Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options on the market are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Silent Brown. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a linear switch, while the Silent Brown is a tactile switch. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is often praised for its budget-friendly excellence, offering users a polished and high-pitched sound profile, along with a bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches are known for providing a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. In addition, they have a muted sound profile which many users appreciate. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can make the best decision on which switch suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Silent Brown switches share similar housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing. This results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to be showcased effectively. However, it is important to note that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is specifically designed for RGB lighting, making its polycarbonate top housing an ideal choice for those who prioritize aesthetics.
On the other hand, the key differentiating factor between these switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch employs a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a softer plastic material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Conversely, the TTC Silent Brown switch also incorporates a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar deeper and fuller sound experience.
When considering the overall typing experience, the differences in the bottom housing materials become crucial. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, meaning that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch may offer a slightly different typing experience due to its specific nylon bottom housing. However, the impact of the top housing on the sound when releasing a key is expected to be similar for both switches since they share polycarbonate top housings.
In conclusion, while both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Silent Brown switches showcase similarities in terms of their top housing materials, their bottom housing materials slightly differ, which may result in varying typing experiences. Nonetheless, the top housing's influence on the sound when releasing a key is likely to be the same for both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. In terms of actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires 50 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Silent Brown requires 45 grams. Although the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is slightly heavier in this aspect, both switches fall within the medium-heavy category. Moving on to the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires 67 grams of force for a full press, while the Silent Brown requires 63.5 grams. Again, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is slightly heavier. Overall, both switches provide a medium-heavy feel, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow being slightly lighter in actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Silent Brown. As a result, those seeking a lighter typing experience for extended periods may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, while those looking for a more substantial and stronger push feel may prefer the Silent Brown.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. In terms of travel distance, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is longer than the Silent Brown. 4.0 mm is considered a more traditional travel distance, while 3.8 mm is slightly shallower. However, it is important to note that shorter travel distances have become increasingly popular, particularly among gamers who value faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive feel when pressing down on a key, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its slightly longer travel distance may be a good choice. On the other hand, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to feel too abrupt and prefer switches with a longer travel distance for a more significant depth. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on your personal preference for travel distance and the specific feel you desire when typing or gaming.
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 Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 Yellow linear switch is known for its high-pitched and resonant characteristics. When pressed, these switches produce a sharp and crisp sound, creating an immersive auditory experience. If you prefer a keyboard switch with a more rich and bassy sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may not be the best choice for you. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile. These switches produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The muted sound of the Silent Brown switches helps minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors, such as the type of keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is described as polished and creamy. A polished switch indicates a smooth and refined finish, resulting in a sleek and comfortable typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches have reduced friction and offer smooth key travel, providing a buttery and silky sensation as your fingers effortlessly glide across the keys with each keystroke. The Silent Brown tactile switch, on the other hand, provides a buttery and mild typing experience. These switches offer a gentle and uniform typing sensation, falling within the safe and approachable middle-ground zone. Similar to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, the Silent Brown switches also feature a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offer different subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a polished and creamy feel. On the other hand, the Silent Brown switches offer a muted sound profile that minimizes noise, coupled with a buttery and mild typing experience. If you prefer a sharper and more immersive sound, along with a sleek and refined typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be the better choice for you. However, if you prioritize a quieter sound profile and a gentle, uniform typing sensation, the Silent Brown switches would be a great option. Ultimately, your personal preference and typing style will determine which switch is more suitable for you.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, it is an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option with a medium-heavy bottom out force. Typing on these switches provides a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy type feel. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a comfortable typing experience with a light-medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump. They are best known for their muted sound profile. Therefore, if you prefer a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, along with a polished and creamy typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be a suitable choice. However, if you prioritize a muted sound profile and a buttery and mild typing experience, the TTC Silent Brown would be the better option for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel.
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