If you prefer a switch that is gentle, light, and suitable for shared spaces, the Semi-Silent Linear would be a good fit.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch depends on your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel. Whether you prioritize a light and effortless typing experience with a clacky sound or a more gentle and subdued typing experience, both switches offer their unique characteristics to enhance your typing journey. Consider your typing style, environment, and desired sound and feel to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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