Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red vs. KTT Semi Mute

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two options to consider are the Gateron G Pro Red and the KTT Semi Mute. The G Pro Red is a linear switch known for its budget-friendly nature and smooth typing experience. With a medium-light actuation force, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. Additionally, the G Pro Red features a frosted light diffuser for brighter and more vibrant RGB lighting effects, along with a medium-high pitch that provides a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch, despite its name, operates completely silently, making it perfect for those who value a noise-free environment. Designed with advanced dampening technology, the KTT Semi Mute offers a comfortable and gratifying typing feel. It is important to note that these are just general pointers to consider. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so that you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and needs.

By the numbers

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

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Housing materials

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Semi Mute have similar housing materials, with both featuring polycarbonate top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually pleasing element to the switches.

However, the key difference lies in their bottom housings. The G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Semi Mute opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, providing a similar sharp and resonant sound profile as the top housing. This consistency in housing material throughout the switch ensures a consistent typing experience from both pressing and letting go of keys.

When it comes to the overall sound and feel of the switches, the Split housing design comes into play. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing in the G Pro 3.0 Red predominantly influence the bottom-out sound and feel. This means that users will experience a deeper and fuller sound when fully pressing down on the keys. Conversely, the polycarbonate top housing has a greater impact on the sound produced when releasing a key. This attribute allows for a satisfying and crisp sound when lifting the fingers off the keys in both the G Pro 3.0 Red and the Semi Mute.

In conclusion, while both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Semi Mute share polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and resonant sound profile, their bottom housings differ. The G Pro 3.0 Red utilizes a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound, while the Semi Mute employs a polycarbonate bottom housing to maintain consistency. Whether you prefer a switch with a more pronounced bottom-out sound or a completely consistent typing experience, both options provide unique qualities that cater to different user preferences.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The G Pro 3.0 Red has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. On the other hand, the Semi Mute has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams, but a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams.

For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be the ideal choice. With its lower actuation and bottom out forces, it allows for smoother and faster keystrokes, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or intense gaming marathons. The lighter actuation force ensures that each keystroke is registered with minimal effort, reducing the strain on the fingers and wrists.

However, for individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel, the KTT Semi Mute would be a better option. While its actuation force is slightly lighter than the G Pro 3.0 Red, the heavier bottom out force provides a more satisfying tactile feedback. This can enhance the typing experience and give a sense of assurance that each keystroke has been fully registered.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Semi Mute comes down to personal preference. Both switches offer their own advantages and it depends on whether one prefers a lighter and smoother typing experience or a more substantial and tactile feel. Nevertheless, whether opting for the G Pro 3.0 Red or the Semi Mute, users can expect reliable and precise keystrokes that cater to their individual typing needs.

Travel distance

The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch both have a travel distance of 4mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will feel the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches provide similar results.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is described as having a neutral sound profile. This means that it produces a moderate sound and is suitable for various uses, whether you are a beginner or advanced typist, and whether you plan to use it at home or work. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch is described as producing a muted sound. It is designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it a suitable choice for those who value a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the G Pro 3.0 Red providing a moderate sound and the Semi Mute offering a softer and quieter experience.

When it comes to feel, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch is described as offering a creamy, mild, polished, and silky typing experience. These descriptors indicate that the switch provides a smooth and buttery feel, with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Typing on the G Pro 3.0 Red switch feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys, resulting in a silky sensation. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch is described as offering a buttery and mild typing experience. It provides a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, giving a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Both switches offer a gentle typing experience with different qualities, allowing users to choose based on their preference.

Taking into account the available information, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch provides a medium-light actuation force for a balance between responsiveness and ease of use. It features a frosted light diffuser that enhances the brightness and vibrancy of RGB lighting effects. With a medium-high pitch, the auditory experience is satisfying. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is tailor-made for those who value a noise-free environment. It offers completely silent operation and advanced dampening technology. Both switches have their unique qualities and are suitable for different preferences. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option with a medium-light actuation force and moderate sound profile, the G Pro 3.0 Red would be a suitable choice. However, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and desire a completely silent operation, the Semi Mute switch would be a better fit.

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 switch would be a great choice. With a bottom out force of 50 grams, it provides a light and responsive feel. Additionally, the frosted light diffuser allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, and the medium-high pitch produces a satisfying auditory experience.

On the other hand, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and prefer a softer and quieter typing experience, especially during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute switch would be the better option. With a bottom out force of 58 grams, it offers a slightly heavier feel compared to the G Pro 3.0 Red. However, its advanced dampening technology ensures a comfortable and gratifying typing experience, while its completely silent operation minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards.

In terms of sound, the G Pro 3.0 Red has a neutral profile, which means it produces a moderate sound that is suitable for most intents and purposes, whether you're a beginner or advanced user, or if you plan to use the keyboard at home or work. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch is described as muted, meaning it produces a softer and quieter sound compared to regular switches, making it ideal for those who value a noise-free environment.

When it comes to feel, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a creamy and mild typing experience. The switch feels smooth and buttery, allowing for a silky sensation as you glide your fingers effortlessly across the keys. In contrast, the Semi Mute switch provides a buttery and mild typing experience, offering a seamless and uniform sensation as you type.

Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red and the KTT Semi Mute switch will depend on your preferences and priorities. If you prioritize a budget-friendly option with a smooth typing experience and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the G Pro 3.0 Red is a great choice. However, if you value a noise-free environment and desire a softer and quieter typing experience, especially for late-night sessions, the Semi Mute switch would be the better option for you.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear

$2.80

$2.77 per 10

Learn more

KTT Semi Mute Linear

$3.97

$3.55 per 10

Learn more