Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches stand out for their distinctive characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is praised for its budget-friendly excellence, offering a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 features a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, providing a silky and seamless typing experience with the added feature of a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. Each switch has its unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them both appealing choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed to showcase RGB lighting. However, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing.
Although both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, the differentiation in bottom housing materials sets them apart in terms of sound characteristics. The Everglide Lightning Silver V3 maintains consistency with a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a unique typing experience with its nylon bottom housing, which enhances the overall sound by producing a deeper and fuller tone. This distinction highlights the impact that bottom housing material can have on the sound and feel of a switch, providing users with a variety of options to suit their preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for clear and crisp sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's nylon bottom housing offers a different typing experience with its deeper and fuller sound. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 maintains a consistent polycarbonate housing throughout, providing a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Regardless of the choice, both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in influencing the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch have differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, making it medium-heavy. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 has a lighter actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, classified as medium. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Lightning Silver V3, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces. Both switches offer different typing experiences based on individual preferences, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance, making it more traditional compared to the Lightning Silver V3 with a shorter travel distance. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Lightning Silver V3 with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Ultimately, both switches offer different typing experiences based on their respective travel distances, so it's important to consider personal preferences when choosing between the two.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offer different auditory experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, giving a sharp and crisp sound when typing. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is described as clacky and high-pitched, producing a sharp and snappy sound with a bright and percussive quality. Both switches offer a unique sound signature that can enhance the overall typing experience, especially when combined with the right keyboard and keycap setup.
Moving on to the feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its polished and creamy typing experience. The polished finish of the switch results in a sleek and refined feel, reducing friction and providing smooth key travel. The creamy sensation adds a buttery smoothness to each keystroke, making typing feel effortless and enjoyable. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance when pressing and releasing keys. Both switches provide a comfortable and seamless typing feel, allowing for prolonged use without fatigue.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a polished and creamy typing feel, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a clacky and high-pitched sound signature with a silky smooth typing experience. Depending on personal preference and the desired typing experience, both switches can deliver satisfying results for newcomers looking to explore different mechanical keyboard switches in their setup.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, as well as a polished and creamy typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, paired with a silky smooth typing feel, then the Lightning Silver V3 could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, both switches offer their own unique attributes and it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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