Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. TKC Kiwi
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the TKC Kiwi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the TKC Kiwi, two exceptional mechanical keyboard switches that offer distinct advantages to enhance your typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, part of Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, provides an economical solution without compromising on quality. With its subtle tactile sensation and medium-high pitch, these switches offer a delightful auditory and tactile feedback that adds an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser ensures vibrant RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switches are specifically designed to enhance typing with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. These switches offer a satisfyingly snappy sound profile that immerses you in your typing experience. They are also lightly factory lubed, guaranteeing a smooth and effortless typing experience straight out of the box. Both switches have their unique qualities, allowing you to customize your keyboard according to your preferences. However, let's delve deeper into these switches to help you make the best decision for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Gold coated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the TKC Kiwi differ in their housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Kiwi uses a UHWMPE top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This makes it ideal for users who want a more defined and resonant sound when typing. On the other hand, the UHWMPE top housing in the Kiwi offers a very bright sound signature, producing resonant clacks when typing. Both materials allow for RGB lighting due to their translucency, offering visually appealing options.
In terms of the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a nylon material, while the Kiwi incorporates a UHWMPE bottom housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, provides a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on switches. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the UHWMPE bottom housing in the Kiwi contributes to the switch's bright sound signature, creating resonant clacks when typing. These different materials offer users the choice between a softer, more muffled sound and a brighter, crisper sound when using the switches.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the differences in the top and bottom housing materials of these switches can be felt. The G Pro 3.0 Brown's bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that when you press down on the key, you will experience the qualities of the nylon housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Conversely, the top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown influences the sound when you let go of a key, offering a sharper and more resonant sound. The same can be said for the Kiwi, where the bottom housing determines the bottom-out sound and feel, while the UHWMPE top housing adds to the bright and resonant sound when the key is released. Therefore, although the materials differ, users can expect similar results in terms of sound profiles depending on which housing material is dominant for a specific action.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch, we can see some similarities and differences in their weight. The G Pro 3.0 Brown requires an actuation force of 55 grams, while the Kiwi requires a lighter actuation force of 43 grams. Both switches fall into the medium category in terms of actuation force.
Moving on to the bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a bottom out force of 63 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the Kiwi's bottom out force of 67 grams. Therefore, the Kiwi can be considered slightly lighter in terms of bottom out force, although both switches still fall into the medium range.
Weight is an important consideration for keyboard users, as it affects typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer a lighter feel might opt for the TKC Kiwi switch, as its lower actuation force allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, users seeking a more substantial typing experience might prefer the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, with its slightly heavier actuation force providing a stronger push feel.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly higher actuation force and a slightly heavier bottom out force compared to the TKC Kiwi tactile switch. While both switches fall into the medium range, the Kiwi offers a lighter feel for those seeking prolonged typing sessions, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a heavier touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the TKC Kiwi tactile switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either switch, you will feel a similar distance travelled from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer this consistent travel distance, providing a familiar and comfortable typing experience. With an equal travel distance, users can expect comparable performance and responsiveness from both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the TKC Kiwi tactile switches.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown 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 Brown for $2.77.
The TKC Kiwi comes in at $8.00 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 Brown offers a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. The switches have been designed to provide a delightful and subtle tactile sensation without overpowering your typing flow. This will add an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switches are described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means they typically feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound of the switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used. Overall, both switches provide different sound characteristics, so the choice depends on personal preference.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are known for their easy-to-press nature. These switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate. This light actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switches also have a mild feel, providing a more gentle typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. They can be described as stepped switches, meaning they have two stages of tactility, allowing you to feel some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the TKC Kiwi switches are also stepped switches, providing a mild and approachable typing experience. They are described as accented switches, offering a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Additionally, the Kiwi switches have a polished finish due to factory lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Based on the available information, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switches and the TKC Kiwi tactile switches offer unique qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switches provide a medium-high pitch sound and are easy-to-press with a mild feel. They have gentle resistance and offer a low-impact typing experience. The TKC Kiwi switches, on the other hand, have a low-pitched sound and a stepped feel with accented tactility. They also have a polished finish, providing smooth and refined key travel. While the switches offer different characteristics, both can enhance your typing experience depending on your preferences. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the TKC Kiwi, you can expect satisfying results in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality and want a switch that offers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown is a great choice. It also features a frosted light diffuser to enhance your RGB lighting experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press and a satisfyingly snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is the way to go. The Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for. Both switches offer unique qualities and can enhance your typing sessions in their own way.
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