Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Silent Ink Black both offer their own unique features and advantages. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is widely recognized for its budget-friendly excellence and provides a satisfying clacky sound profile with a bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black is the go-to choice for those who need a quieter typing experience. It boasts a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, perfect for environments where noise needs to be kept to a minimum. However, in order to make the best decision for your needs, let's delve deeper into the specifics of each switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in their composition, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound. This stiffer plastic material enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when typing. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top housing. This blend offers a slightly higher-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky, providing a unique and satisfying typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow incorporates a nylon material. This classic switch housing material delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softer composition, nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. Meanwhile, the Silent Ink Black employs Gateron's INK blend for its bottom housing as well. This blend complements the pointed and high-pitched sound profile of the top housing, contributing to the overall clacky sound that is often associated with this switch.
Although the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Silent Ink Black have differing housing materials, each material brings unique characteristics to the switches. The bottom housing primarily impacts the sound and feel when bottoming out the keys, while the top housing influences the sound when letting go of a key. Both switches offer distinctive sound profiles, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow emphasizing clarity and resonance, and the Silent Ink Black delivering a satisfying and clacky sound. Despite their differences, both switches provide an enjoyable typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are notable similarities and differences to consider. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a lighter actuation force of 50 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes swiftly. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black requires a slightly stronger push with an actuation force of 60 grams. However, both switches have a comparable bottom out force, with the G Pro 3.0 Yellow weighing in at 67 grams and the Silent Ink Black at 70 grams. This means that when fully pressed down, both switches provide a medium-heavy typing experience. Overall, if a lighter actuation force is preferred, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be the better choice, while those seeking a slightly heavier typing feel may opt for the Silent Ink Black. Nonetheless, the similarities in bottom out force ensure that both switches deliver comparable results in terms of typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. When pressing down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel. Both switches offer a consistent and smooth typing experience, ensuring that the travel distance remains the same for each keystroke. Therefore, whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the Silent Ink Black, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 switch produces a high-pitched and resonant sound when typing. These switches have a sharp and crisp sound profile that may appeal to those who prefer a more lively and bright sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch is known for its muted sound. These switches are designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a softer and quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a polished and creamy typing experience. The switch has a smooth and refined finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. It feels like gliding your fingers across the keys with ease, as they effortlessly melt into each keystroke. Similarly, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch provides a silky and polished feel. These switches offer an exceptionally smooth typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches both excel in different areas. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its higher-pitched sound profile and bouncy typing feel. It offers a polished and creamy experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch is favored for its muted sound and cushy bottom-out feel. It provides a silky and polished typing experience, minimizing resistance. Overall, both switches offer unique qualities and can provide satisfying results based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option with a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch is a great choice. These switches have a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy typing feel, providing a more energetic typing experience. They are best suited for those who prefer a sharper and crisper sound when typing, as well as a polished and creamy feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you need a quieter typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is the way to go. With a medium-heavy bottom-out force, these switches offer a silenced version of the Ink Black switch, perfect for environments that require minimal audio feedback. They provide a cushion-like bottom-out feel and produce a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches. The Silent Ink Black switches are known for their silky and polished feel, enhancing the smoothness of the typing experience and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys.
Ultimately, the choice between the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the Silent Ink Black comes down to your preferences in sound and feel. If you prioritize a more energetic and high-pitched sound with a bouncy type feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value a quieter typing experience with a cushion-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, the Silent Ink Black is the switch to choose.
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