Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is celebrated for its budget-friendly price point and a bouncy, high-pitched clacky sound profile that many typists enjoy, providing a polished and resonant typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g excels in delivering a nearly silent keystroke, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making it an ideal choice for those who value tranquility in their typing environment. With a balanced bottom-out force of 53g, the Silent Sakura offers a light yet satisfying feel, perfect for long typing sessions without disturbing others. Both switches have their unique merits—whether you prefer the auditory feedback and lively feel of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow or the serene and discreet experience of the Silent Sakura. 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
53g
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
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g differ significantly in their choice of housing materials, which affects both sound profile and tactile feedback. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer nature, leading to a sharper, crisper sound profile. This material is particularly advantageous for users looking to enhance their RGB lighting experience, as its translucent quality allows for better light diffusion. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g opts for a nylon top housing, characterized by its softer composition. This results in a deeper, fuller sound that absorbs more sound energy, creating a rounder and more muted auditory experience. While both switches use housing materials that significantly influence sound, the contrasting profiles produced by polycarbonate and nylon reveal a fundamental difference in the user experience.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, the differences continue. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow employs a nylon bottom housing, reinforcing the deeper and fuller sound that this material is known for. This combination effectively dampens the sound emitted upon bottoming out, making for a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which reintroduces the sharper, crisper characteristics typical of polycarbonate. This switch arrangement creates a fascinating interplay where the top and bottom housings influence the overall sound signature differently—typical of singles that have a hybrid material approach to housing design. Users will notice this when actuating the keys, as the toggling between deep and clear sounds is distinctly pronounced.
Ultimately, the unique material combination in each switch results in contrasting auditory landscapes. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, delivers a balanced sound experience that showcases high-pitched clarity on release and softness upon bottoming out. The HMX Silent Sakura - 53g, with its nylon top and polycarbonate bottom, offers a richer, rounded typing experience with an interestingly sharper bottom-out sound. Both switches offer distinct yet compelling results, appealing to different preferences in typing sound and feel. For users who desire a blend of characteristics from both switches, it is conceivable to achieve similar results by selectively mixing key housing materials in custom builds; however, the original sound profiles will still lean towards their respective material influences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams to the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, we can observe notable differences in their characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the heavier switch, demanding more force for both actuation and bottoming out, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g is lighter, requiring less force for actuation and bottoming out, which can facilitate longer typing sessions without fatigue. As a result, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may appeal more to typists and gamers seeking a firmer tactile feedback, while the Silent Sakura may be favored by those who value comfort and ease of use over prolonged periods. Overall, these switches cater to different preferences in typing dynamics, where heavier options provide a stronger push feel, and lighter options permit a gentler touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch both feature a travel distance of 4 mm, making their actuation and overall key press feel identical in terms of distance. This similarity means that users can expect comparable results when using either switch, as both require the same amount of travel to register a key press. As a result, those who enjoy linear switches will find that both options provide a consistent experience 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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 produces a higher-pitched, clacky sound that can be quite engaging for those who appreciate an auditory feedback while typing. Its resonant qualities offer a clean, sharp sound profile that contrasts well with deeper, bass-heavy switches, providing an immersive auditory experience that elevates the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g is designed for a whisper-quiet operation, which creates a much subtler sound profile, ideally suited for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. The Silent Sakura's sound resembles gentle raindrops on a window, an auditory signature that promotes a serene typing experience, making it a solid option for those who may find the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's sound too distracting.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow excels with its polished and creamy sensations. The smooth and refined finish of the switch facilitates a sleek typing experience that minimizes friction, allowing for effortless keystrokes. This buttery feel is often enhanced by factory lubrication, enabling a gliding motion across the keys that can be both enjoyable and satisfying. Conversely, the feel of the Silent Sakura - 53g is unknown. However, its 53g bottom-out force suggests a design aimed at providing a balanced tactile experience, lending it to a potentially satisfying touch, especially if ergonomics and key resistance are your priorities.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences suited to different preferences. If you enjoy a crisp and lively feedback while typing, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow will likely meet your needs. However, if you prefer a quieter environment, the Silent Sakura could be the better choice. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may provide a more engaging sound and smoother feel, the Silent Sakura offers an enticing alternative for quieter typing without sacrificing the satisfaction found in a well-designed switch. Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific priorities for sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a slightly heavier keypress that provides a satisfying bounce and a sharper, more resonant sound, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow may be your ideal switch. Its polished feel delivers a smooth and creamy typing experience that can enhance both gaming and typing, especially if you appreciate the clicky auditory feedback that comes with a higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, if you seek a quieter, more subdued environment for your typing, the Silent Sakura - 53g is an excellent choice. With a lighter bottom out force and a design focused on delivering the least sound possible, these switches are perfect for late-night work sessions or shared spaces where noise is a concern. Ultimately, if you prefer a heavier, more tactile experience with an engaging sound, go for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow; if you need a softer touch and tranquility while you type, the Silent Sakura - 53g will serve you well.
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