Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out as two excellent linear options, each with its own unique characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a budget-friendly choice that combines a high-pitched clacky sound with a bouncy typing feel, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback without compromising on smoothness. Its polished and creamy profile caters well to gamers and typists alike, providing a responsive experience without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie sets itself apart with its thocky sound profile and exceptional smoothness, delighting users who prioritize a soft and refined tactile encounter. This medium-weight switch, crafted from high-quality POM materials, delivers a satisfying typing experience while remaining accessible in price. Ultimately, your choice between the two might depend on whether you lean towards a lively, resonant feel or a soft, muted thock. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, one can notice significant differences in the materials of their top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a polycarbonate top housing known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Its stiffer composition contributes to a more resonant sound, making it particularly suitable for setups with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie features a POM top housing, which is designed to produce a deeper and more muted sound. The inherent qualities of POM create a strikingly unique auditory experience that diverges from the sharper tone of polycarbonate, leading to a more subdued overall sound profile.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches utilize different materials, which affects the sound and feel of each switch. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow incorporates a nylon bottom housing, a classic in the mechanical keyboard industry, that generates a fuller and deeper response. The nylon's softer nature absorbs sound better than harder plastics, leading to a rounder sound characteristic. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM bottom housing echoes the unique sound profile of its top housing, resulting in a similarly deep and muted sound. Here, both switches demonstrate a notable contrast in their bottom housing materials, contributing to the depth and richness of the overall acoustic experience.
If one were to utilize both switches in a mechanical keyboard setup, the differences in their housing materials would lead to distinct auditory experiences. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow might produce a crisper sound when the key is released due to its polycarbonate top, while the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM housing would provide a deeper bottom-out sound that would appeal to users seeking a more muted auditory feedback. Despite the material discrepancies, users can achieve a relatively similar sound profile by considering the impact of bottom housing when typing. By selecting a key switch with complementary materials or tuning their keyboard settings, enthusiasts might find a harmonious balance between the sharpness of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the muted tones of the Sea Salt Smoothie.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is slightly lighter at 48 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires a bit more force to actuate, which can provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a heavier switch. Meanwhile, the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is measured at 67 grams, indicating that it provides a tactile feedback when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, making it difficult to assess its full travel experience in comparison. Generally, users looking for lighter switches might appreciate the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie for its lower actuation force, allowing for longer typing or gaming sessions without fatigue, while those who prefer a stronger push feel should lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a longer travel distance of 4 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.7 mm. This difference of 0.3 mm highlights a key distinction between the two switches: the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a more traditional and deeper feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker key presses and rapid response times, often favored by gamers. Consequently, if responsiveness is your priority, the Sea Salt Smoothie would be the better choice, while those seeking a more substantial key press may opt for the longer-travel G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
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 Gateron Sea Salt 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 Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 qualities, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch presents a high-pitched and resonant audio profile characterized by a sharp and crisp sound upon actuation. This clacky auditory feedback is often favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced, lively typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers an undisclosed sound profile, so specific comparisons in terms of auditory qualities remain uncertain. However, one can anticipate the signature sounds of a well-made linear switch, which may generally lean towards a more subdued thocky sound, a preferred choice for those who lean towards a richer, bassy auditory experience in their typing.
In terms of tactile feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow excels with its polished and creamy characteristics. This smooth, refined finish contributes to a sleek typing experience with minimal friction, allowing for effortless key travel. The buttery feel makes it easy to glide your fingers across the keys, enhancing comfort during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, information on the feel of the Sea Salt Smoothie is not provided. Nevertheless, one can expect that with a focus on quality, this switch will also aim for a smooth, enjoyable typing experience, although specifics about its tactile properties are unknown.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is a strong contender for those seeking a vibrant and engaging typing experience with its higher-pitched sound and exceptional smoothness. While the Sea Salt Smoothie promises quality at an accessible price point, its sound and tactile sensations are still under wraps, making direct comparisons challenging. If you're exploring either option, you can expect the G Pro 3.0 Yellow to deliver a polished experience, while the Sea Salt Smoothie may also fulfill similar expectations in terms of overall satisfaction, though further details would be necessary for a complete evaluation.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel and enjoy a higher-pitched, clacky sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is likely the best option for you. It's ideal for those who appreciate a bouncy typing experience with a polished finish that allows for smooth key travel. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that emphasizes smoothness and delivers a thocky sound while being budget-friendly, the Sea Salt Smoothie is a fantastic choice. Its creamy and refined feel makes it excellent for long typing sessions, especially if you value a quieter, more subdued auditory presence. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style and sound preferences when making your decision.
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