Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Lightning mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black from Gateron stands out for its hefty actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a medium-heavy feel. Additionally, its medium-high pitch auditory experience and vibrant RGB lighting effects make it an attractive choice for those who value both performance and aesthetics. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning is praised for its speed switches, ideal for situations where milliseconds can make a difference in gaming or typing competitions. Its slick type feel and clacky sound profile cater to users seeking a polished and efficient typing experience. However, to make the best decision for your needs, let's delve deeper into the specific characteristics and nuances of each switch.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Lightning both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components, resulting in distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing produces a clacky and relatively high-pitched sound, while its POM bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Lightning's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound, while its nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in materials contributes to the overall typing experience and sound feedback of each switch.
Both switches feature unique characteristics based on their housing materials, with the G Pro 3.0 Black offering a more contrasting sound profile between its top and bottom housings compared to the Lightning. The use of POM in the G Pro 3.0 Black's bottom housing creates a distinct deep and muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Lightning contributes to a fuller and rounder sound. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the proprietary INK blend top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a thin and clacky sound. These differences in sound profiles showcase the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics and functionality, the choice of housing materials for the G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Lightning plays a crucial role. The clear polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. On the other hand, the opaque POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black focuses more on creating a unique sound profile rather than on visual aesthetics. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and visual presentation.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, the main difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a medium-heavy typing experience. In contrast, the Lightning switch has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. For users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, the Lightning switch would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Black switch. Both switches offer unique benefits based on personal preference, with the G Pro 3.0 Black being heavier and the Lightning being lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm. The G Pro has a longer travel distance compared to the Lightning, making it more ideal for those who prefer a deeper key press experience. On the other hand, the Lightning switch offers a shorter travel distance, which is favored by gamers looking for quicker response times. Both switches cater to different preferences, so it ultimately depends on whether you prioritize depth or speed in your typing or gaming experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black 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 Black for $2.77.
The KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is known for its clacky and subdued sound profile, offering a crisp and bright sound that is not completely silent but more subtle compared to most switches. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning linear switch also produces a clacky sound, but with the additional descriptors of high-pitched and chirpy, giving it a sharper and more unique acoustic signature. Depending on personal preference and setup, both switches can provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Black offering a medium-high pitch and the Lightning delivering a more diverse sound profile.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch is described as creamy, silky, and subtle, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with gentle resistance and minimal sound resonance, making it suitable for shared spaces. In contrast, the KTT Lightning switch is also described as subtle, but adds the descriptor polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish that results in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches excel in offering a comfortable typing experience, with the G Pro 3.0 Black leaning towards a more buttery feel while the Lightning offers a polished and sleek sensation.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch have their unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Black leans towards a medium-heavy feel with a clacky and subdued sound profile, the Lightning switch caters to those looking for speed and precision with a slick type feel and clacky, high-pitched, and chirpy sound attributes. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and the desired auditory feedback.
In terms of subjective qualities, users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience and sound characteristics between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience regardless of the choice made.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a more substantive typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom-out force and balanced feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter feel with a focus on speed and slick typing experience, the Lightning switch would be more suitable for you. Consider your personal preferences for bottom-out force, sound profile, and overall typing feel to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles and preferences.
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