Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that they both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its heavier 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, providing a more substantial typing experience that appeals to users seeking a medium-heavy feel. Additionally, its medium-high pitch auditory feedback and frosted light diffuser for RGB lighting enhancement make it a popular choice for those who enjoy a clacky yet vibrant typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch from KTT boasts a progressive spring and dry-lube design, resulting in a smooth and buttery typing sensation that is perfect for users looking for a more neutral and mild typing experience. 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
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
No
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both feature unique housing materials that contribute significantly to the sound profiles of the switches. The G Pro 3.0 Black utilizes a proprietary INK blend top housing which produces a satisfying clacky sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon incorporates a polycarbonate top housing known for its sharp, higher-pitched, and clearer sound profile. While both materials result in distinct sound profiles, the G Pro 3.0 Black leans towards a thinner and higher-pitched sound compared to the crisper sound produced by the Sea Salt Lemon's polycarbonate top housing.
In terms of bottom housings, the G Pro 3.0 Black boasts a POM housing that creates a deep and muted sound profile, while the Sea Salt Lemon features a nylon bottom housing known for producing a fuller and rounder sound. The POM bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black contributes to a unique sound experience that emphasizes deeper tones, whereas the nylon bottom housing of the Sea Salt Lemon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller but fuller sound profile. These differences in bottom housing materials add another layer of diversity to the overall typing experience of each switch.
While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer distinct sound profiles due to their unique housing materials, they both showcase the impact of top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience. The differences between the POM and nylon bottom housings of the G Pro 3.0 Black and Sea Salt Lemon, respectively, contribute to the switches' deeper or rounder sound profiles. Similarly, the contrasting qualities of the INK blend and polycarbonate top housings influence the switches' clacky or sharper sound profiles. Despite these differences, both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in shaping the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, it becomes apparent that there are differences in their weight. 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 Sea Salt Lemon is lighter, with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, making it a medium-light option. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Sea Salt Lemon may be the better choice. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, appealing to users looking for a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is 4mm, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch also has a travel distance of 4mm. This means that both switches have the same travel distance, resulting in similar typing experiences for users. The 4mm travel distance allows for a consistent and comfortable typing feel, making both switches suitable for those who prefer a shorter distance for actuation. Overall, both the G Pro 3.0 Black and the Sea Salt Lemon switches offer a smooth typing experience with their equal travel distances.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 offers a clacky and subdued typing experience, providing a sharp and snappy sound while still maintaining a more subtle sound signature compared to other switches. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch delivers a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone that is suitable for various settings. Whether you prefer a more sharp and percussive sound or a smoother and more subdued typing experience, both switches offer unique auditory qualities that cater to different preferences.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the G Pro 3.0 Black is described as creamy, silky, and subtle, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and a gentle typing feel. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a mild typing experience that falls into a safe, middle-ground zone, appealing to those who prefer a more approachable and gentle feel. Whether you prefer a silky smooth typing experience or a gentler typing feel, both switches offer a comfortable and enjoyable tactile sensation that enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch offer different sound and feel qualities, they both excel in providing a premium typing experience. Whether you prioritize a clacky sound and a creamy feel or a low-pitched sound and a mild feel, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to a variety of preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a medium-heavy feel with a clacky sound and creamy/silky feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the ideal choice. However, if you prefer a lighter touch with a low-pitched sound and a mild typing experience, the Sea Salt Lemon switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what characteristics you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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