Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Grapefruit, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Red, a linear switch from Gateron's G Pro line-up, is a great choice for those on a budget. With its medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, providing a smooth typing experience. Additionally, the G Pro Red features a frosted light diffuser, allowing for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, as well as a satisfying medium-high pitch sound. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit offers a different type of experience. These tarty linear switches provide a soft and light feel, making them a pleasure to type on. They also produce a unique "baritone" deep sound profile, adding an interesting auditory element to your typing experience. Categorized as low-pitched, neutral, and polished, the KTT Grapefruit switches offer a distinct feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Grapefruit both feature polycarbonate top housings. This material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. It is also translucent, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. Therefore, both switches will offer similar results in terms of sound and aesthetic appeal when it comes to the top housing.
Moving on to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon. Nylon is a classic switch housing material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. It absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Consequently, whether you're typing on the G Pro 3.0 Red or the Grapefruit, you can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel.
It's important to note that the qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing will have a more significant impact on the overall sound and feel, while the top housing will play a larger role in the sound when releasing a key. Thus, although the top and bottom housings may differ between the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Grapefruit, the overall experience will be comparable due to the shared characteristics of the housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, there are some notable differences. In terms of weight, the G Pro 3.0 Red is the lighter option. It has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a light and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Grapefruit switch is slightly heavier. It also has an actuation force of 45 grams, but its bottom out force is 53 grams, making it a medium-light option.
For those who prefer a lighter switch, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Grapefruit switches offer similar actuation forces. This means that triggering a keystroke will require the same amount of force for both switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Grapefruit switch offers a slightly heavier feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it.
Considering weight is crucial as it impacts typing comfort and efficiency over extended periods. For individuals who value a lightweight switch that enables them to type for long durations, the G Pro 3.0 Red is an ideal choice. Its light actuation and bottom out forces make it perfect for work keyboards or marathon gaming sessions. On the other hand, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may be inclined towards the Grapefruit switch. While still relatively light in comparison to other options, its slightly heavier bottom out force provides a satisfying push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of a switch is the distance it travels from the top to the bottom when pressed down. In the case of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, both have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance and feel. Therefore, the travel distance of both switches is equal, ensuring similar results and typing experiences for users.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red 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 Red for $2.77.
The KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 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
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and KTT Grapefruit linear switches have different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel.
In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Red is described as having a medium-high pitch, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Grapefruit is described as having a low-pitched sound profile, which gives it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. While the G Pro 3.0 Red is considered neutral in terms of sound, the Grapefruit leans towards a deeper and richer sound.
When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a creamy, mild, and polished typing experience. The switch is smooth and buttery, thanks to possible factory lubing or specific materials used. This results in a silky sensation as you glide your fingers effortlessly across the keys. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Red falls within a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable for most users. On the other hand, the Grapefruit is described as polished, indicating a smooth and refined finish. This also leads to reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Red provides a satisfying medium-high pitch sound and a creamy, mild, and polished feel. On the other hand, the Grapefruit offers a low-pitched sound profile and a polished feel. While they have some similarities, such as being neutral in sound, they do provide different experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Grapefruit will depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, as well as other factors like the choice of keyboard board and keycaps used.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch with a smooth typing experience and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is a great choice. It has a light bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easy to actuate the keys without much effort. With its medium-high pitch, it provides a satisfying auditory experience. This switch is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced user, and whether you plan to use it at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a soft and light typing feel with a "baritone" sound profile, the KTT Grapefruit linear switch is perfect for you. It has a slightly higher bottom out force of 53 grams, which gives it a medium-light feel. The low-pitched sound of this switch adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to your typing experience. Similar to the G Pro 3.0 Red, the Grapefruit switch also has a polished finish, resulting in smooth and refined key travel.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch depends on your personal preferences. If you prioritize a budget-friendly option with vibrant RGB lighting and a satisfying auditory experience, go for the G Pro 3.0 Red. If you prefer a soft and light typing feel with a "baritone" sound profile, the Grapefruit switch is the way to go. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer a smooth typing experience and are suitable for most users.
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