Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the TTC Silent Red, both linear switches with their own unique qualities. If you're on a budget and value a premium typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White is the switch for you. With a light actuation force of only 38g, it offers effortless and sensitive keystrokes, perfect for delicate typists. The frosted light diffuser allows for brighter RGB lighting, while its medium-high pitch provides satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you're seeking a smooth and silent typing experience, the Silent Red switch is your best bet. Designed to minimize noise, it is perfect for office or shared living spaces. It delivers a consistent feel from top to bottom and features a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the TTC Silent Red both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more distinct and resonant typing experience. Additionally, its translucency allows for RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing aspect to the switch. Therefore, users can expect similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when using either of these switches.
In terms of the bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 White utilizes a nylon material, while the Silent Red also incorporates a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is a classic switch housing material known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Therefore, both switches offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
It's important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Therefore, users can still expect some differences in the overall sound and feel between the G Pro 3.0 White and the Silent Red, despite the similarities in their housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 White has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the Silent Red requires a slightly heavier force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. Both switches, however, have a similar bottom out force, with the G Pro 3.0 White requiring 45 grams and the Silent Red requiring 63.5 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White would be a suitable choice. The lower actuation force allows for smoother and faster keystrokes, making it ideal for longer typing sessions or intense gaming sessions. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red offers a slightly heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial push feel. This can be preferred by individuals who enjoy a tactile typing experience or require a bit more resistance.
It's worth mentioning that despite the difference in actuation and bottom out forces, both switches offer a similar bottom out force. So, while the Silent Red may have a slightly heavier actuation force, the resulting typing experience in terms of bottoming out would be comparable. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the TTC Silent Red would depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience – whether one prefers a lighter or slightly heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, it is clear that the G Pro 3.0 White has a longer travel distance, measuring at 4.0 mm, while the Silent Red has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The G Pro 3.0 White falls into the more traditional range of travel distances, offering a deeper keypress sensation, while the Silent Red provides a shallower feel. The preference for travel distance often varies depending on individual needs and preferences. Gamers, for instance, tend to favor shorter travel distances to achieve faster response times. In this case, the Silent Red switch would be the preferred option. However, some individuals find that shorter travel distances feel too abrupt, and may prefer the additional depth provided by the G Pro 3.0 White switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on an individual's desire for responsiveness or a more hearty depth when pressing down on the keys.
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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 falls within the range of clacky, neutral, and subdued. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound, though not excessively loud or harsh. The sound can be described as crisp, bright, and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. The Silent Red switch, on the other hand, is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. This makes it an excellent choice for those working in office or shared living spaces where minimizing noise is essential. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience. These switches are designed for delicate typists, providing a smooth and buttery feel as you glide your fingers across the keys effortlessly. The light actuation force of only 38g makes typing comfortable and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Silent Red switch is described as buttery, mild, and polished. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, ensuring a seamless and uniform typing sensation. The polished finish of these switches results in reduced friction and smooth key travel, further enhancing the typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the TTC Silent Red switches are linear switches, they have distinct differences in sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 White switch provides a clacky, neutral, or subdued sound profile, with a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. It offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, mild, silky, and subtle typing experience, ensuring a premium level of comfort. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch offers a muted sound profile, ideal for noise-sensitive environments. It provides a buttery, mild, and polished typing feel, delivering a smooth and seamless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the specific requirements of the user. However, it's important to note that both switches offer excellent qualities and will provide similar results when it comes to typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and TTC Silent Red switches, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and needs. If you are a delicate typist looking for a budget-friendly option with a light actuation force and brighter RGB lighting, the G Pro 3.0 White is the way to go. It offers a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, and silky typing experience. The sound produced by the G Pro 3.0 White can be described as clacky, neutral, or subdued, providing a crisp and bright auditory feedback.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and seamless typing experience without the noise, the Silent Reds are the perfect choice. Ideal for office or shared living spaces, these switches offer a muted sound profile and a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. They provide a buttery, mild, and polished typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, if you want a switch that offers a lighter actuation force and brighter RGB lighting, along with a clacky, neutral, or subdued sound profile and a creamy, easy-to-press, feathery, and silky typing feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White is the switch for you. However, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience with a smooth, buttery, mild, and polished feel, the TTC Silent Red switch is the better choice. Consider your typing preferences, working environment, and desired sound and feel when making your decision.
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