Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that combines budget-friendly excellence with a bouncy type feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a top contender. Known for its high-pitched and resonant sound profile, this linear switch offers a creamy typing experience that appeals to those who prefer a polished switch. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness and decisive bottom-out with each press. The shortened travel of this switch provides a smooth and fluid journey from initial press to bottoming out, creating a satisfying typing experience. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow excels in offering a bouncy feel, the Gold Silver focuses on swift action and seamless speed. 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
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Gold Silver, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for switches intended to be used with RGB lighting due to its translucency. The use of polycarbonate in both switches ensures a consistent sound experience and aesthetic appeal, providing a similar sound profile and visual effect.
However, the differences arise when examining the bottom housing material of each switch. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Gold Silver also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, ensuring a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a deep and full sound when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, while both switches share the benefit of using polycarbonate in their top housing for a consistent sound profile and aesthetic appeal, they differ in the bottom housing material. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow's nylon bottom housing emphasizes a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Gold Silver's nylon bottom housing provides a similar typing experience with a focus on creating a rounder and duller sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is slightly heavier in terms of actuation force, requiring 50 grams compared to the Gold Silver's 45 grams. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a bottom out force of 67 grams, whereas the Gold Silver's bottom out force is unknown. The actuation force of a switch is crucial as it determines the force needed to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force indicates the pressure required to press the key all the way down. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Gold Silver might be a better option due to its lower actuation force. Conversely, individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its slightly heavier actuation force and known bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Gold Silver which means it requires a bit more force to actuate the key fully. On the other hand, the Gold Silver offers a slightly shorter travel distance which may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their travel distances, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow providing a more traditional feel and the Gold Silver offering a more shallow experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
The TTC Gold Silver has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Silver for $2.90.
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 it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, creating a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch provides a thocky and low-pitched sound, delivering a deep, rich, and satisfying tone with a more mellow bass-heavy quality. Depending on personal preference, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow will appeal to those who enjoy a higher-pitched and clear sound, while the Gold Silver will cater to individuals who prefer a deeper and more substantial auditory feedback.
In terms of feel, both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Gold Silver switches offer a polished typing experience, featuring smooth and refined finishes that result in sleek key travel with reduced friction. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has been described as creamy, providing a buttery and effortless typing sensation, while the Gold Silver offers a silky feel, enhancing the overall smoothness of keystrokes. Additionally, the Gold Silver switch has been characterized as mild and subtle, offering a gentle and approachable typing experience suitable for various user preferences.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch excels in delivering a high-pitched and resonant sound profile coupled with a creamy and polished typing feel, making it a budget-friendly choice for those who enjoy a sharp and smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch stands out for its rapid responsiveness, thocky and low-pitched sound, and silky and polished feel, providing a blend of speed, sound, and fluidity in every keystroke. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to a wide range of typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying keyboarding experience with either option.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a budget-friendly option with a medium-heavy bottom out force, a higher pitched sound profile, and a bouncy type feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be the switch for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid responsiveness, shortened travel for decisive bottom-outs, and a smooth journey from press to bottom-out, then the Gold Silver switch would suit your needs better. Ultimately, your choice should hinge on whether you prefer a sharper, clackier typing experience with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, or a smoother, swifter typing experience with the Gold Silver switch. Consider these factors carefully to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.