KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches that offer a delightful tactile experience. The Ash Gray switch is designed to provide a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response, with a light touch and crisp actuation. It offers a perfect balance of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming, but also far from the unnoticed "sandy" sensation. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown from Gateron's budget-friendly series showcases a subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump, carefully crafted to not disrupt your typing flow. Additionally, it features a frosted light diffuser, ensuring vibrant RGB lighting to create an immersive visual experience. With a medium-high pitch and satisfying auditory feedback, typing sessions become even more enjoyable. Both switches are easy to press, offer a mild tactile experience, but differ in their categorization, with the Ash Gray being neutral and the G Pro 3.0 Brown stepping it up. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, polycarbonate's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Aesthetic-wise, the clear housing enabled by polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting. Therefore, when it comes to the top housing, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound and visual appeal.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown differ in their material choice. The Ash Gray utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown also incorporates nylon in its bottom housing. Nylon, a classic switch housing material, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. Its relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users of both switches can expect to experience a similar effect on sound when it comes to bottom-out keystrokes.
When considering the overall housing materials of the switches, it is important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housing. While the bottom housing material has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, the top housing material plays a more significant role in the sound produced when a key is released. Therefore, the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown provide varying experiences in terms of sound depending on whether the key is being pressed down or released.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, there are significant differences to consider. The Ash Gray switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes with a gentle touch. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch requires a higher actuation force of 55 grams, providing a slightly more resistant feel when typing.
Similarly, when it comes to bottoming out, the Ash Gray switch has a force of 53 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch has a slightly heavier force of 63 grams. This means that the Ash Gray switch allows for a lighter and smoother bottoming out sensation, which can be favorable for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch offers a bit more resistance, resulting in a more substantial typing feel for those who desire it.
Ultimately, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is lighter both in actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch. However, it is important to note that despite these variations, individuals seeking a similar typing experience can achieve comparable results with either switch by adjusting their typing technique accordingly.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, we can see that the Ash Gray has a shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Ash Gray falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which is popular among gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a more substantial depth with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference. If you value a responsive feel, the Ash Gray with its shorter travel distance may be the best option. However, if you prefer a more in-depth tactile experience, the G Pro 3.0 Brown and its longer travel distance would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 KTT Ash Gray switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it has a moderate sound level, making it suitable for most situations, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use the switch at home or work. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, both the Ash Gray and G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are described as being easy-to-press. This means that they offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. The light actuation force of these switches makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, both switches are described as having a mild tactile sensation, providing a gentle bump that won't overpower your typing flow. This mild feel falls in a safe, middle-ground zone that is approachable to most users. However, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is also described as having a stepped feel, which means that it has some pre-travel and/or post-travel, giving it a slightly different sensation compared to the Ash Gray switch.
In conclusion, while both the KTT Ash Gray and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches offer a pleasant tactile experience, there are some differences in the available information. The Ash Gray switch provides a subtle tactile feedback that is not overwhelming, accompanied by a neutral sound profile. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switch, on the other hand, also offers a gentle bump but with a stepped feel, and it promises a medium-high pitch for a satisfying auditory feedback. Overall, both switches present an excellent choice for those seeking a tactile typing experience, and depending on personal preferences, you can expect similar results from these switches.
Conclusion
In closing, to choose between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences for bottom out force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel. The Ash Gray has a bottom out force of 53 grams, which is medium-light, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is medium.
The Ash Gray switch offers a delightful blend of tactile feedback, providing a substantial yet unobtrusive touch with a crisp actuation. It is designed for a light touch that offers a comfortable typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch provides a gentle bump that won't overpower your typing flow. It also has a frosted light diffuser that enhances your RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. Furthermore, it offers a medium-high pitch that adds joy to your typing sessions.
In terms of sound, the Ash Gray switch is described as neutral, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, or using it at home or work. Unfortunately, no information is provided about the sound profile of the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch.
When it comes to the typing feel, both switches offer an easy-to-press experience with gentle resistance during key presses. They require minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, they provide a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. The Ash Gray switch also falls within the category of easy-to-press and mild, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as easy-to-press, mild, and stepped, providing a two-stage tactile feel.
Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch depends on your personal preferences for bottom out force, tactile feedback, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider how these factors align with your typing style and needs to make an informed decision on which switch to choose.
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