Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. KTT Mint
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Mint switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Mint mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out as a linear switch with a hefty 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. Its medium-high pitch and frosted light diffuser enhance the overall auditory and visual experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint boasts a smooth linear feel with a poppy thockiness attributed to its long pole stem. This switch offers a lighter and more fleeting typing sensation. While the G Pro 3.0 Black is described as clacky, creamy, subdued, silky, subtle, the Mint is characterized as low-pitched, neutral, mild, polished. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preferences regarding typing feel and sound. However, let's delve 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Mint both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profile. The G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a clacky and high-pitched sound, while the Mint's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Mint's housing allows for a more clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for switches designed to be used with RGB lighting. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, offering a unique typing experience.
Despite their differences, both switches' housing materials play a crucial role in determining their overall sound profile. While the G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes POM for the bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound, the Mint's nylon bottom housing creates a duller and rounder sound. The choice of housing material can greatly impact the typing experience, as softer plastics like nylon absorb more sound, whereas stiffer plastics like POM create a more resonant sound. Whether you prefer a deeper, fuller sound or a sharper, crisper sound, the housing materials of these switches are designed to cater to different preferences.
Ultimately, the top and bottom housing materials of a switch both contribute to its overall sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Mint showcase how different housing materials can create unique typing experiences. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has more of an impact on the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the clacky sound of the G Pro 3.0 Black's INK blend housing or the sharpness of the Mint's polycarbonate housing, both switches offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch are quite different. 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 comparison, the Mint switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, resulting in a medium-light feel. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Black requires more force to trigger a keystroke and fully press down compared to the Mint switch. Depending on preferences, some may prefer the lighter Mint switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may enjoy the heavier feel of the G Pro 3.0 Black for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch have a travel distance of 4mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing and contrasting the travel distance of both switches, it can be noted that they offer the same amount of key travel, providing a consistent typing experience for users. With both switches having the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and typing feel. Therefore, whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Black or the Mint linear switch, you can expect a consistent and familiar typing experience with a 4mm 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 Mint comes in at $2.91 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 somewhat subdued sound profile, providing sharp and snappy noise with a hint of dampening. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch is characterized by a low-pitched and neutral sound, featuring a bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various environments. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences, with the G Pro 3.0 Black leaning towards a sharper sound while the Mint delivers a more subdued and versatile option depending on your setup.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch is praised for its creamy, silky, and subtle tactile feedback, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance. Conversely, the KTT Mint switch provides a mild and polished feel, giving off a gentle typing sensation with reduced friction and refined key travel. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Black leans towards a more substantial and luxurious feel, while the Mint provides a softer and more accessible typing feel for a wider range of users.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch delivers a medium-heavy actuation force and clacky sound paired with a creamy and silky typing feel, making it a premium choice for those who prioritize a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a more versatile and approachable sound and feel with a light and fleeting typing sensation that caters to a broader audience. Depending on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance your mechanical keyboard setup. Ultimately, choosing between the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Mint will depend on your personal preferences and the overall aesthetic and functionality you seek in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch or the KTT Mint linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy feel and a medium-high pitch sound, the G Pro 3.0 Black would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a lighter and more fleeting typing feel with a light and satisfyingly smooth thockiness, the Mint would be more suitable. Additionally, if you prefer a switch with a creamy, silky, or subtle feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black may be the better option. Conversely, if you prefer a mild or polished feel, the Mint could be more appealing to you. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider how you personally like to type before making a decision.
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