Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introduction:
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that offer a tactile typing experience are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Phalaenopsis. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is part of Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, providing an economical solution without compromising on quality. With a carefully crafted subtle tactile sensation, these switches offer a gentle bump that won't interrupt your typing flow. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switches feature a beautiful translucent design and a light actuation force of 37g. This light force minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions, while still offering a satisfying and discernible tactile bump with its 50g tactile force. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Phalaenopsis share similar housing materials, with both switches featuring polycarbonate top housings. This choice of material allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing on the switches. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for better light diffusion and a more aesthetically pleasing visual experience.
However, the two switches differ in terms of their bottom housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This is because nylon is a relatively softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which further contributes to the switch's sharp and clear sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonant sound production and complements the qualities offered by the top housing.
While both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing, the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Phalaenopsis diverge in terms of their bottom housing materials. This distinction leads to variations in the overall sound and feel of the switches. When pressing down on the G Pro 3.0 Brown, the qualities of the nylon bottom housing become evident through a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Phalaenopsis contributes to its sharper sound profile. Additionally, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Therefore, even though the housing materials are similar in some aspects, the specific combination of top and bottom housing materials creates unique experiences for each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a medium actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Phalaenopsis would be a suitable choice as it requires less force for both actuation and bottoming out. This can be beneficial for extended typing sessions, as it reduces the strain on the fingers and allows for increased endurance. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a slightly heavier feel, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push. This can be advantageous for individuals seeking a tactile response and a more pronounced keystroke feel.
In terms of weight, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Phalaenopsis are lighter than those of the G Pro 3.0 Brown. This makes the Phalaenopsis a suitable choice for individuals looking for a lighter switch option, especially for work or gaming purposes. However, if a heavier force is desired for a more robust typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be the preferable choice.
In conclusion, the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and KTT Phalaenopsis switches differ in terms of their weight. While the Phalaenopsis provides a lighter typing experience with lower forces, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a slightly heavier and more substantial feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch have identical travel distances of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on either key, you will experience the same distance of travel. Both switches provide a tactile feedback at the same distance, ensuring a consistent typing experience for users. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the Phalaenopsis, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance.
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 Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis 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
In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches provide a delightful auditory experience. They offer a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. While the sound profile of the Phalaenopsis switches is not explicitly mentioned, it is described as "bassy" and "thocky". These descriptors suggest that the Phalaenopsis switches produce a deeper and richer sound with a lower frequency range, resembling the depth and richness associated with bass tones. Additionally, they produce a deep and satisfying sound when pressed, reminiscent of a deep "thud" or a soft "knock". However, it is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches offer an easy-to-press experience. They provide 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. Overall, these switches enhance the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel. The Phalaenopsis switches are described as "stepped", which means they have a two-stage feel. They provide both pre-travel and post-travel, resulting in a mild tactile sensation. This stepped feeling adds a subtle feedback to each keystroke, providing a pleasant typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Phalaenopsis switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switches provide a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a medium-high pitch sound, while the Phalaenopsis switches offer an effortless typing experience with a satisfying and discernible tactile bump. Both switches deliver enjoyable auditory feedback and require minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue. If you are looking for a similar typing experience, either of these switches can provide satisfactory results based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there are a few factors to consider. If you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown at 63 grams would be a suitable choice. It offers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation with a gentle bump, ensuring it doesn't interrupt your typing flow. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser enhances the RGB lighting experience, while the medium-high pitch provides satisfying auditory feedback.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch, the Phalaenopsis with a 50-gram bottom out force would be more suitable. These switches feature a light actuation force of 37 grams, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The Phalaenopsis also offers a discernible tactile bump, ensuring each keystroke is a delightful experience.
When it comes to sound, the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a sound profile that is not explicitly described, while the Phalaenopsis is described as having a bassy and thocky sound. Bassy switches offer a deeper and richer sound profile, reminiscent of bass tones, while thocky switches produce a deep, satisfying sound similar to a "thud" or soft "knock".
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers an easy-to-press experience with a low-impact typing feel. It requires minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. It is also described as having a mild feel, making it approachable to most users. Additionally, it is noted as having a stepped feel, providing some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Similarly, the Phalaenopsis is described as having a stepped feel, meaning it also provides a mild tactile experience with some pre-travel and/or post-travel.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferred bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. Consider the G Pro 3.0 Brown for a medium bottom out force, an economical solution with RGB lighting enhancement, and a mild, easy-to-press feel. Alternatively, choose the Phalaenopsis for a lighter bottom out force, a bassy and thocky sound profile, and a stepped feel.
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