Gateron G Pro 3.0 White vs. Gateron Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Smoothie 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 Gateron Smoothie are two excellent options to consider. The G Pro 3.0 White is a linear switch that is perfect for delicate typists, offering a light actuation force of only 38g for effortless and sensitive keystrokes. With a frosted light diffuser for brighter RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback, this switch provides a premium typing experience at a budget-friendly price. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie is an all-POM linear switch known for its thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and lightweight touch. While both switches offer unique features and characteristics, such as the G Pro 3.0 White being clacky and creamy, and the Smoothie being buttery and low-pitched, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between them. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White and the Gateron Smoothie both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 White's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Smoothie's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate housing of the G Pro 3.0 White is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the POM housing of the Smoothie adds a sleek and sophisticated look to the switch.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 White's nylon material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, due to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Smoothie's POM bottom housing also contributes to a pleasing and unique sound, emphasizing depth and a muted tone. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the housing material used for the bottom part of the switch, ultimately impacting the overall sound and feel of typing on each keyboard.
Despite their differences, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in determining sound profiles. While the G Pro 3.0 White and the Smoothie may have contrasting characteristics in their housing materials, they both offer satisfying typing experiences. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile of polycarbonate or a deeper, more muted sound of POM, both switches deliver unique sensations that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, we find that the G Pro 3.0 White is lighter in both aspects. The G Pro 3.0 White has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Smoothie has an actuation force of 40 grams and an unknown bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 White is lighter in terms of actuation force, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a lighter touch. The Smoothie, on the other hand, may offer a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its slightly higher actuation force. Overall, for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 White would be the better choice, while those looking for a more forceful typing feel may lean towards the Gateron Smoothie. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch has a travel distance of 4.0mm, while the Gateron Smoothie linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. The G Pro 3.0 White has a longer travel distance than the Smoothie, making it slightly more traditional in terms of key press depth. Gamers may prefer the Gateron Smoothie with its shorter distance for faster response times, while those who prefer a deeper key press may gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 White. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distances, but ultimately provide similar results in terms of key actuation.
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 Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie for $2.60.
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 known for its medium-high pitch, providing a satisfying auditory feedback that could be described as clacky. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch offers a thocky sound signature, which is deep, rich, and satisfying. While the G Pro White switch has a brighter, more percussive sound, the Smoothie switch produces a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, the sound preference between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the overall keyboard setup.
Now, when it comes to the feel of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 White is designed for delicate typists, offering an easy-to-press, feathery, and silky typing experience. This means that typing on the G Pro White switch feels smooth and effortless, with minimal finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie switch is described as buttery and creamy, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation with exceptional smoothness. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Gateron Smoothie may excel in providing a more fluid keystroke experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie linear switch may differ in sound and feel characteristics, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the G Pro White switch offers a clacky sound and a feathery typing feel, the Smoothie switch provides a thocky sound and a buttery typing experience. Choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. It is important to consider all aspects of the switches, including sound profile, typing feel, and compatibility with personal preferences and keyboard setups, to make an informed decision on which switch best suits your typing style.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 White linear switch or the Gateron Smoothie linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are a delicate typist who prefers a light actuation force and a medium-high pitch sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 White may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a thocky sound signature, remarkable smoothness, and a lightweight touch without compromising on quality, the Smoothie switch could be the perfect fit. Consider the key differences in bottom out force, sound characteristics (clacky vs. thocky), and typing feel (creamy vs. buttery) when making your decision. Remember, the best switch for you is the one that feels most comfortable and enhances your typing experience.
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