KTT Ash Gray vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are various options to consider, including the KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow. The Ash Gray is a tactile switch that is designed to provide a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response. It offers a light touch with crisp actuation, resulting in a delightful blend of tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor unnoticed. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is a linear switch known for its budget-friendly excellence. It offers a polished feel, accompanied by a higher pitched clacky sound profile and a fairly bouncy typing experience. While these general descriptions offer insight into the characteristics of each switch, diving deeper into their specific features and qualities will help you make the best choice suited to your needs.

By the numbers

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow Linear

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

$3.10

$2.78 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The KTT Ash Gray and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing material. This choice ensures that both switches produce a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate in the top housing allows for the effective use of RGB lighting. Therefore, if you are looking for similar sound and visual effects, either of these switches would be a good choice.

Moving on to the bottom housing material, both the Ash Gray and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow employ nylon. Nylon is a traditional material for switch housings and is known to generate a deeper and fuller sound profile. The unique characteristic of nylon being a softer plastic absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This quality is exhibited when the switch is pressed down, making both switches provide a satisfying typing experience in terms of sound and feel.

When comparing the two switches, it is important to consider how the different housing materials impact the overall sound experience. While the top housing has a more significant influence on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the bottom-out sound and feel. The KTT Ash Gray's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing creates a balance between a sharp, crisp sound and a deeper, fuller sound. Similarly, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow's dual housing materials yield comparable sound effects. Therefore, both switches may provide a similar typing experience with slight variations in sound profile.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, there are notable differences. The Ash Gray has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's 50 grams. This means that the Ash Gray requires less force to trigger a keystroke, making it more sensitive and potentially allowing for faster typing or gaming. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams compared to the Ash Gray's 53 grams. This indicates that the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience as it requires more force to fully press the key down.

For those who prefer lighter switches, the Ash Gray with its lower actuation and bottom out forces would be a suitable choice as it allows for extended typing sessions without causing fatigue. On the contrary, individuals who enjoy a stronger push feel and desire a more tactile typing experience may prefer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its higher forces. However, it is important to note that both switches fall within the medium force category, so while the results may differ slightly, the overall typing experience may be similar in terms of force requirements.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, we can see that the Ash Gray has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Ash Gray offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. 4.0 mm is considered a more traditional travel distance, offering a decent depth for typing or gaming. On the other hand, the 3.5 mm travel distance of the Ash Gray falls into the category of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly popular among gamers looking for faster response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Ash Gray would be a suitable choice. However, it is worth mentioning that some individuals find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt, lacking the depth they prefer in a switch. In such cases, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow with its 4 mm travel distance would be a better option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the specific typing or gaming experience one desires.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When comparing the subjective qualities of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, we can observe some notable differences.

In terms of sound, the Ash Gray switch offers a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound when pressed, making it suitable for various purposes and environments. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch has a high-pitched and resonant sound profile. When typing on these switches, you can expect a sharp and crisp sound, which may be preferable if you enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

Moving on to feel, the Ash Gray switch provides an easy-to-press experience. With minimal resistance during key presses and a light actuation force, typing on these switches feels effortless and comfortable. This makes them ideal for extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue. Additionally, the Ash Gray switch falls into the mild category in terms of feel. This means that it offers a gentle typing experience without any extreme characteristics, appealing to a wide range of users.

In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch offers a polished and creamy feel. The polished finish of these switches provides a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Additionally, the creamy sensation of these switches makes typing feel buttery smooth and effortless. While the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch may lack the easy-to-press and mild qualities of the Ash Gray switch, it offers a luxurious typing experience for those who prefer a sleek and silky feel.

Considering the available information, the Ash Gray and G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches offer distinct subjective qualities. The Ash Gray switch provides a tactile response that is both substantial and unobtrusive, with a light touch and crisp actuation. Its sound profile is neutral, and typing feels easy and gentle. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch is a budget-friendly linear switch with a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile. It offers a polished and creamy feel, resulting in a sleek and luxurious typing experience. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches can provide satisfying results, either through a pleasant tactile feedback or a refined linear experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you prefer a light touch with a crisp actuation and a tactile feedback that's not too overwhelming, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch would be a great choice for you. With a bottom out force of 53 grams, it offers an easy-to-press and mild typing experience that enhances comfort and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In terms of sound, the Ash Gray provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether you're using it at home or work.

On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 67 grams, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow would be a suitable option. This switch offers a higher-pitched and resonant sound profile, making it ideal if you enjoy a sharp and crisp sound when typing. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a polished and creamy typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek and buttery feel.

Ultimately, the choice between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch depends on your personal preferences. Consider whether you prioritize a light touch and tactile feedback (Ash Gray), or a higher-pitched sound and polished typing experience (G Pro 3.0 Yellow). Both switches offer their own unique characteristics that can enhance your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

KTT Ash Gray Tactile

$3.00

$2.55 per 10

Learn more

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow Linear

$3.10

$2.78 per 10

Learn more