Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the intricacies of mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating a diverse landscape of options. Two standout examples of linear switches are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Pine, each presenting unique characteristics that appeal to different typing preferences. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black, noted for its heavier actuation force of 60g and a bottom-out force of 70g, offers a more substantial typing experience, complemented by a medium-high pitch auditory feedback that many users describe as both clacky and creamy. This switch is particularly favored by those who enjoy a tactile, yet smooth typing experience, all while enhancing RGB lighting with its frosted light diffuser. In contrast, the KTT Pine stands out with its polished, factory-lubed finish, allowing for an ultra-smooth key travel that creates a buttery typing sensation. With a medium-heavy feel and low-pitched sound, the KTT Pine appeals to those seeking a quieter and more effortless typing experience. Both switches cater to distinct preferences—whether one desires a heavier, more tactile feel or a smoother, quieter action. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Pine, notable contrasts emerge, particularly in the sound profiles created by the different materials used for the top housings. The G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend top housing, which contributes to a sound that is pointed yet satisfying, producing a thin, higher-pitched quality often described as clacky. In contrast, the Pine’s top housing is constructed from polycarbonate, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. While both switches produce a higher-pitched tone, the G Pro 3.0's INK blend introduces a distinctive character while remaining slightly softer compared to the more pronounced crispness of the polycarbonate used in the Pine.
The bottom housings of the switches present further differences that affect their overall sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes POM for its bottom housing, which results in a deeper and more muted sound profile, providing a unique aural experience when bottoming out a key. On the other hand, the KTT Pine employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which similarly echoes the sharper characteristics of its top housing. As such, the Pine produces a consistent and clear resonance throughout both the top and bottom, leading to a more cohesive sound experience compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black, where the muted depth of the POM bottom contrasts with the higher-pitched INK blend top.
Ultimately, the sound experience when using these switches is influenced by how the qualities of each housing material interact. With the G Pro 3.0 Black, the clacky sound profile of the top housing significantly impacts the sound when releasing a key, while the deeper, muted sound from the POM bottom gives a distinct bottoming-out feel. Conversely, the KTT Pine’s consistent use of polycarbonate in both housings leads to a sharper, clearer sound experience in every aspect of its operation. Despite their differences, if one were to tune each switch using similar operational conditions, they might find that the overall experience remains satisfying, though they would notice variations in sound depth and clarity as dictated by the unique materials employed.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch with the KTT Pine linear switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The G Pro 3.0 Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, contrasting with the lighter 45 grams needed for the KTT Pine. This means that typists or gamers favoring a lighter switch for longer sessions without fatigue would benefit from the Pine, as it allows for easier actuation. Furthermore, while the G Pro 3.0 Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, the KTT Pine's is lighter at 58 grams. As such, the bottoming out experience with the Pine is less forceful, accommodating those who prefer a smoother transition when pressing keys to the maximum. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Black is heavier, providing a more substantial typing feel, while the KTT Pine offers a more relaxed touch, catering to those who prioritize comfort over resistance.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, indicating that they provide an identical experience in terms of key travel. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect similar results regarding the feel and response when pressing down on the keys. This similarity in travel distance makes both switches well-suited for those who prefer a consistent linear switch experience.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch offers a medium-high pitch auditory experience that blends aspects of both clackiness and subdued tones. This means you can expect a crisp and snappy sound upon key presses, accompanied by a subtle dampening that keeps it from being overly loud. In contrast, the KTT Pine switch presents a deeper, bassy sound profile with low-pitched characteristics. Its auditory response is richer, evoking a mellow depth that can create a more grounded typing ambiance. However, keep in mind that the overall sound experience can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and materials used in the keycaps.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black is celebrated for its creamy and silky typing experience, largely thanks to its factory-lubed design which allows for smooth key travel without any noticeable friction. This creates a pleasant sensation as fingers glide effortlessly over the switches. The KTT Pine switch also delivers a buttery smooth feel with a similar creamy texture, offering a fluid typing sensation that enhances comfort and ease during long typing sessions. Both switches feature a medium-heavy resistance, presenting a substantial yet smooth typing experience that keeps tactile feedback pleasant, making them well-suited for users who prefer a balanced typing feel.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and KTT Pine switches differ significantly in sound characteristics—one being brighter and more percussive, the other deeper and mellower—they share a remarkable similarity in feel, both providing a creamy, smooth experience that promotes effortless typing. Given these qualities, users looking for a switch with a medium-heavy resistance and a smooth key travel experience will find satisfying results with either option, although personal preference for sound may guide the final choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Pine linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and requirements. If you prefer a more substantial feel and a heavier bottom-out force, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the ideal choice. Its 70g resistance provides a satisfying, tactile feedback that many enthusiasts appreciate, particularly if you enjoy a mix of typing and gaming. The clacky and medium-high-pitched sound profile adds a certain auditory delight, making each keystroke feel impactful. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smoother and lighter typing experience, the KTT Pine switch might be your best bet. With a bottom-out force of 58 grams and that buttery, polished feel, it offers an effortless typing experience that’s especially enjoyable for long typing sessions or quieter environments. The bassy, low-pitched sound adds a rich undertone, which can be appealing if you prefer a more muted auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you while accommodating the environments in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
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