Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon 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 Red and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon, both of which are linear switches. The G Pro 3.0 Red, a budget-friendly offering from Gateron's G Pro lineup, delivers a smooth typing experience with a medium-light actuation force. It strikes a perfect balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, the G Pro Red boasts a frosted light diffuser that allows for brighter, more vibrant RGB lighting effects. Its medium-high pitch also provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon from KTT stands out for its buttery smooth typing experience, thanks to its progressive spring design and KTT's dry-lube design. This switch offers a delightful sensation while typing. Additionally, it features a low-pitched sound profile. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you determine which switch suits your specific preferences and needs.
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
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 Red and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is especially advantageous for those planning to use RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through. Therefore, in terms of sound and aesthetics, users can expect similar results from both switches.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Sea Salt Lemon incorporate nylon. This classic switch housing material lends a deeper and fuller sound profile to typing. Nylon's relatively softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches will be influenced by the qualities of the nylon bottom housing, providing a consistent experience in terms of typing sound.
While the top and bottom housings differ between the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Sea Salt Lemon, the impacts of each housing material are clear. When pressing down on these switches, the qualities of the bottom housing will be felt, directly affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will primarily influence the sound when releasing a key. This distinction allows for a nuanced typing experience, with variations in sound depending on the specific action performed. Thus, users can enjoy distinct auditory feedback throughout their typing experience with either switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams, ensuring a consistent light touch required to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of the force needed to register a keypress.
However, when it comes to the bottom out force, there is a distinction between the two switches. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is slightly heavier compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience, requiring a slightly stronger push to fully press the keys.
Considering weight, both switches offer options for different preferences. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the G Pro 3.0 Red make it suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, enabling them to type for longer periods without fatigue. This can be advantageous for office work or extended gaming sessions.
On the other hand, the slightly heavier bottom out force of the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a touch of resistance, giving users a more tactile feel while typing. This can be appreciated by those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, providing a satisfying feedback with every keystroke.
In summary, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switches share a similar actuation force but differ in their bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Red offers a lighter overall experience, while the Sea Salt Lemon provides a slightly heavier and more tactile typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences and the desired typing experience.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have an equal travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key, both switches will travel a distance of 4 mm from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance ensures that users will experience a consistent feeling when using either switch. Whether typing or gaming, both switches will provide a similar tactile response and keystroke experience, making them suitable options for those who prefer a 4 mm travel distance.
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 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 Red switch is described as having a neutral sound profile with a medium-high pitch. This provides a satisfying auditory experience without being too loud or too soft. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile, giving it a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches have a moderate actuation force requirement, making them suitable for most intents and purposes. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. This means that the switch has a smooth and buttery feel, enhanced by reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on this switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, providing a silky sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is described as having a mild typing experience. This means that it offers a more gentle typing feel compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. While both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a more refined and smooth feel.
Taking into consideration the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch stands out for its medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. It also allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects due to its frosted light diffuser. With its medium-high pitch, it provides a satisfying auditory experience. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Red switch offers a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience, ensuring smooth and effortless keystrokes.
While the characteristics of the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch are not as extensively described, it is known for its buttery smooth typing experience thanks to its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design. Its mild feel provides a safe and approachable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch offer subjective qualities that cater to different preferences. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is best known for its balanced actuation force, bright RGB lighting, medium-high pitch sound profile, and creamy, mild, polished, and silky feel. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switch is renowned for its buttery smooth typing experience and mild feel. While they may differ in some aspects, both switches provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option that provides a smooth typing experience without compromising responsiveness, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red would be a great choice. With its medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance between ease of use and tactile feedback. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser allows for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon would be the way to go. Its progressive spring and dry-lube design contribute to a creamy and mild typing experience that is approachable to most users. When it comes to sound, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a neutral profile, making it suitable for various environments and skill levels. The Sea Salt Lemon, on the other hand, provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, with a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, and your choice should depend on your specific preferences and typing style.
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