Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown, a tactile switch, and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, a linear switch. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to varying preferences and typing styles. The G Pro 3.0 Brown is an exceptional addition to Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, providing an economical solution without compromising quality. With a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, these switches offer a gentle bump that enhances typing flow without overpowering it. The frosted light diffuser ensures that your RGB lighting shines brighter, creating an immersive visual experience. Additionally, the medium-high pitch delivers satisfying auditory feedback, adding an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon linear switch represents the epitome of a smooth typing experience. Thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design, these switches offer a buttery smooth sensation that makes typing effortless. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and mild, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a consistent and comfortable typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon have similar housing materials, with both featuring polycarbonate top housings. This polycarbonate material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. It is also known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. As such, both switches will offer similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics when it comes to their top housings.
However, the switches differ in their bottom housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Brown utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon also features a nylon bottom housing, offering the same benefits. This means that both switches will provide a similar typing experience with regards to the bottom-out sound and feel.
It's worth noting that the qualities of the housing materials will be split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the key is pressed down, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. Therefore, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown and the Sea Salt Lemon may have the same housing materials, it's important to consider the different qualities each housing brings to the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. The G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's actuation force of 45 grams, making the G Pro 3.0 Brown slightly heavier in this aspect. However, both switches fall into the medium range of actuation force.
In terms of bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a slightly higher force of 63 grams, while the Sea Salt Lemon has a bottom out force of 53 grams. Again, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is slightly heavier in this aspect, but both switches still fall within the medium-light range for bottom out force.
Considering weight, some individuals prefer lighter switches to allow for longer typing or gaming sessions. In this case, the Sea Salt Lemon with its lighter actuation and bottom out forces may be more suitable. On the other hand, those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Brown with its slightly heavier forces.
In conclusion, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown has slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces compared to the Sea Salt Lemon, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of force requirements. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches provide a consistent and satisfying tactile feedback with a smooth keypress experience. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the Sea Salt Lemon, you can expect similar results in terms of the 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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 offers a medium-high pitch that delivers a satisfying auditory feedback. This adds an extra layer of joy to your typing sessions. The Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as low-pitched, which means it has a bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. However, note that the sound of a switch is also dependent on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch is described as easy-to-press, offering a gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. This makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The switch is also considered mild, providing a gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown is a stepped switch, meaning it has a two-stage feel with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon switch is also described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience similar to the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch.
Overall, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch provide pleasant typing experiences. While the G Pro 3.0 Brown has a medium-high pitch sound and a stepped feel, the Sea Salt Lemon has a low-pitched sound. However, both switches are considered easy-to-press and mild, offering a responsive and comfortable typing experience. Whether you choose the G Pro 3.0 Brown or the Sea Salt Lemon, you can expect similar results in terms of sound and feel. It is important to consider other factors such as personal preference and the overall keyboard setup, including the board and keycaps, as they can also affect the subjective qualities of the switches.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch is the way to go. These switches provide a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, ensuring a gentle bump that won't interrupt your typing flow. With its frosted light diffuser, the G Pro Brown enhances your RGB lighting, creating an immersive visual experience. It also offers a satisfying auditory feedback with its medium-high pitch. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is your best choice. Its progressive spring and dry-lube design provide a seamless typing experience. Additionally, the Sea Salt Lemon has a low-pitched sound profile, while the G Pro Brown offers a medium sound profile. Both switches have a mild feel, making them suitable for most typists. Ultimately, the decision between these switches depends on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile.
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