Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. KTT Laurel
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Laurel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Laurel, two mechanical keyboard switches that offer a sublime typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Red is a budget-friendly linear switch from Gateron's G Pro lineup, known for its smooth keystrokes and medium-light actuation force. With a frosted light diffuser and medium-high pitch, it also boasts vibrant RGB lighting effects and a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel is a medium-light linear switch with a full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, providing a perfect blend of responsiveness and comfort. This switch also offers a subtly low-pitched sound profile. Both switches deliver a remarkable typing experience, but let's dive deeper into their individual characteristics to help you determine the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Standard
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
22m spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Laurel have different top housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic material allows for a clear and resonant sound experience. Additionally, the polycarbonate top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Red is translucent, making it ideal for those who plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Laurel sports a POM top housing, resulting in an incredibly pleasing and unique sound. This material produces a deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. Therefore, while both switches provide an enjoyable auditory experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a sharper sound, while the Laurel offers a deeper and more muted sound.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer plastic of the nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound experience. Similarly, the Laurel also incorporates a POM bottom housing, providing a deep and muted sound profile. Both switches offer this unique auditory experience due to the qualities of their respective bottom housings. However, it is important to note that the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. Therefore, both switches will deliver a deep and satisfying bottom-out experience, but the material difference may slightly alter the exact sound produced.
While the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Laurel differ in their housing materials, they do share some similarities. Both switches utilize a top housing material that creates a unique and pleasing sound. The G Pro 3.0 Red's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and higher-pitched sound, while the Laurel's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Additionally, both switches feature a bottom housing material that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon bottom housing of the G Pro 3.0 Red and the POM bottom housing of the Laurel each absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and duller sound experience. Therefore, while there are differences between these switches' housing materials, both will provide a satisfying and distinctive auditory experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the KTT Laurel linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to consider. In terms of actuation force, the G Pro 3.0 Red requires 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Laurel requires 43 grams, making it slightly lighter. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, indicating that they require the same amount of force to press all the way down.
For individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Laurel may be the preferred option, as it requires a slightly lighter actuation force. This can be beneficial for those who type for extended periods of time or engage in long gaming sessions, as it reduces fatigue and strain on the fingers. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a slightly stronger push feel with its 45-gram actuation force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer it.
Overall, while the Laurel registers a slightly lower actuation force, both switches have the same bottom out force, meaning that users can achieve similar results in terms of the force required to fully press the keys. The decision between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired typing experience, whether one prefers a lighter touch or a more substantial keystroke.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch is 4 mm, while the KTT Laurel linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the G Pro 3.0 Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Laurel. 4.0 mm is a more traditional travel distance, providing a deeper feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, 3.5 mm is a shorter travel distance, which is preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. If you prioritize responsiveness, the Laurel switch with its shorter travel distance would be the better choice. However, if you prefer a more substantial and deeper key press experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red with its longer travel distance may be more suitable. Both switches offer different levels of key travel, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences.
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 Laurel has an MSRP of $4.42 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Laurel for $3.95.
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 Red switch has a medium-high pitch, providing a satisfying auditory experience. It can be considered a neutral switch, with a moderate sound profile that is suitable for most purposes. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch has a low-pitched sound profile, which offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is described as creamy, mild, polished, and silky. These qualities contribute to a smooth and buttery typing experience, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The switch offers a silky smooth sensation, allowing your fingers to effortlessly glide across the keys with each keystroke. It falls into a safe middle-ground zone, making it approachable to most users. On the other hand, the KTT Laurel switch is described as snappy, indicating that it is super responsive due to longer or dual-staged springs. This results in a typing experience that feels more alive and energetic.
Taking all the available information into account, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and KTT Laurel switches offer different subjective qualities. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a medium-high pitch sound profile, while the Laurel has a low-pitched sound profile. In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and reduced friction. On the other hand, the Laurel is described as snappy, offering a more responsive and lively typing experience. It is important to note that individual preferences may vary, and other factors such as keyboard board and keycaps can also affect the overall experience. If you are looking for similar results, you can expect a smooth typing experience from both switches, but with different sound profiles and levels of responsiveness.
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. With a light bottom out force and a medium-high pitch, this switch provides a satisfying auditory experience. It is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you are a beginner or advanced, and whether you plan to use it at home or work.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a more bass-heavy and mellow sound profile, the KTT Laurel is worth considering. With its full POM housing, short travel, and long pole design, this switch offers a balance of responsiveness and comfort. It has a low-pitched sound profile, which can add a unique audio dimension to your typing experience.
In terms of feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red provides a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. It offers smooth and buttery key travel, reducing friction and ensuring ease of use. The Laurel, on the other hand, is described as snappy, making it super responsive and adding a sense of liveliness to your typing.
Ultimately, your choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Laurel will depend on your prioritization of factors such as price, RGB lighting, sound profile, and typing feel. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Consider your personal preferences and requirements to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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