Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to ponder are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Cherry MX Silent Red, both linear switches with their own unique characteristics. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out for its budget-friendly excellence, offering a high-pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy typing feel. In contrast, the MX Silent Red, a variant of the classic MX Red, provides a similar typing experience but with a remarkably quieter sound profile, making it perfect for noise-sensitive environments. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a polished and resonant feel, the MX Silent Red brings a muted and thocky sensation to the table. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Cherry MX Silent Red, it is evident that both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing material. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. However, the top housing material differs between the two switches, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow featuring a polycarbonate top housing while the Cherry MX Silent Red uses a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more resonant sound. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Silent Red produces a duller and rounder sound, offering a different typing experience.
Despite the difference in top housing materials, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Cherry MX Silent Red prioritize sound quality and feel in their switch design. The use of polycarbonate in the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's top housing results in a more clear and resonant sound profile, particularly when using RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red's nylon top housing absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile that may appeal to those seeking a quieter typing experience. While the bottom housing materials are the same for both switches, the impact of each housing material is felt differently - the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Cherry MX Silent Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and typing experience. The polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow will cater to users looking for a sharper, crisper sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the nylon top housing of the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a deeper and fuller sound, ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience. Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, providing a consistent feel in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound profile and typing feedback.
Weight
The actuation force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is 5 grams heavier than the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, making the G Pro 3.0 Yellow slightly heavier to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is 67 grams, which is unavailable for the Cherry MX Silent Red. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires a heavier force to fully press down compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. Some may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for a more substantial typing experience, while others may lean towards the Cherry MX Silent Red for a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. The Gateron switch offers a slightly longer keypress distance, providing a more traditional feel compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Cherry MX Silent Red, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress depth may opt for the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences in the keyboard enthusiast community.
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 Cherry MX Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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, providing a sharp and clean auditory experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch is characterized by a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound, offering a softer and quieter typing experience ideal for noise-sensitive environments. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow leans towards a higher-pitched clacky sound, the MX Silent Red excels in minimizing noise with its silent operation.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is known for its polished and creamy feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch is described as textured, potentially providing a more tactile feel with noticeable friction. Depending on personal preference, users may opt for the silky sensation of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the textured feedback of the MX Silent Red for their typing needs.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience in their own way. Whether you prefer the high-pitched resonance of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the muted thocky feel of the MX Silent Red, you can expect reliable performance and quality from these popular linear switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider your personal preferences and needs. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a higher pitched and resonant sound profile, as well as a polished and creamy typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be the perfect fit for you. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience in a noise-sensitive environment and prefer a muted, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, along with a textured feel, the MX Silent Red might be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, choosing between these switches comes down to your individual preferences for sound, feel, and budget constraints. Make sure to consider these factors carefully in order to find the best switch for your typing needs.
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