Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Silent Ink Black. The G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch favored by delicate typists, offering a light actuation force of only 38g for effortless and sensitive keystrokes. With its frosted light diffuser, this switch allows for brighter RGB lighting, while its medium-high pitch provides satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is a silenced version of the Ink Black switch, perfect for environments that require quieter typing. This switch offers a cushion-like bottom-out feel with minimal audio feedback. The G Pro 3.0 White is known for its clacky, creamy, and easy-to-press characteristics, while the Silent Ink Black is silky, muted, and polished. Both switches have their unique advantages, providing a premium typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Silent Ink Black have different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. Its relatively stiffer plastic composition allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. Users often describe this sound as clacky. While the materials differ, both switches offer a satisfying and distinct sound experience.
While the top housings of the G Pro 3.0 White and the Silent Ink Black vary, their bottom housings also have different materials. The G Pro 3.0 White incorporates a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which contributes to its pointed and high-pitched sound. Despite the differences in housing materials, both switches offer unique sound qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the switches, it is essential to note that the bottom and top housings play distinct roles. The bottom housing primarily affects the bottom-out sound and feel when you press down on a key. Therefore, the properties of the nylon bottom housing on the G Pro 3.0 White and the INK blend bottom housing on the Silent Ink Black will influence this aspect of the typing experience. Conversely, the top housing has a more significant influence on the sound when you release a key. This means that the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 White and the INK blend top housing of the Silent Ink Black contribute to the unique sound profile that users will perceive when letting go of a key. Despite these differences, both switches offer satisfying sound profiles that complement their respective typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it is clear that there is a significant difference between the two. The G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's heavier actuation force of 60 grams. Similarly, the G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Silent Ink Black requires a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams.
This disparity in forces means that the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White provides a lighter typing experience, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch or who need to type for extended periods without fatigue. It is ideal for work or long gaming sessions where a lighter actuation force can enhance comfort and endurance.
On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. The heavier actuation and bottom out forces provide a satisfying tactile response, making it perfect for individuals who prefer a more pronounced physical feedback while typing. These higher forces can result in a more deliberate typing experience, ensuring every keystroke feels intentional and deliberate.
It is important to consider personal preferences and requirements when choosing between these switches. If a lighter typing experience and improved endurance are desired, the G Pro 3.0 White would be the preferred option. However, if a stronger push feel and more substantial typing experience are desired, the Silent Ink Black would be the better choice. Both switches offer unique benefits, allowing users to select the one that aligns with their specific typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, both switches provide a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance. Neither switch is shorter or longer than the other in terms of travel distance, as they offer identical results in this aspect.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 clacky, offering a crisp and bright auditory feedback when pressed. This switch produces a sharp and snappy sound, which can be satisfying for those who prefer a more pronounced sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. This switch is designed for environments that require quieter typing and aims to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers various descriptors. It is described as creamy, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience. This switch is known for its silky sensation, allowing fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with ease. It is also described as easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 White switch is described as feathery, meaning it is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Furthermore, it is considered as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that stands in a safe middle-ground zone. Lastly, it is described as subtle, providing a gentle resistance and suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimized resistance when pressing and releasing keys. It is also described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches have distinct sound and feel characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 White offers a clacky sound with a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, and subtle feel. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a muted sound with a silky and polished feel. These switches cater to different preferences and environments, with the G Pro 3.0 White being suitable for those who prefer a more pronounced sound and a range of light and smooth typing experiences. Meanwhile, the Silent Ink Black switch is ideal for those who prioritize a quieter typing experience while still enjoying smooth and refined key travel. It is important to note that the final sound and feel of the switch are also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used. However, based on the available information, one can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel by choosing switches with similar descriptors and characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, if you are a delicate typist who prefers an effortless and sensitive typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch is the better choice for you. With its light actuation force of 45 grams, it offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing feel. This switch is designed to provide a premium typing experience without breaking the bank, with a frosted light diffuser that allows for brighter RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch that provides satisfying auditory feedback. The G Pro 3.0 White switch is also described as clacky, which produces a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed, making it suitable for those who prefer a neutral switch sound.
On the other hand, if you require a quieter typing experience, particularly for environments that necessitate minimal audio feedback, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the ideal choice. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams, it offers a muted sound that minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. The Silent Ink Black switch provides a cushion-like bottom-out feel, described as silky and polished, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. This switch has a silky typing feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of the keystrokes and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Ultimately, your decision between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches will depend on your personal preferences and requirements. Consider factors such as your typing style, desired sound profile, and the level of noise tolerance you need in your environment. Both switches offer their unique benefits, ensuring a satisfying typing experience tailored to your preferences.
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