Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct options for enthusiasts, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White is celebrated for its incredibly light actuation force of just 38g, making it an ideal choice for delicate typists who appreciate smooth and sensitive keystrokes. It features a frosted light diffuser that enhances RGB lighting while providing a satisfying auditory feedback with its medium-high pitch. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g is engineered for those seeking a quieter typing environment, with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 43g that still allows for a gentle touch. This switch’s design aims to produce a whisper-quiet sound, reminiscent of raindrops, making it perfect for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Both switches prioritize ease of use and comfort but cater to different environments and typing styles. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound that can resonate more clearly. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 43g is equipped with a nylon top housing, which is softer and tends to absorb sound. This leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that is notably rounder. Thus, while both switches have unique auditory characteristics due to their top housing materials, the G Pro 3.0 White has a brighter and crisper sound, whereas the HMX Silent Sakura offers a warmer and more subdued auditory experience.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 White employs nylon, while the HMX Silent Sakura switches to polycarbonate. The nylon material in the G Pro 3.0 White helps to create a deeper sound profile, complementing the sharper tone of its polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a clearer feedback sound, balancing well with the softer nylon top housing. As a result, this divergence in materials affects how each switch responds during keystrokes. The bottom-out sound and feel will be more pronounced in the Silent Sakura due to its stiffer bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 White offers a mushier feel but clearer sound when releasing the key.
In conclusion, while both switches use a combination of nylon and polycarbonate, their distinct configurations yield varying auditory experiences and tactile feelings. The differing top and bottom housing materials split the characteristics across the switches, meaning you experience the qualities of each material during different phases of keypress. If you're seeking to achieve a balance of crispness and depth, you may find a trade-off in how these switches perform, with potential similar results in sound each providing a unique tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between them will come down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, we see subtle differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 White has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Silent Sakura has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a lower bottom out force of 43 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 White is marginally heavier in both respects, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer touch. In contrast, the Silent Sakura, being lighter in actuation force, may be more suitable for users who prioritize comfort during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Both switches exhibit light characteristics, but with the G Pro 3.0 White offering a slightly heavier tactile response, users may find that either option can provide satisfying performance based on their personal preference.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they share the same key travel distance. This similarity means that users will experience a comparable amount of movement when pressing down on the keys of either switch, making them feel quite alike in terms of depth and responsiveness during typing or gaming. Since both switches have the same travel distance, individuals looking for similar tactile experiences can confidently choose either option without a difference in travel distance affecting their performance.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White switch and the HMX Silent Sakura, the differences are quite pronounced. The G Pro 3.0 White produces a range of sounds depending on its usage environment, characterized as clacky, neutral, and subdued. This means it can offer everything from a bright and percussive sound to a more neutral and moderate profile, making it versatile for both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch is designed for a whisper-quiet experience but lacks specific sound descriptors to provide a complete profile. This suggests that while it focuses on reducing noise, the exact auditory characteristics are less defined, potentially offering a more subdued experience than the G Pro 3.0 White.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 White switch shines with descriptors such as creamy, feathery, and silky. These characteristics emphasize a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, making it exceptionally comfortable for prolonged typing sessions. This light actuation force of 38g enhances its accessibility, allowing for effortless keystrokes and reducing finger fatigue. Conversely, while the Silent Sakura is noted for its ultra-light bottom out force of 43g, it lacks explicit descriptors to illuminate its tactile experience. Still, the focus on a silent operation potentially means it prioritizes a more muted, yet elegant, typing feel without sacrificing the light effort needed for engagement.
In summary, if you seek a more engaging auditory experience with versatile sound profiles and a notably smooth typing feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White would likely serve you well, especially for both typing and gaming scenarios. Its combination of responsive feedback and light actuation force makes it a solid all-rounder switch. Conversely, if a quiet typing environment is your priority, the HMX Silent Sakura promises to deliver that serenity with an ultra-light actuation, although further specifics on the feel remain unknown. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and needs within the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, your choice heavily depends on your typing environment and personal preferences. If you lean towards a more tactile and responsive experience, the G Pro 3.0 White is an excellent option, offering a creamy and feathery feel coupled with a moderately clacky sound profile, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing. Its slightly higher bottom-out force ensures that you get the satisfaction of a positive keystroke, which can be quite enjoyable during long sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a quieter solution for a shared workspace or simply prefer a serene typing experience, the Silent Sakura - 43g is the way to go. With its whisper-quiet operation and ultra-light actuation force, it delivers a smooth yet subdued typing feel that won’t disturb others around you. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize auditory feedback and sensations or a tranquil and gentle typing experience.
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