KTT Darling vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboards, two popular linear switches stand out - the KTT Darling and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver. The KTT Darling offers a typing experience that is described as chewy and substantial, with a bouncy and springy responsiveness to each keystroke. It produces a high-pitched, resonant sound when bottoming out, creating a unique blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches from their budget-friendly G Pro line-up, are known for their unmatched value in gaming. With a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, these switches provide lightning-fast responsiveness, giving gamers a competitive edge. The switches also feature vibrant RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for an exhilarating gaming experience. Choosing between these two switches will depend on your preference for typing feel and gaming performance. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Darling and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate leads to a more clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that prioritize sound quality. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetically pleasing element to the switches. This material is commonly used in switches with clear housings, making it easy to identify when a switch features polycarbonate.
In terms of bottom housing material, the KTT Darling utilizes nylon while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver also features nylon. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing compared to other housing materials. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound that is especially satisfying for typing enthusiasts. Despite the same material being used in both switches, the qualities brought by the nylon bottom housing are crucial in determining the overall sound experience of each switch.
One key difference between the switches lies in how the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom housing. While the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Understanding this split allows users to better appreciate the nuanced differences in sound and feel between switches with different housing materials. Whether it be polycarbonate or nylon, both materials contribute to the overall typing experience and add unique qualities to the switches.
Weight
The actuation force of both the KTT Darling linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch is 45 grams, meaning that the force required to trigger a keystroke is the same for both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the KTT Darling requires 53 grams, making it slightly heavier than the G Pro 3.0 Silver, which only requires 50 grams. This difference means that the KTT Darling provides a more substantial typing experience when fully pressing down on the keys compared to the G Pro 3.0 Silver. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the G Pro 3.0 Silver would be the better choice, as it allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, slightly longer than the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch. Both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them popular among gamers for their quicker response times. However, the slight difference in travel distance can still affect how each switch feels when pressed. The slightly longer travel distance of the Darling switch may provide a slightly more tactile experience, whereas the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch may feel more responsive due to its slightly shorter travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the amount of travel distance desired for a satisfying typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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
In terms of sound, the KTT Darling linear switch provides a high-pitched, resonant, and clacky typing experience, giving users a crisp and engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch offers a bassy, low-pitched, and thocky sound profile, adding a deeper and richer tone to the typing or gaming sessions. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the lively and sharp sound of the Darling or the smooth and bass-heavy sound of the G Pro 3.0 Silver.
Moving on to the feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is characterized by its bouncy sensation, providing a springy and elastic feedback when typing. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch offers a buttery and creamy typing experience, giving users a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. Whether you prefer a lively rebound feel or a seamless glide across the keys, both switches cater to different tactile preferences, allowing users to choose based on their typing or gaming style.
Overall, if you enjoy a high-pitched and clacky sound with a bouncy and substantial feel, the KTT Darling linear switch is a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a bassy and thocky sound with a buttery and creamy typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch provides an exceptional gaming experience. With careful consideration of sound and feel preferences, users can select the switch that best suits their typing or gaming needs, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Darling linear switch or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you are looking for a typing experience that is chewy, substantial, and bouncy, with a high-pitched sound profile, then the KTT Darling switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a gaming switch with a shorter travel distance, lightning-fast responsiveness, and a medium-high pitch sound profile, along with RGB lighting and a budget-friendly price point, then the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch would be a great option to consider. Ultimately, both switches offer unique features and benefits that cater to different needs and preferences, so make sure to choose the one that aligns best with your typing or gaming requirements.
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