Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Purple Star stand out as popular options with distinct characteristics. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is praised for its tactile feedback, offering a gentle bump that enhances typing without interrupting the flow. Additionally, it boasts a frosted light diffuser for enhanced RGB lighting and a medium-high pitch for satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star is known for its smooth linear action and light 45g bottom-out, making it ideal for light typists seeking ease and comfort. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown prioritizes tactile sensation, the Purple Star focuses on a smooth 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
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Purple Star both utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom housing components. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Purple Star 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 may be more suitable for those who prefer a crisper sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, the G Pro 3.0 Brown incorporates a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the POM bottom housing of the Purple Star. Nylon's softness allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience. Despite the differences in sound profiles between the two bottom housing materials, they both contribute to the overall typing feel of the switches.
Overall, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Purple Star feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate and nylon housing of the G Pro 3.0 Brown create a crisper and fuller sound, while the POM housing of the Purple Star produces a deeper and more muted sound. Whether you prefer a sharper sound profile or a deeper one, both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to a variety of preferences.
Weight
In comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it is evident that the G Pro 3.0 Brown is heavier than the Purple Star. The G Pro 3.0 Brown features an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, placing it in the medium category. On the other hand, the Purple Star has a lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Brown will provide a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the Purple Star will offer a lighter touch that may be preferred for longer typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding the weight of the keystrokes and the desired typing experience. If a lighter touch is preferred, the Purple Star would be the ideal choice, while those looking for a heavier feel may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Brown.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Purple Star slightly shorter in travel distance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Brown. The traditional 4.0 mm travel distance provides a more familiar feel, while the shorter 3.5 mm distance is preferred by gamers for quicker response times. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown may be a better option for those who prefer a deeper key press, while the KTT Purple Star would be suitable for those who want a faster keystroke response. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, as both offer a different typing experience.
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 Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 switch provides a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switch is described as having a low-pitched sound signature, which typically features a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Depending on personal preference, users may find the G Pro 3.0 Brown's medium-high pitch or the Purple Star's low-pitched sound more appealing.
When it comes to feel, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and KTT Purple Star switches are described as having an easy-to-press and mild typing experience. Easy-to-press switches offer gentle resistance during key presses, requiring minimal force to activate, making typing effortless and comfortable while reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, both switches fall into the mild category, providing a gentle typing experience without pronounced characteristics that may be off-putting to some users. The G Pro 3.0 Brown also features a stepped feel, which gives it a mild tactile sensation with two stages of feedback during keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch offer enjoyable typing experiences with subtle tactile or linear feedback. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a medium-high pitch sound and a stepped feel, the Purple Star presents a low-pitched sound and a very light 45g bottom-out for light typists. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style, as both switches offer commendable qualities that can enhance the typing experience for newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a medium bottom out force and a subtle tactile sensation that doesn't interrupt your typing flow, the G Pro 3.0 Brown may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a buttery smooth typing experience with a neutral sound signature, the Purple Star switch might be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable and enjoyable for you. Choose wisely to enhance your typing experience.
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