Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Semi Mute. The G Pro 3.0 Brown, from Gateron's budget-friendly G Pro series, offers a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, ensuring a gentle bump that won't disrupt your typing flow. With a frosted light diffuser, this switch enhances your keyboard's RGB lighting for a visually-immersive experience. Additionally, it provides a medium-high pitched sound that adds an extra layer of satisfaction to your typing sessions. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch, despite its silent operation, is perfect for those who prioritize a noise-free environment, especially during late-night sessions. This switch features a linear actuation and advanced dampening technology, resulting in a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. With its buttery smoothness and muted noise level, the KTT Semi Mute caters to individuals who desire undisturbed and peaceful typing experiences. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
63g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
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
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
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Semi Mute share a common feature in their polycarbonate top housing. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, which results in a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches can provide similar results in terms of sound and visual aesthetics when it comes to their top housing.
However, the G Pro 3.0 Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a different experience compared to the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, typing on the G Pro 3.0 Brown switch will provide a more satisfying and immersive typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel.
In summary, while both switches have a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharp and clear sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Brown stands out with its nylon bottom housing, which adds depth and richness to the typing experience. If you prioritize a fuller sound when pressing down on the keys, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be the better option. However, if you value consistency and prefer a uniform sound throughout the key press, the KTT Semi Mute with its polycarbonate bottom housing would be a suitable choice.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown requires 55 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Semi Mute requires a lighter 43 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range, allowing for a comfortable typing experience without being too heavy or too light.
On the other hand, when it comes to bottom out force, the G Pro 3.0 Brown registers at 63 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the Semi Mute's 58 grams. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Brown provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience when pressing all the way down.
Considering weight, those looking for a lighter feel may prefer the Semi Mute switch as it requires less force for both actuation and bottom out. This can be beneficial for individuals who plan to use their keyboard for extended periods, such as in an office or during long gaming sessions. On the contrary, if a stronger and more pronounced push feel is desired, the G Pro 3.0 Brown's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces may be more suitable.
Overall, while the actuation forces differ between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and the KTT Semi Mute switches, both fall into the medium range, ensuring a comfortable and responsive typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more satisfying tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience one desires.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom, which is the distance you feel when you press down on a key. In comparing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, both have a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same 4 mm travel distance. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches provide similar results.
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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches are known for their medium-high pitch and satisfying auditory feedback. They produce a delightful and subtle tactile sensation, adding an extra layer of joy to typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switches are designed to be completely silent, providing a muted typing experience. These switches minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making them perfect for those who value a noise-free environment, particularly during late-night sessions. It is important to note that the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used, but overall, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switches offer a more audible typing experience while the Semi Mute switches prioritize silence.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Brown switches offer an easy-to-press experience with 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 responsive and low-impact feel, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The G Pro 3.0 Browns can also be described as having a mild and stepped tactile feel, with a subtle bump that does not overpower the typing flow. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switches are described as providing a buttery and mild typing experience. They offer a smooth and fluid keystroke, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The feel of both switches falls within the middle-ground zone, making them approachable to most users.
In conclusion, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown and KTT Semi Mute switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Brown switches provide a medium-high pitch sound with a delightful tactile sensation, enhancing the typing experience. They have an easy-to-press feel with minimal force required for activation. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switches prioritize a completely silent operation, minimizing noise and ensuring undisturbed typing. They offer a buttery and smooth typing experience. Both switches have a mild feel and can be considered approachable to most users. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on personal preference for sound and the importance of a noise-free environment.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your priorities and preferences. If you value a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, along with a delightful and subtle tactile sensation that won't overpower your typing flow, then the G Pro 3.0 Brown is the way to go. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser ensures vibrant RGB lighting for an immersive visual experience, while the medium-high pitch provides satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and desire undisturbed typing, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute switch is the better choice. These switches offer completely silent operation and feature advanced dampening technology, providing a comfortable and gratifying typing feel with a muted sound profile. Both switches offer a mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on whether you prioritize a tactile typing experience or a silent and seamless one.
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