Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Laurel, two mechanical keyboard switches that each offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is a tactile switch that presents a delightful and subtle tactile sensation. It offers an easy-to-press feel with a mild and stepped response, allowing for a smooth and uninterrupted typing flow. Additionally, the G Pro Brown features a frosted light diffuser that enhances the RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel is a linear switch known for its responsiveness and comfort. With a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, it strikes the perfect balance between tactile feedback and typing comfort. The Laurel also offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile, adding a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing sessions. 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
55g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Laurel differ in their housing materials, resulting in distinct sound profiles and aesthetics. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant sound profile, which is especially useful for those planning to use RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Laurel utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a more vibrant and clear tone compared to the POM housing of the Laurel.
In terms of the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Brown employs a nylon material, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Laurel utilizes a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a deep and muted sound. Both switches share similar sound qualities in their bottom housings, creating a satisfying typing experience. However, the specific characteristics of the nylon bottom housing in the G Pro 3.0 Brown may provide a slightly different sound compared to the POM bottom housing of the Laurel.
When pressing down on either switch, the qualities of the bottom housing become more apparent as they influence the bottom-out sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, with its nylon bottom housing, delivers a deeper and fuller sound, offering a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the Laurel's POM bottom housing contributes to a similar deep and muted sound, resulting in a satisfying keystroke sensation. Conversely, the top housing plays a larger role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown will provide a sharper and crisper sound upon letting go of a key, while the POM top housing of the Laurel will create a more subdued and muted sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, it is evident that there are notable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Laurel's actuation force of 43 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires a slightly stronger push to register a keystroke. Similarly, the bottom out force of the G Pro 3.0 Brown is also higher at 63 grams, while the Laurel has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. Therefore, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the G Pro 3.0 Brown to their liking, as it provides a heavier and more defined push feel. On the other hand, individuals who prefer a lighter switch that allows for longer typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Laurel, as it has lighter actuation and bottom out forces. It is important to consider these weight differences when choosing a keyboard switch that aligns with personal preferences and intended usage.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4.0 mm, while the KTT Laurel linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. The G Pro 3.0 Brown falls into the category of a more traditional travel distance, providing a depth that many users are accustomed to. On the other hand, the Laurel offers a shallower travel distance, which is becoming increasingly popular in the gaming community for its quicker response times. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Laurel switch may be a better option. However, for those who prefer a deeper keystroke and a more substantial feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown with its 4.0 mm travel distance would be the preferable choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness.
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 KTT Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 switch is known for providing a medium-high pitch sound that adds a satisfying auditory feedback to your typing sessions. This auditory feedback enhances the joy of typing. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile. Low-pitched switches typically feature a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses. They require minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable. These switches enhance the typing experience by providing a low-impact feel. Additionally, G Pro 3.0 Brown switches have a mild characteristic, meaning they offer a more gentle typing experience. This mild feel will be approachable for most users as it stands in a safe middle-ground zone. Furthermore, G Pro 3.0 Browns can be categorized as stepped switches, meaning they have a two-stage tactile feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel sensation.
On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch is known for being snappy. This means that these switches are highly responsive and give a feeling of liveliness during typing. However, specific information about the overall feel of the KTT Laurel switch, such as the exact actuation force or the smoothness of the keystrokes, is not provided.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches offer a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump, a medium-high pitch sound for satisfying auditory feedback, and a feel that is easy-to-press, mild, and stepped. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switches provide a low-pitched sound profile and are described as snappy, but further details about the overall feel of these switches are not available. It is important to consider personal preferences when choosing between these switches, as the G Pro 3.0 Brown switches offer a well-rounded experience based on the provided information, while the specific qualities of the KTT Laurel switch remain unknown.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality and offers a satisfying tactile sensation, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are an excellent choice for you. With a medium bottom out force and a delightful and subtle tactile bump, these switches provide a gentle typing experience that won't overpower your flow. The frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience, while the medium-high pitch adds an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions.
On the other hand, if you prioritize responsiveness and comfort, the KTT Laurel linear switches are the way to go. With a light bottom out force and a full POM housing, these switches strike the perfect balance between responsiveness and comfort. The subtly low-pitched sound profile adds to the overall typing experience, providing a more bass-heavy and mellow tone.
Ultimately, the choice between Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switches and KTT Laurel linear switches depends on your personal preferences. If you prefer a tactile typing experience with a medium bottom out force and enhanced RGB lighting, go for the G Pro 3.0 Brown. However, if you prioritize responsiveness and comfort with a lighter bottom out force, the Laurel switches are the better option for you. Consider your typing style and preferences to make the right choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
