KTT F2 vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the KTT F2 and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the KTT F2 and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The KTT F2 stands out for its distinct hollow sound signature and lightly textured feel, providing a comfortable typing experience with a subtle tactile nuance. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow is known for its budget-friendly excellence, offering a higher-pitched clacky sound profile and a bouncy typing feel. While the F2 is described as feathery, mild, and subdued, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is characterized as polished, high-pitched, and creamy. 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
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT F2 and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow, both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which produces a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances the clear and resonant sound of both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, making them visually appealing. However, despite these similarities, the F2 and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow differ in their bottom housing materials. The F2 features a polycarbonate bottom housing, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilizes a nylon bottom housing. Nylon creates a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The impact of the housing materials on the overall sound and feel of the switches can be observed when pressing down on them. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, with nylon contributing to a deeper and fuller sound in the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. In contrast, the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key, with polycarbonate enhancing the sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile in both the F2 and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. Despite the differentiation in bottom housing materials, both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In conclusion, while both the KTT F2 and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow share the use of polycarbonate in their top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, they diverge in their bottom housing materials – polycarbonate for the F2 and nylon for the G Pro 3.0 Yellow. This contrast results in varying sound profiles, with the F2 offering a sharper and more resonant sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a deeper and fuller sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT F2 linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, we can see that the F2 is lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is heavier with an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. The F2 provides a medium-light typing experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a medium-heavy feel, giving users a more substantial typing feedback. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, providing options for those who prefer a lighter or heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
The KTT F2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The F2 offers a balance between traditional and shallow travel distances, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow provides a more standard depth. Gamers may prefer the F2 for its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times, while others may find the G Pro 3.0 Yellow more comfortable due to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and typing feel.
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 KTT F2 comes in at $3.90 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
In terms of sound, the KTT F2 linear switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderately dampened sound when pressed, providing a subtle and comfortable typing experience suitable for a variety of settings. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch produces a higher-pitched and resonant sound, giving off a sharper and more pronounced auditory feedback. Depending on personal preference, users can choose between the more subdued and neutral sound of the F2 or the crisp and resonant sound of the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
When it comes to feel, the KTT F2 switch is characterized by its feathery and mild typing experience, offering a gentle resistance that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The lightly textured feel adds a tactile nuance to each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch provides a polished and creamy typing sensation, with a smooth and refined finish that allows for effortless key travel. Users can enjoy a silky and buttery feel when typing on the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch, providing a different tactile experience compared to the KTT F2.
Overall, both the KTT F2 linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch offer unique sound profiles and tactile sensations that cater to different preferences. While the F2 provides a more neutral and subdued sound and a feathery, mild typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow delivers a higher-pitched, resonant sound with a polished and creamy typing experience. Depending on the user's preference for sound and feel, they can choose between the distinct qualities offered by each switch to tailor their typing experience to their liking. Ultimately, whether opting for the F2 or the G Pro 3.0 Yellow, users can expect a satisfying and efficient typing experience with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT F2 linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a medium-light bottom out force, a lightly textured feel with a distinct hollow sound, and a switch with a neutral or subdued sound profile, the F2 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, a higher pitched clacky sound profile, and a switch with a polished or creamy feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your individual preferences for typing feel and sound.
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