Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. KTT Pine
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Pine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
Introducing two popular linear switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Pine. The G Pro 3.0 Red, a budget-friendly option from Gateron's G Pro line-up, offers a smooth typing experience with its medium-light actuation force. It strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, making it ideal for those who want a comfortable typing experience without straining their fingers. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, while the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Pine offers a different experience with its translucent, forest green design. These medium-heavy switches are buttery smooth and effortlessly glide under your fingertips. The polished, factory-lubed finish minimizes friction, ensuring a frictionless key travel. Categorized as 'Bassy', 'Buttery', 'Creamy', and 'Low-pitched', the KTT Pine is the perfect choice for users seeking a more muted typing experience. 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
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Spring
15.5mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and KTT Pine have similar housing materials in terms of the polycarbonate top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, making it aesthetically pleasing for users who want to customize their keyboard lighting. Therefore, both switches offer similar results in terms of sound and lighting effects when used with RGB lighting.
However, the two switches differ when it comes to their bottom housing materials. The G Pro 3.0 Red features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound when typing on the switch. On the other hand, the Pine utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This difference in bottom housing material affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch.
In summary, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and KTT Pine offer similar sound and lighting effects with their polycarbonate top housing. The differences lie in their bottom housing materials, nylon for the G Pro 3.0 Red and polycarbonate for the Pine. The nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound. Users can choose between these switches based on their preference for the bottom-out sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch, there are some similarities and differences to note. In terms of actuation force, both switches require 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, providing a light and responsive typing experience. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions will get similar results with either switch.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a notable difference. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is still relatively light. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, giving a more substantial typing experience to those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Considering the importance of weight in keyboard switches, both switches offer options for different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Red provides a lighter overall experience, making it suitable for longer periods of typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Pine switch caters to those who prefer a slightly heavier force for a more substantial and tactile typing experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences. If someone prefers a lighter typing feel with a lighter actuation force and slightly heavier bottom out force, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch would be a suitable choice. However, if someone prefers a similar actuation force but desires a slightly heavier bottom out force for a more substantial push feel, the KTT Pine linear switch would be the better option.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the KTT Pine linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key equipped with either of these switches, you will feel a consistent distance of 4 mm. Both switches offer a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring a consistent typing or gaming experience for users. Whether you opt for the G Pro 3.0 Red or the Pine, you can expect a smooth and comfortable keystroke with a travel distance of 4 mm.
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 Pine has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $4.15.
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 linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. It strikes a balance between actuation force requirement and sound, making it suitable for various purposes, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, and whether you are using it at home or work. On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as having a bassy sound profile with a lower frequency range. This gives it a deeper and richer sound during key presses. It also has a low-pitched tone, which further enhances its bass-heavy and mellow sound. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is described as providing a creamy and silky typing experience. It offers a smooth and buttery sensation, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. This can be attributed to the application of lubricant at the factory and the use of specific materials. Additionally, it is considered a mild switch, meaning it offers a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe and approachable middle-ground zone. The polished finish of the G Pro 3.0 Red switch further contributes to its sleek and refined typing experience by reducing friction and providing smooth key travel.
On the other hand, the KTT Pine linear switch is described as having a buttery and creamy typing experience. Similar to the G Pro 3.0 Red, it provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This results in a seamless, effortless, and uniform typing sensation. Like the Gateron switch, the creamy typing experience of the Pine switch can be attributed to lubricant applied at the factory and specific materials used.
In conclusion, based on the information provided, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and KTT Pine linear switches have different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The G Pro 3.0 Red offers a neutral sound profile and a creamy, silky typing experience, while the Pine switch provides a bassy sound profile and a buttery, creamy typing experience. Both switches aim to deliver a smooth typing experience, but the choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences. If you prefer a neutral sound profile and a creamy typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red is a suitable choice. However, if you prefer a deeper, bass-heavy sound profile and a buttery typing experience, the KTT Pine switch would be more suitable for you.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly linear switch that offers a smooth typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red is a great choice. With its light bottom out force of 50 grams, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. The frosted light diffuser allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, while the medium-high pitch provides a satisfying auditory experience. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Red is described as having a neutral sound profile, suitable for both beginners and advanced users, whether at home or work. In terms of feel, it is described as creamy, mild, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and refined typing experience.
On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy linear switch with a bottom out force of 58 grams, the KTT Pine is an excellent option. These switches are known for their buttery smoothness and effortless typing experience. The polished, factory-lubed finish minimizes friction and ensures smooth key travel. In terms of sound, the Pine has a bassy and low-pitched profile, offering a deeper and richer sound during key presses. For those who enjoy a seamless and uniform typing sensation, the Pine switch is described as buttery and creamy.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Pine depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize affordability, a lighter actuation force, and a neutral sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Red is the way to go. However, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch, smooth key travel, and a bassy sound profile, the Pine switch is the better choice.
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