Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the TTC Silent Red. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is hailed as a budget-friendly linear switch that offers an excellent typing experience. Typing on these switches produces a higher pitched clacky sound and a bouncy feel, making them perfect for those who prefer a tactile feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Silent Red switch from TTC is known for delivering a smooth and seamless typing experience without all the noise. These switches have a muted sound profile, making them ideal for office or shared living space use. The Silent Reds also provide a consistent, buttery-smooth feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your specific 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 TTC Silent Red share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in similar sound profiles. Due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, both switches produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting. Aesthetically, these switches will have a similar appearance with their clear housings. Overall, the polycarbonate top housing contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile in both the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Silent Red switches.
While the top housings of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Silent Red are the same, their bottom housings differ. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Silent Red also utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, pressing down on both switches will elicit a similar deep and resonant sound profile due to the nylon bottom housing.
In terms of the impact on sound and feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow and Silent Red differ based on their top and bottom housing materials. As mentioned earlier, when pressing down on the switch, the bottom housing characteristics come into play. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper sound and a slightly softer bottom-out feel. Similarly, the Silent Red's nylon bottom housing also creates a deeper sound and a slightly softer bottom-out feel. However, when it comes to the sound upon key release, the top housing material will have a more significant impact. As both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, the sound when letting go of a key will be similar, producing a clear and resonant tone.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires 50 grams of force, while the Silent Red demands 45 grams. This means that the Silent Red is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow requires 67 grams, whereas the Silent Red requires 63.5 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category for bottom out force.
Considering the weight of the switch, some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Silent Red, as it allows for more comfortable typing over longer periods of time. This could be particularly beneficial for those who use their keyboard extensively at work or during prolonged gaming sessions. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, with its slightly heavier actuation force.
When it comes to bottoming out, both switches provide a similar level of resistance, as they both fall within the medium-heavy range. This means that regardless of the switch chosen, users can expect a certain level of tactile feedback when pressing the keys all the way down.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a slightly heavier actuation force but a higher bottom out force compared to the TTC Silent Red. Users looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Silent Red, while those desiring a stronger push feel may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. However, in terms of bottoming out, both switches provide similar results.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. The 4.0mm travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is more traditional, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Silent Red with its shorter 3.7 mm travel distance offers a more shallow sensation. Shorter travel distances are often favored by gamers who prioritize faster response times. If you prefer a more responsive typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Red may be preferable. However, for those who prefer a deeper and more substantial key press, the longer travel distance of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be a better choice. Both switches have their respective advantages, and the decision ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed, providing an immersive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch is known for its muted sound profile. It produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making it ideal for office or shared living spaces where noise reduction is important. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is described as polished and creamy. The polished finish of the switch results in a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The creamy sensation of these switches feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, providing a silky typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience. The buttery feel implies a smooth and fluid keystroke, while the mild characteristic ensures a gentle typing experience that falls into a safe, middle-ground zone. Additionally, like the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, the Silent Red also boasts a polished switch, resulting in a sleek typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and TTC Silent Red switches 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 TTC Silent Red offers a muted sound profile and a smooth, buttery, and mild typing experience, also with a polished switch. Both switches can provide an enjoyable typing experience, but with distinct characteristics. If one prefers a quieter typing experience, the Silent Red switch would be the ideal choice. If one prefers a higher-pitched sound and a creamier typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch would be more suitable. It's important to consider personal preferences and the intended use case when selecting a switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is an excellent choice. These switches provide a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy type feel, making them ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory and tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet typing experience, the TTC Silent Red is the perfect option. These switches have a muted sound profile, making them suitable for office or shared living spaces. They also offer a smooth and consistent feel from top to bottom, with a padded bottom-out feel for maximum comfort. Ultimately, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is for those who enjoy a lively typing experience, while the TTC Silent Red is for those who value a quiet and seamless typing experience. Consider your sound and feel preferences to determine which switch aligns with your needs.
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