Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Matcha stand out as popular choices in their respective categories. The G Pro 3.0 Black, a linear switch, boasts a heavier actuation and bottom-out force, appealing to those seeking a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha, a tactile switch, offers a comfortable and snappy tactility, along with a clean bottom-out sound. While the G Pro 3.0 Black excels in providing a balanced medium-heavy feel and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Matcha stands out for its distinct tactility and clean sound profile. 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Matcha, it is evident that both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their distinct housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which delivers a thin and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. On the other hand, the Matcha utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. While the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, the Matcha's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a clearer and resonant sound profile. These differences in housing materials result in varied auditory experiences for users of each switch.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Matcha, both switches benefit from the unique characteristics of their respective materials. The POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black offers an incredibly pleasing sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Matcha provides a sharper and crisper sound profile that adds to the overall clarity of the switch. While the top housings of both switches play a significant role in sound production, the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, resulting in a tactile experience that is influenced by the housing material used.
In terms of aesthetics, the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Matcha also play a role in determining the overall look of the switches. The transparency of polycarbonate used in the top housing of the Matcha allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. In comparison, the proprietary INK blend top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a more opaque appearance that may appeal to users seeking a more subtle design. While both switches offer unique advantages in terms of sound and aesthetics, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired user experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, it's clear that they offer different experiences. 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. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, offering a lighter and more delicate feel. While the G Pro 3.0 Black is suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a substantial typing experience, the Matcha is ideal for individuals who appreciate a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches provide unique advantages depending on individual preferences, ensuring that users can find the perfect fit for their typing needs.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch both have a travel distance of 4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users can expect a similar amount of travel distance. Despite being equal in travel distance, the G Pro 3.0 Black is known for its linear feel, providing a smooth and consistent keystroke without tactile feedback, while the Matcha offers a tactile bump that signals when the keystroke has actuated. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for linear versus tactile feedback rather than 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 Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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 sound profile, offering a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is also described as clacky, providing a similar sharp and snappy sound experience. Both switches deliver an enjoyable auditory feedback that many users appreciate, making them suitable choices for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing sound.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is characterized by a creamy and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery feel when typing. It provides a medium-heavy actuation and a balanced tactile response. In comparison, the KTT Matcha tactile switch is known for its accented and snappy feel, offering a noticeable tactile bump without being overwhelming. While the two switches differ in terms of tactile feedback, they both aim to provide a comfortable typing experience tailored to the preferences of different users.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Black provides a clacky sound and a creamy, silky typing feel, appealing to those seeking a medium-heavy linear switch experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha offers a similar clacky sound but with an accented, snappy tactile feel, catering to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, you should consider the typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a balanced feel, medium-high pitch sound, and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the G Pro 3.0 Black is a great choice. However, if you prefer a lighter tactile switch with comfortable tactility, a clean bottom-out sound, and options for different typing experiences such as stepped or snappy, the Matcha may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal typing preferences and the overall feel and sound you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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