Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Wine Red both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its premium quality and budget-friendly price point, making it an attractive option for those looking for a heavier linear switch. With a 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, it provides a medium-heavy typing experience. The auditory experience is characterized by a medium-high pitch, and the frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switches offer a pillowy light typing feel with a deep and rich sound profile, catering to those who prefer a softer touch. While the G Pro 3.0 Black is described as clacky, creamy, subdued, silky, and subtle, the Wine Red is characterized by its bassy and low-pitched sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Wine Red feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing provides a satisfying, thin, and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. In contrast, the Wine Red's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness, offering a clear and resonant sound profile. While the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to the same sharp and crisp sound profile as its top housing.
The difference in housing materials between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Wine Red not only affects the sound produced but also impacts the aesthetics of the switches. The translucency of polycarbonate used in the Wine Red's housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing contributes to a more unique sound profile with its deeper and muted tones. While both switches offer varying sound profiles, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in terms of sound and visual appearance.
In terms of functionality, the split between top and bottom housing materials in a switch can impact the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing will be more noticeable when pressing down on a key, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing material will have a greater impact on the sound produced when letting go of a key. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall sound profile and typing experience can help users make an informed decision when choosing between switches like the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the KTT Wine Red.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Black is heavier overall. The G Pro 3.0 Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy compared to the Wine Red, which has an actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Black due to its heavier forces, providing a stronger push feel. On the other hand, individuals looking for a lighter option may lean towards the KTT Wine Red for a smoother and lighter typing experience. Both switches offer unique benefits depending on personal preference, with the G Pro 3.0 Black catering to users who favor a heavier keypress while the Wine Red appeals to those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to individual typing preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance traveled by the switch from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide similar results. This characteristic makes them suitable for users who prefer a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel. Overall, the G Pro 3.0 Black and Wine Red switches offer a reliable and uniform typing feel due to their equal 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 Wine Red comes in at $2.71 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch is known for its clacky and somewhat subdued sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound with a touch of subtlety. On the other hand, the KTT Wine Red switch provides a bassy and low-pitched sound, giving off a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Depending on personal preferences and the setup of your keyboard, these sound profiles can enhance the overall typing experience in different ways.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch is praised for its creamy and silky typing experience, providing a smooth and buttery sensation that makes typing a breeze. The Wine Red switch, while lacking specific descriptors provided in the information, is likely to offer a pillowy light typing feel based on the available description. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback that can cater to different preferences in typing feel.
Overall, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and KTT Wine Red switches provide distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different typing preferences. While the G Pro 3.0 Black switch leans towards a clacky sound profile and a creamy typing experience, the Wine Red switch offers a deep and rich sound with a likely pillowy light feel. Depending on whether you prefer a heavier or lighter actuation force, a more clacky or bassy sound, and a creamier or pillowy feel, you can choose between these switches to achieve a typing experience that meets your preferences. With proper keyboard and keycap choices, you can expect to achieve similar results in sound and feel with either switch based on their individual characteristics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when choosing between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a more substantive typing feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a medium-high pitch sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Black would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter typing feel with a medium-light bottom out force and a deeper, richer sound profile, the Wine Red switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile.